9.11 Ct. Grey Cabochon Sapphire from Burma (Myanmar)

One exceptional example from our collection at The Natural Sapphire Company is this semi translucent 9.11 carat oval grey sapphire, a stone that balances subtlety and presence with ease. The gem measures 14.28 x 11.94 x 4.08 mm and has been fashioned into a classic cabochon cut, which enhances its surface luster and delivers a soft, evocative glow rather than the faceted brilliance common to faceted sapphires. The clarity is graded as very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which in practical terms means you will see only minor natural features when the stone is observed closely, while the overall appearance remains clean and appealing to the naked eye. Color intensity is described as intense, an important attribute for grey sapphires where depth of tone and saturation contribute to visual appeal and perceived value. The polish is excellent, a factor that informs how the gem will reflect light and show its internal characteristics, and importantly, this sapphire is natural with no enhancement, a crucial distinction for collectors and informed buyers who place a premium on untreated material. The origin is Burma, Myanmar, a source long esteemed for producing sapphires with distinctive character and historical desirability.

Understanding the cabochon cut and its relationship to the optical properties of this grey sapphire will help an educated buyer appreciate why this piece is special. The cabochon finish creates a smooth domed surface that interacts with transmitted and reflected light in ways a faceted stone does not, often revealing silky textures, chatoyant bands, and a sense of depth that can suggest internal landscapes rather than isolated flashes of fire. In a semi translucent sapphire like this one, the cabochon cut allows subtle light transmission that emphasizes tonal variation and creates a soft shimmer across the dome. The very slightly included clarity grade means that inclusions are present, but not intrusive, and in cabochon stones such internal characteristics are often considered part of the gem’s fingerprint, confirming natural origin and increasing interest for those who value authenticity. The intense color intensity in grey tones produces a sophisticated, versatile palette that can read as cool silver, charcoal, or a muted blue grey depending on lighting and surrounding materials, making it an excellent choice for bespoke settings where nuanced color is preferred over loud, saturated hues.

From a gemological perspective, the Burmese origin and lack of enhancement add measurable value for discriminating buyers. Burmese sapphires have a long established reputation due to the unique combination of trace element chemistry and geological conditions that produce stones with appealing tone and clarity profiles. Grey sapphires derive their hue from a balance of iron and titanium content and from structural characteristics that scatter and absorb light differently than pure blue stones, which is why careful cutting and polishing are essential to reveal the best expression of color and luster. The reported excellent polish on this 9.11 carat cabochon ensures that surface quality will maximize light interaction and provide a pleasing tactile finish for wearable pieces. For designers and collectors, the dimensions 14.28 x 11.94 x 4.08 mm mean the stone is substantial enough to be a central focus in a ring, pendant, or a statement pair of cuff links, while remaining manageable for daily wear if set securely. The absence of heat treatment or other enhancements is particularly significant because untreated Burmese sapphires are comparatively rare in the market, and collectors often prefer stones that tell a natural geological story without human alteration.

For buyers who are making a considered purchase, this grey cabochon sapphire represents a combination of aesthetic versatility, geological authenticity, and technical quality that justifies close attention. From an investment and heirloom perspective, untreated sapphires from Burma are frequently sought after, because provenance and natural state influence long term desirability more than short term fashion trends. The stone’s very slightly included clarity grade means it will photograph and wear well under most conditions, while the cabochon shape allows the wearer to enjoy a tactile and visual experience distinct from faceted gems, an important consideration for those creating bespoke pieces or curating a collection with variety. Practical buying advice for someone interested in this item includes considering protective settings that guard the domed surface against abrasion, selecting mounting metals that complement the grey tone such as white gold, platinum, or warmer yellow metals for contrast, and requesting documentation from The Natural Sapphire Company that confirms origin and treatment status so that provenance is recorded and transferrable. Our presentation of this gem emphasizes transparency and expertise, and we are prepared to provide additional gemological data, high resolution imaging, and bespoke setting options to ensure the stone meets both aesthetic and technical requirements for an educated buyer.