Ruby and Diamond Ring

The cushion-shaped ruby weighing 8.66 carats, flanked by single-cut diamonds weighing approximately .12 carat, mounted in platinum, size 8¼.

Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 1001116 stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin, no indications of heating. The ruby is a very rich medium to medium deep very slightly bluish red color (typical true "pigeon's blood" color) and is slightly included. Some of the inclusions are surface reaching, and one long fissure runs along one side extending from the girdle to the lower pavilion, but the stone is stable in its mounting. Noticeable scratching, chipping and abrasions to the facet junctions on the table and girdle. At either end the stone is significantly abraded, probably due to wear next to a wedding band or other ring. Diamonds are approximately H-I color and VS clarity. Mounting in good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 1001116 stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin, no indications of heating, this colour variety of ruby may also be called "pigeon blood red" in the trade.

Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840-1924) was a philanthropist and visionary patron of the arts whose personal collection of fine and decorative art is housed in the esteemed Boston museum that bears her name.  She was born to a prominent New York family and in 1860 married financier John 'Jack' Lowell Gardner of Boston.  His success afforded 'Mrs. Jack,' as she was known in society, to live her life with great flair. 

Always strong-minded and intellectually curious, Isabella Stewart Gardner enjoyed her reputation in Victorian era Boston for leading an avant-garde lifestyle.  She and her husband frequently traveled abroad to expand their knowledge of art as well as European and Asian cultures.  At home in Boston they often entertained artists, writers, musicians and philosophers whose careers Mrs. Gardner avidly championed.  Amongst her many notable friends were James McNeill Whistler, Henry James and John Singer Sargent.   

It was Sargent, and Anders Zorn, who both captured Isabella Stewart Gardner's love of rubies in the portraits they painted of her.  She was known to wear her imported fashions and jewels with a theatrical sense of style, choosing to adorn ropes of pearls and even her shoes with exquisite rubies, a gemstone she highly regarded.

A hand-written letter in the Gardner family archives reminisces about the 8.66 carat Burmese ruby, 'When Mrs. Gardner's brother Charles Stewart died, he left her a legacy of $50,000....Mrs. Gardner decided she would like to buy one thing which should always be a souvenir of her brother, and finally fixed upon a ruby.  She asked at the leading jewelry shops in New York, London and Paris to be shown their fifty-thousand-dollar rubies, and to her surprise was told each time that they were out of them at the moment....Sometime after a message was brought to her room in the hotel that a man from the Bank of England wished to see her.  She asked to have him brought up, and presently not one, but three men appeared.  With the most elaborate precautions and unlocking of strong boxes, they finally produced a ruby which a rajah had sent to London for sale. Mrs. Gardner admired the ruby, but the price asked was more than $50,000.  As she declined to give more, the ruby was elaborately locked up and returned to the bank.  Months passed.  Mrs. Gardner was in Paris, when a man came again to her hotel, said the rajah had accepted her offer, and delivered the ruby.  On the bill, the price was $55,000.'