5.68 Ct. Cabochon Ruby from Burma (Myanmar)

This specimen is a translucent red ruby weighing 5.68 carats, presented in a cushion outline with exact measured dimensions of 9.70 by 8.56 by 6.69 millimeters, and executed in a traditional sugar loaf cut, which produces a high domed cabochon like profile with softly rounded shoulders and a broad, convex table, the effect of which is to maximize apparent color saturation while minimizing light leakage, enabling the viewer to appreciate the depth of tone across the entire face of the stone, the sugar loaf form also preserves weight by reducing pavilion removal, and it is an economical and historically respected shaping technique for material from classic Burmese sources. The cutting proportions are balanced to the material, with a dome height that supports strong internal reflection without creating dark extinction windows, the cushion footprint maintains a near square to slightly rectangular silhouette that adapts well to both bezel and prong mountings, and the overall dimensions are well suited to a substantial ring head or a solitary pendant where presence and surface area are priorities. The profile presents smooth, continuous curves from crown to girdle area, indicating careful preforming and minimal faceting disturbance, and the visual silhouette remains consistent from multiple viewing angles, which is a testament to the cutter s control of symmetry across the curved plane.

Color characterization for this ruby is intense, describing a deep, vivid red that approaches the desirable pure red range associated with high quality Burmese material, the stone displays even saturation with minor internal variations under standard lighting, and the translucency of the sugar loaf cut allows internal light scattering that gives the color a lively, three dimensional quality rather than a flat, opaque appearance. Observed under daylight equivalent illumination the red reads strong and evenly distributed, with subtle secondary tones that may shift slightly toward a warm pinkish red in very bright direct light, this behavior is consistent with the typical pleochroic nature of corundum, where light polarization can emphasize different color components, and the sugar loaf dome moderates directional pleochroism by blending light paths. Color intensity is classified as intense following gemological color terminology, indicating high saturation with moderate to strong tone, which is optimal for display in jewelry without veering into overly dark categories that reduce brilliance. The origin designation of Burma Myanmar is consistent with the hue and saturation characteristics observed, as Burmese rubies often present a distinct combination of warm saturation and depth, and this provenance contributes materially to the gem s desirability among collectors and designers who seek that specific crystallographic and chromophoric profile.

Clarity assessment indicates a grade of slightly included at eye level, meaning that under standard unaided visual inspection the stone shows internal features, but these do not significantly detract from its overall appearance or light performance, inclusions present are typical of natural corundum and may include fine silk like rutile, minute crystals, and localized growth related features, the sugar loaf shaping naturally conceals some inclusion patterns by presenting a continuous curved surface that minimizes visibility of planar or needle like features, and where larger crystals occur they tend to be positioned away from the most visually active area near the dome s apex, preserving a clean visual field. The gem has been heat treated, a standard and widely accepted enhancement for ruby that serves to improve transparency and to homogenize color by annealing fracture related features, the treatment is stable and permanent when performed under controlled conditions, and it is consistent with industry practice for many commercially important Burmese stones. Surface condition is described as excellent polish, evidencing a skilled final lap with a uniformly glossy, vitreous luster across the dome, polish quality directly affects perceived clarity and color depth, and in this stone the polish work allows maximum transmission and reflection of light, enhancing perceived gem quality. From an optical and physical standpoint corundum has a refractive index in the range of approximately 1.762 to 1.770 and a birefringence of about 0.008 to 0.010, it is a robust material with a Mohs hardness of nine and a specific gravity near four point zero, these parameters ensure durability for daily wear when set and handled using appropriate jewelry design and setting techniques.

From a craftsmanship and application perspective this 5.68 carat Burmese sugar loaf ruby offers a distinct set of design opportunities, the high domed sugar loaf form presents exceptional surface presence and is ideal for classical high crown settings, closed back bezels, and styles that emphasize color rather than light return from faceting, well considered metalwork can accentuate the dome with a polished or satinized surround, and a closed back design can be used to intensify color further by controlling background reflectance. For buyers and designers seeking a statement center the dimensions provide a substantial face up area that will read larger than a faceted stone of equivalent weight due to the continuous convex plane, the stone responds well to warm white metal frameworks such as yellow gold that complement the intense red while offering a visual contrast that preserves color integrity. At The Natural Ruby Company we document the technical attributes of each ruby we offer and we advise on optimal mounting choices based on optical behavior and wear considerations, we welcome requests for supplementary gemological imaging and detailed viewing under multiple lighting conditions, and we can provide further analysis regarding internal features and treatment history to support informed selection. This piece is targeted to connoisseurs who value provenance, tactile presence, and the nuanced interplay of color and light that a quality Burmese sugar loaf ruby delivers.