2.33 Ct. Bluish Grey Star Sapphire from Burma (Myanmar)

This oval, translucent star sapphire weighs 2.33 carats, and measures 7.71 by 6.90 by 4.24 millimeters, dimensions that place it squarely in the optimal range for versatile, high impact custom jewelry designs. The gem is fashioned as a cabochon, a cutting style deliberately chosen and executed to maximize asterism. The cutter oriented the cabochon along corundum crystal axes to align rutile needle inclusions, producing a focused, mobile star when illuminated. The dome height, calculated from the 4.24 millimeter depth and the mean diameter of 7.305 millimeters, is approximately 58 percent, a proportion that favors a strong, well defined star rather than a flattened or overly rounded appearance. The oval outline, with a slightly longer length than width, facilitates directional design choices in rings and pendants, allowing the star to be aligned with the wearers finger or neckline to achieve optimal visual impact.

Color and clarity characteristics are important to technical buyers, and this specimen exhibits an intense bluish grey color grade, with tone and saturation that interplay to present both depth and subtle neutrality depending on mounting metal and lighting. The translucency permits sufficient light diffusion for the asterism to remain visible across a range of backgrounds, while the intense color ensures the star contrasts against the body color rather than disappearing into a lighter matrix. Clarity is graded slightly included at eye level, a practical and expected outcome for natural star sapphires, where oriented silk and rutile needles are the very structural inclusions that create the star effect. These inclusions appear as fine, oriented needles and clouds, not as fissures or cleavage, and they contribute to the gemological integrity of the asterism without compromising durability.

Craftsmanship quality is evident in the cutting and finishing of this piece, and the stone is untreated, with no enhancement recorded. The cabochon exhibits an excellent polish, indicating meticulous lapidary work to remove polishing lines and to create a smooth, reflective dome that aids in crisp star formation. The cutter established even curvature across the dome to prevent star distortion, and the oval symmetry was held within tight tolerances to facilitate precision setting. For custom jewelers, these attributes reduce the need for compensatory metalwork and allow for a closer fit in bezel or prong heads. The lack of enhancement, combined with Burmese origin, adds provenance value for collectors and clients who prioritize natural state material and historic source localities.

When specifying settings for this 2.33 carat oval, consider the optical and mechanical requirements inherent to cabochon star sapphires. A moderate to high bezel will protect the girdle and maintain a visual frame that can enhance the stone's color depth, while an open back can be used selectively to increase light transmission when design goals favor a brighter star. Prong settings should be placed to avoid intruding on the star axis, and a two prong shoulder or four prong configuration can secure the oval while allowing the star to read across the crown. Metal choices will influence perceived color, white metals highlighting the bluish grey, and warm metals offering a contrasting halo effect. The size is well suited for a central engagement ring, a statement pendant, or a pair of matched pieces in bespoke pairings, and the dimensions simplify milling of custom settings and wax carving. For buyers seeking authenticated, ethically sourced stones, The Natural Sapphire Company presents this Burmese star sapphire as a technically refined option for connoisseur grade custom work.