Platinum, Gold, Ruby and Diamond Ring

Centered by a cushion-cut ruby weighing 4.36 carats, flanked by six old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately .30 carat, size 5¼; circa 1900.

In very good condition. The ruby is a lively, richly saturated very slightly purplish red, lightly included with some very minor chips to the girdle that are not evident when worn. The diamonds are G-H color, VS-SI clarity. Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 53778 stating that the ruby is of Classic Burmese origin, with no indications of heating. Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 13025054 stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating and a letter from Gübelin stating that the ruby shows characteristics typical of the Mogok region.
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 AGL report no. CS 53778 stating that the ruby is of Classic Burmese origin, with no indications of heating.

Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 13025054 stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating. Together with an information sheet regarding rubies from Mogok, Burma.

Katharine Dexter McCormick (1875-1967) was a philanthropist and social advocate who spent much of her life opening doors for women that remained tightly shut well into the twentieth century. Born in Dexter, Michigan, a town named after her grandfather, and raised in Chicago, Katharine’s parents instilled in her the desire to obtain a higher education. In 1904 she became only the second woman to graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the first to graduate with a degree in biology. In that same year, Katharine married Stanley McCormick, heir to the International Harvester fortune. According to family tradition, the ruby ring offered here was Katharine’s engagement ring from Stanley.

 As a prominent member of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), Katharine fought for women’s rights on multiple levels. Blending her educational background in the sciences with her involvement in NAWSA, McCormick helped fund research completed by renowned activist Margaret Sanger, furthering her beliefs that physical freedom was the gateway to other liberties. Although Katharine did not live to see its completion she also funded the construction of an all-female dormitory at MIT, named Stanley McCormick Hall, to ensure women accepted to the university would have proper boarding. As biographer Armond Fields notes, “…Katharine unswervingly dedicated her entire life and most of her wealth to women’s legal, social, psychological, and physical emancipation.”