4.01 Ct. Ruby from Burma (Myanmar)

Ruby, the birthstone of July, has long been one of the most highly prized gemstones, often favored by royalty and the wealthy through the ages for its intense color and brilliance. It has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamonds, making it exceptionally durable for everyday wear. As the red variety of the mineral corundum, it is valued for its color, cut, clarity, carat weight, and origin - with Burmese rubies from Myanmar often being considered the finest.
The described ruby is particularly magnificent, with an impressive size of 4.01 carats - a substantial weight for this precious stone. Its dimensions (11.44 mm in length, 8.12 mm in width, and a depth of 4.97 mm) create a substantial presence for a center stone in fine jewelry. The mixed brilliant cut maximizes the ruby's ability to reflect light, enhancing its vibrant red color and increasing its sparkle. Very slightly included, the ruby promises clarity that would only bear insignificant inclusions invisible to the naked eye, ensuring its brilliance and luster are uninterrupted. The vivid color intensity of this ruby is a highly desirable attribute, boasting a deep, rich red with a saturation that defines high-quality stones.
The origin of this particular ruby adds to its prestige. Rubies from Burma are renowned for their "pigeon's blood" red color, which is characterized by a slightly purplish red with a very soft, glowing, red fluorescence, which enhances their beauty. Additionally, it has an excellent polish, ensuring the surface of the stone is exceptionally smooth and reflective, adding to the gem's brilliance.
As for its uses, such a high-quality ruby could serve as the luxe centerpiece of an engagement ring, a statement necklace, or be paired with other fine gemstones in a custom piece of high-end jewelry, particularly a piece intended for formal occasions or as part of an heirloom collection.
Now, let's consider a pair of intricately designed earrings that could showcase this ruby:
Picture a pair of earrings, each featuring the described ruby set in a halo of delicate micropavé diamonds that amplify the ruby's natural glow. The setting is platinum, a metal known for its strength and sleekness, assuring the secure placement of the stones while adding a contemporary element to the design. Above the halo, a French hook shimmers with more micropavé diamonds, allowing movement and a graceful dangle effect when worn.
The craftsmanship on these earrings is notable, with each prong of the settings holding the rubies, and each tiny diamond in the halo set with precision. The intricate lattice work on the sides of the halo evidences the skill of an expert jeweler and reveals a hidden garden—a signature, perhaps, of the design. The overall aesthetic is one of timeless elegance, with the rich red of the rubies contrasted against the sparkling white of the diamonds and the cool sheen of platinum. They would likely become a captivating statement piece in any jewelry collection, perfect for elegant events and significant occasions.