5.51 Ct. Ruby from Mozambique

This ruby is a transparent, cushion shaped gemstone weighing 5.51 carats with exact dimensions of 12.77 x 10.11 x 4.55 mm. The gem has been cut in a mixed brilliant style, combining a faceted crown and a step faceted pavilion to balance scintillation and color saturation, and the overall finish is described as excellent polish. Color evaluation shows a purplish red hue with an intense color intensity, a tone and saturation that read as vivid and engaging under standard viewing conditions. Clarity is graded as included when examined at eye level, indicating that internal features are visible to the unaided eye, yet they do not prevent appreciation of the stone as a whole. The ruby originates from Mozambique, an increasingly prominent source for gem quality material, and this specimen has undergone routine heat treatment to enhance color and stability, a widely accepted and stable enhancement in contemporary gem trade practice. The combination of weight, cushion proportions, mixed brilliant cutting style, and strong polish results in a stone that presents significant presence for a single center gem, whether set loose or mounted into a bespoke design.

The internal inclusions within this ruby serve as distinctive identifiers that contribute to its individuality and provenance, rather than functioning solely as flaws. These features, visible at eye level in this included clarity material, form a kind of internal fingerprint, providing natural patterns of growth, healed fractures, and mineral inclusions that are consistent with natural crystallization processes in Mozambique deposits. Inclusions influence the way light travels through the gem, sometimes producing subtle textural effects and localized shifts in color intensity, which can add perceived depth and a three dimensional quality to the stone. From a gemological perspective, the pattern and distribution of inclusions can assist in origin determination and in distinguishing natural stones from synthetic or heavily treated material, and in this case they complement the documented Mozambique origin. The presence of these internal characteristics also informed the cutter s choices, guiding facet placement and pavilion angles to maximize face up color while managing reflections from natural features. Heat treatment, as applied here, optimizes overall color and can reduce the visual impact of certain inclusions, however the surviving internal markers continue to attest to the stone s natural history and individual character.

For collectors and designers evaluating suitability for mounting, this 5.51 carat cushion ruby offers a balance of size, color intensity, and natural character that performs well in both solitaire and halo settings, and its robust dimensions allow for a range of bezel and prong treatments. The mixed brilliant cut favors lively light return from the crown, while the modest depth of 4.55 mm keeps the face up appearance expansive at the listed dimensions. Given the included clarity grade, settings that provide moderate protection to the girdle and pavilion are recommended to preserve the gem s integrity, and routine care should follow standard practices for corundum gemstones, including avoiding abrupt temperature changes and contact with harsh chemicals. The Natural Ruby Company provides full disclosure regarding origin and enhancement, and maintains provenance and detailed measurement records for this gemstone to support appraisal and certification needs. Professional cleaning and periodic inspection after setting will ensure the stone retains its polish and overall presentation, and high resolution imagery and laboratory reports can be supplied to support purchase decisions and to document the ruby s unique internal features as part of its lasting identity.