6.90 Ct. Grey Sapphire from Burma (Myanmar)

This 6.90 carat semi translucent grey sapphire from Burma is an excellent example of a slice shaped natural sapphire, presented by The Natural Sapphire Company. The piece measures 17.91 x 12.02 x 2.45 mm, and its geometry is best described as a tablet or slice form rather than a conventional faceted gem. The cut is not applicable in the sense of a standard brilliant or step cut, because the cutter retained a thin slab profile to preserve natural zoning and internal character. The cutting approach emphasizes flat planes and subtle beveling around the perimeter, creating shallow polished facets that read as a faceted tablet under magnification. This deliberate slice treatment reduces overall depth while maximizing face up presence, and the light transmission through the 2.45 mm thickness yields a semi translucent appearance that enhances the stone textural qualities rather than a riot of internal brilliance.

The clarity grade is slightly included when evaluated at eye level, and this grade is consistent with the slice cutting method that reveals internal growth structures and mineral inclusions rather than masking them. Inclusions are visible as linear growth patterns and scattered mineral specks, with occasional fine veils and a few small reflective inclusions that produce subtle internal contrast. These features are integral to the stone character, and they interact with the grey body color to create a nuanced aesthetic. The stone shows internal color zoning and faint banding, which are common in sapphires from Burma, and these zones are oriented parallel to the tablet faces. Evaluation under controlled lighting will reveal mild pleochroic tendencies, where grey may shift toward cooler blue grey or slightly warmer grey with faint yellowish undertones in different orientations, a behavior that experienced lapidaries can exploit when positioning the stone in a mounting.

Color intensity is graded as intense for a grey sapphire, which in this context means the hue is concentrated enough to read as a distinct grey with good saturation, while remaining amenable to backlighting and open settings. The semi translucent nature moderates overall saturation, creating a depth effect where internal features and subtle color banding are visible through the body. The surface polish is excellent, indicating careful final finishing and high lapidary standards. Facet junctions and bevels are clean, and the entire face has uniform luster, with no obvious polishing lines or surface abrasions under loupe inspection. There has been no enhancement applied to this sapphire, it is untreated, and it displays its native character without heat treatment or diffusion processes. For collectors and designers who prioritize natural state materials, this untreated status, combined with Burmese provenance, enhances the piece appeal and potential value.

From a setting and design perspective this slice shaped grey sapphire invites creative approaches that leverage translucence and internal texture. Because the stone is thin and semi translucent, settings that allow light to pass through the pavilion face or employ open backed bezels will emphasize its internal zoning and color nuances. The tablet profile adapts well to horizontal orientations within a ring or pendant, and minimal prong work or a low bezel will preserve the tablet outline while protecting the edges. The Burmese origin informs both market desirability and optical expectations, since sapphires from this region often display complex growth features and memorable internal structure. In summary, this 6.90 carat slice shape grey sapphire, cut not applicable in the conventional sense, slightly included at eye level, with intense color intensity, excellent polish, no enhancement, and Burmese origin, is a technically interesting stone for connoisseurs and makers aiming for pieces that celebrate natural crystal history and artisanal cutting choices, offered by The Natural Sapphire Company.