Very Fine Ruby and Diamond Necklace,

Set with fifty-six graduated cushion-shaped, oval and pear-shaped rubies ranging from 4.05 to 0.42 carats, embellished by pear-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds, the rubies and diamonds together weighing approximately 54.23 and 61.54 carats respectively, mounted in 18 karat white and yellow gold, length approximately 430mm.

Colour and Clarity: According to both the Gübelin and SSEF reports, the rubies are natural, of Burmese origin, with no indication of thermal treatment. Based on Gübelin testing, each ruby is also graded individually, of saturated red colour, known as "pigeon's blood" red in the trade. Gübelin appendix states that "A set of fifty-six natural, non-enhanced rubies from Burma of this size, endowed with such intrinsic qualities as a high transparency, combined with a saturated colour, is very rare." All pear-shaped diamonds, according to GIA reports, are G colour, Internally Flawless to VVS2 clarity. Among them, 16 stones are graded with both Excellent Polish and Symmetry, 68 stones are with Excellent Polish and 2 stones with Excellent Symmetry. Another fourteen round diamonds, according to GIA, are G colour, VVS1 or VVS2 clarity, all with Excellent Cut, Polish and Symmetry. Please refer to the reports for details. In our opinion, the rubies are matching, of saturated strong red colour, very clean to naked eyes with nice brilliance. Upon 10x loupe, the largest ruby in the middle has some natural silks and crystal inclusions, not noticeable to naked eyes. Some other rubies may also have a few minor crystal or feather inclusions, observed only under loupe check. Overall, most of the rubies are quite clean, which is a very rare quality in non-enhanced natural Burmese rubies. Some 14 round diamonds, not certified, are probably of G colour, VVS clarity. Condition: Good workmanship gives entire necklace a nice flow, which is soft and sit very well on neck. Karat white and yellow gold mount, in mint condition. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that jadeite and rubies of Burmese origin and articles of jewellery containing jadeite or rubies of Burmese origin all less than 100 years old may not be imported into the US. The purchaser's inability to import any item into the U.S. or any other country as a result of these or other restrictions shall not justify cancellation or rescission of the sale or any delay in payment. Please check with the specialist department if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to these import restrictions, or any other restrictions on importation or exportation.
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 numbered 14066022/ 1 to 56, dated 11 June 2014, stating that the fifty-six rubies are natural, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating. The colour variety of ruby may be called 'pigeon blood red' in the trade. Also accompanied by the Gübelin Appendix stating that "The fifty-six natural rubies... possess a combination of outstanding characteristics. Besides their size, they display a richly saturated pigeon blood red colour. In addition, these remarkable gemstones have been spared of thermal treatment... A set of fifty-six natural, non-enhanced rubies from Burma of this size, endowed with such intrinsic qualities as a high transparency, combined with a saturated colour, is very rare." Further accompanied by fourteen Gübelin reports, stating that the fourteen oval rubies ranging from 4.05 carats to 1.00 carat are natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating. The colour variety of ruby may be called 'pigeon blood red' in the trade. Further accompanied by SSEF report numbered 78755, dated 27 February 2015, stating that all the rubies are natural, of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating, part of the rubies can be described as 'Pigeon's Blood Red'. Also accompanied by an SSEF Appendix.
Accompanied by one hundred and twenty-six GIA reports, stating that the 0.30 to 0.74 carat diamonds are G colour, Internally Flawless to VVS2 clarity. Fourteen of the diamonds are of Excellent Cut, Polish, and Symmetry.

Fiery as Pigeon's Blood

Burmese rubies have been placed under the spotlight in recent years especially in auction rooms worldwide, fetching astonishing prices from gem connoisseurs and collectors who understand the increasing rarity and mesmerizing beauty of this red gemstone.

Rubies from Burma have been hailed as the finest above all for two valid reasons, such characteristics are unmatched by their counterparts from other regions. First and foremost, Burmese rubies display extremely fiery colour intensity due to a saturated crimson body colour and a strong red fluorescence emission. That is to say, regardless of lighting conditions, the red stone never disappoints with its constant red glow that was compared to an inextinguishable flame. The second fact lies within Burmese ruby’s magical internal structure that gemologists call ‘silk’, which are tiny needles inclusions that, when scattered evenly and throughout the stone, scatter light onto facets and enhance light return. Colour also has a velvety and soft appearance when silk was of the right amount, which is a trait of the finest Burmese rubies.

Among the hues of red one can observe in Burmese rubies, there is yet a specific colour named ‘Pigeon’s blood’ which is considered the most superior. It is a colour primarily found in rubies mined from the famed Mogok Valley; it is so mesmerizing and rich that it is more a colour of the mind than the material world. Many have attempted to describe this particular colour by likening it poetically to the fresh seed of pomegranate or of a drop of blood drawn from an artery on a highly polished silver plate; others sought answers from ancient mythology and legends. One thing we can be sure of is the rarity of this exceptional colour - a red that is pure, vivid and saturated all at once.

Considered that the majority of rubies found on the opened market today are heat-treated, to acquire a completely natural Burmese ruby with alluring ‘Pigeon’s blood’ colour and minimal inclusion is increasingly difficult. This ruby and diamond necklace assembles not only one, but fifty-six matching unheated Burmese rubies, all of which are certified to be of ‘Pigeon’s blood’ colour. This unusual suite of rubies also pronounced this necklace as the first of its kind in the auction market, with each ruby displaying this coveted ‘Pigeon’s blood’ colour.

Describing this lot as ‘rare’ would be an understatement. A combination of Nature’s wonders and human’s quest for utmost perfection, this exquisite necklace is the ultimate expression of adoration and appreciation for the ‘King of Gemstones’.