3.05 Ct. Cabochon White Opal from Burma (Myanmar)

This 3.05 carat oval yellowish green jade measures 13.95 x 9.64 x 2.84 mm, presented as a classic cabochon with a well controlled dome and a low to moderate profile that optimizes both wearability and visual saturation. The cabochon cut is executed to emphasize monochrome color distribution rather than internal reflections, with the dome curvature calibrated to maximize surface luster and evenness of tone. Clarity is graded eye clean at normal viewing distances, indicating an absence of inclusions that would interrupt the visual plane, and the polish is excellent, producing crisp specular highlights and a satiny, almost waxy finish that is characteristic of high quality Burmese jadeite. The piece is opaque, with intense color intensity and a uniform yellowish green hue across the table and sides, and no treatments or enhancements have been applied, which preserves the natural material properties and supports long term stability. Origin is specified as Burma Myanmar, which is significant because material from this source is widely recognized for its superior microstructure and gemological quality when compared to other jade localities.

From a technical standpoint the material behaves like jadeite in its microcrystalline, interlocking fibrous structure, which is responsible for exceptional toughness and resistance to fracturing. The yellowish green coloration in jadeite often arises from trace iron in tetrahedral sites, with subtle chromophore interactions that differ from the vivid emerald greens produced by chromium. The cutter took advantage of these optical properties by selecting an oval outline coupled with a smooth, evenly domed cab surface, an approach that enhances perceived saturation and conceals any minor textural heterogeneities. The dimensions of 13.95 by 9.64 mm are ideal for a proportionally scaled ring or a bold pendant, while the 2.84 mm thickness yields a comfortable bezel seat for secure mounting. The combination of eye clean clarity and intense color intensity is relatively uncommon in the untreated market, and the excellent polish indicates careful lapidary finishing techniques including progressive grit sequences and final felt polishing to bring out the characteristic jade luster. For comparative reference, opal type White Opal exhibits fundamentally different optical behavior, with translucency and play of color rather than the monochrome saturation found in jade, and different hardness and treatment profiles, which makes White Opal attractive to a different collector subset.

As an investment grade acquisition this untreated Burmese cabochon offers several favorable factors that support appreciation potential. First, provenance from Burma remains a primary value driver in the jade market, historically commanding price premiums because of superior crystal structure and color consistency. Second, the stone is untreated, and the absence of impregnation or dye increases market desirability among discerning buyers who pay premiums for natural state material. Third, the size and shape are commercially versatile, which enhances liquidity relative to irregular pieces, since a 3.05 carat oval cabochon can be readily set and entered into both retail and collector channels. Market dynamics for high quality, untreated Burmese jadeite show persistent demand from both private collectors and institutional buyers, driven by supply constraints and geological rarity, and these dynamics tend to favor gradual price appreciation for stable, well documented pieces. Risk factors include fluctuations in global economic conditions, regulatory changes affecting mining and export, and evolving consumer tastes, and these should be considered alongside the upside when planning a hold strategy that is longer term.

The Natural Gemstone Company provides provenance documentation and condition reporting to support the investment case, including detailed imagery and independent testing recommendations, and we can assist with grading verification and secure logistics for buyers seeking strong provenance trails. For collectors who prioritize technical quality, this yellowish green Burmese cabochon presents a compelling balance of eye clean clarity, intense color intensity, and craftsmanship in cabochon shaping, attributes that underpin both aesthetic value and capital appreciation potential. For those seeking comparative context, White Opal remains an attractive alternative for investors focused on play of color phenomena, but for investors prioritizing density of demand and historical price resilience in the premium untreated sector, a well finished Burmese jadeite cabochon such as this is a strategically sound addition to a diversified gemstone portfolio.