4.04 Ct. Ruby from Tanzania

This 4.04 carat oval ruby from Tanzania combines precise lapidary technique with uncompromised natural material quality. The gem measures 9.50 x 7.79 x 5.54 mm, and has been cut in a mixed brilliant style that balances a lively crown facet arrangement with a carefully calibrated pavilion geometry, producing strong return of light and pronounced scintillation. The cutter has prioritized an optimal table to crown ratio, reducing windowing while maintaining maximum face up presence for its weight class, and the girdle sits at a proportion that supports secure mounting without sacrificing visual appeal. Clarity is graded as slightly included at eye level, with internal features that are natural and characteristic of fine corundum, and the excellent polish on every facet permits unobstructed light transmission and crisp facet junctions, enhancing both brilliance and the perception of depth.

Color performance is a defining attribute of this stone, the hue reads as a vivid red with balanced saturation and a medium dark tone that maximizes the gemlike vibrancy without entering overly dark territory. In hand the stone displays nuanced color zoning when tilted, indicative of natural pleochroism in corundum, and the mixed brilliant faceting was executed to exploit this optical behavior, yielding flashes of deeper pigeon blood undertones alongside lively cherry red flashes. Because the ruby is untreated and shows no evidence of heat or clarity enhancement, the color and internal features are stable and unmodified, which adds to both desirability and long term confidence in the gem as an investment quality material. The Tanzanian origin informs the stone chemistry and crystal habit, and experienced gemologists will appreciate the regional color signature rendered here in untreated form.

From a technical perspective the durability and setting considerations are straightforward, corundum rates a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, so this ruby is well suited to daily wear in rings as well as in pendants and earrings, provided the setting design secures the girdle and protects the corners of the oval silhouette. The mixed brilliant cut optimizes return and scintillation for a variety of lighting environments, but careful setting choice can further magnify performance, a medium to high crown setting will protect the pavilion facets and preserve light return, and a four or six prong mounting with close bezel shoulders will reduce the risk of impact at the girdle while maintaining maximum face up visibility. Routine care is simple, periodic cleaning with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft brush will maintain the polish, and ultrasonic cleaning is acceptable only after assessment for any internal fissures that might trap solutions, while steam cleaning is not recommended without prior professional evaluation.

The long term appeal of this ruby is rooted in its untreated nature, precise craftsmanship, and robust mineralogy, these factors combine to ensure the color will remain consistent over decades, and the excellent polish and facet symmetry will continue to produce lively light performance with minimal maintenance. Collectors and connoisseurs will value the provenance from Tanzania, the 4.04 carat weight and the measured proportions which create a strong face up presence, and the slightly included clarity grade offers a natural fingerprint that affirms authenticity without compromising overall transparency. The Natural Ruby Company stands behind the gem with full disclosure of origin and treatment status, and we encourage prospective owners to request independent certification for documentation and insurability, this ruby is an example of how expert cutting and natural material quality can deliver a stone whose natural beauty will continue to captivate over the years.