7.21 Ct. Grey Cabochon Jade from Burma (Myanmar)

This listing from The Natural Gemstone Company describes a single antique grey jade cabochon, precisely measured and carefully selected for its structural integrity and consistent coloring. The piece is an opaque oval weighing 7.21 carats, with finished dimensions of 14.55 by 12.14 by 4.21 millimeters, and a cabochon cutting style that emphasizes body tone and surface continuity. The color intensity is classified as medium, presenting a cool grey field with subtle greenish undertones that remain evenly distributed across the table. The polish is excellent, achieving a smooth, lustrous surface that maximizes the stone lip reflection without introducing evidence of secondary treatment. Origin is stated as Burma, which for trade and gemological context typically indicates material of the jadeite family, and the stone is documented as having no enhancements, a characteristic that maintains both intrinsic durability and market provenance.

The cabochon execution reflects technical choices intended to balance visual mass with setting practicality, the dome profile being moderate rather than high, which moderates light scattering and reduces susceptibility to impact. The oval outline is well centered, and symmetry is preserved along the major and minor axes, important for precision bezel settings and for achieving even metal contact in closed back mounts. The thickness of 4.21 millimeters supports secure bezel grinds while keeping the weight efficient for wearable jewelry. On a microscopic level the surface shows the dense, interlocking granular and fibrous structure typical of high quality jadeite, contributing to the stone firmness and its waxy to subvitreous luster. Inclusions are fine, sheetlike and dispersed, rather than coarse fractures, which preserves both surface polishability and resistance to cleavage related damage. From a hardness perspective Burmese jadeite generally ranges around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for daily wear when mounted with appropriate protective design, an important technical point for the gemologist buyer.

From a craftsmanship and setting standpoint this cabochon is optimized for traditional bezel or partial bezel settings that maintain full stone protection while allowing the depth of field of the medium grey body color to present without metal interference. The moderate dome and even girdle allow the setter to plan for consistent metal thickness along the perimeter, and to avoid excessive reduction at the contact edge which could expose the stone to knocks. For designers seeking contrast, warm yellow gold settings will introduce subtle visual warmth against the cool grey, and white gold or platinum will preserve the neutral, restrained character of the jade field. The piece is ideal for ring centers where the lower dome reduces snagging, for pendants with lower profile mounts, and for cuff links where stability and lateral strength are required. Cleaning recommendations include mild warm soapy water and soft brushing, avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaning if there is any concern regarding unseen fissures, and storage separated from harder materials to prevent abrasion. The untreated nature of the material prioritizes long term stability and simplifies any future appraisal or certification work.

For comparative reference the listing also includes information on White Opal types, a separate gem class frequently requested alongside fine cabochon jade. White Opal is characterized by a light to white body tone that provides a high contrast background for play of color, the optical phenomenon resulting from diffraction of light by silica spheres. In White Opals color play can range from subtle to vivid, and grading focuses on body tone, play of color intensity, pattern definition, and transparency when applicable. Cut strategies for White Opal favor low to medium domes in cabochon form to enhance color flashes while managing the stone thickness to prevent cracking, and care protocols emphasize protection from rapid thermal shock and prolonged exposure to humidity variations. When comparing materials, Burmese grey jade demonstrates structural toughness and muted color stability, whereas White Opal offers dynamic color display but requires more guarded handling and mount design to preserve its optical properties.

This technical summary intends to support informed buying decisions by providing precise metrics and practical guidance, The Natural Gemstone Company stands by the provenance and stated characteristics of this 7.21 carat Burmese grey jade cabochon, and can supply additional photographic angles, high magnification imagery, and laboratory documentation upon request, ensuring that the gemologist or designer has the empirical data needed to plan setting, certification, and valuation.