4.18 Ct. Cabochon White Opal from Burma (Myanmar)

This 4.18 carat oval shaped greenish blue jade from Burma is an exceptional example of natural Burmese material, with measurements of 12.10 x 9.94 x 3.76 mm. The gem is opaque, and the cabochon cut presents a smooth domed surface that emphasizes the stone core and color saturation, while the excellent polish produces a reflective, slightly waxy sheen that is characteristic of high quality jade. Clarity has been graded as very slightly included evaluated at eye level, which indicates the stone is largely free of visually distracting flaws to the unaided eye, making it highly suitable for prominent jewelry settings such as solitaires or centerpieces. There has been no enhancement to this piece, which preserves the integrity of the material and aligns with the preferences of collectors and connoisseurs who value untreated Burmese jade. The greenish blue hue is medium in intensity, offering a balance between vivid saturation and versatility in design, and the oval proportions and cabochon profile yield a substantial face up size for the carat weight, delivering strong visual impact on the finger or pendant.

From a gemological perspective, several attributes contribute to this stone being valued by an educated buyer. The clarity classification very slightly included evaluated at eye level communicates that inclusions are minimal and do not significantly affect the overall appearance or structural stability of the jade. The excellent polish is an important factor because jade derives much of its appeal from surface luster, and a well executed polish enhances the stone surface so that the light that reaches the dome is returned as an even glow. The medium color intensity is desirable since overly pale stones can appear washed out and excessively saturated stones may suggest uneven color distribution. The lack of enhancement is a critical quality marker, because many lower grade or commercially prepared jades receive treatments to improve translucency or color. An untreated Burmese piece is preferable for both investment and aesthetic reasons, and the origin of Burma itself remains a prestigious provenance for fine jade, as Burmese deposits have historically produced some of the most admired and sought after material.

The cabochon cut is central to how this piece interacts with light, and for jade the technique is intentionally different from faceting. Instead of relying on discrete facet planes to break and return light, the domed cabochon develops a broad area of internal reflection, yielding a soft, even radiance that highlights color depth and surface texture. The height of the dome and the smooth curvature in this oval cabochon are balanced to maximize the perceived color saturation while minimizing the appearance of internal structures at normal viewing distances. The polish quality plays a complementary role, ensuring that light is reflected from the surface cleanly, producing specular highlights that make the stone read as more vivid and uniform. For customers who wish to combine materials, consider pairing this greenish blue jade with White Opal accents. White Opal provides a contrasting background of soft, milky body tone that can make the greenish blue appear fresher and more luminous, and small White Opal insets or a halo can enhance color interplay while maintaining an overall cohesive aesthetic. At The Natural Gemstone Company we present this 4.18 carat Burmese jade as an untreated, well polished cabochon that embodies the tactile and visual qualities collectors expect, and we are available to advise on mounting options that preserve the cabochon profile while showcasing the stone to best effect.