Highly Important and Rare ruby and diamond ring, Cartier

The modified octagonal ruby, of exceptional colour and purity, weighing 6.29 carats, set between baguette diamonds, size 53, signed Cartier.

Alice Appleton Hay
Adele Hay Fath
Creekmore W. Fath
Creekmore and Adele Fath Charitable Foundation

Please note that online bidding is not available for this lot. Ruby of Burmese origin cannot be imported into the US. This piece contains ruby of Burmese origin and therefore cannot be imported into the US. Please contact the jewellery department for further information or see our Important Notices. Signed Cartier to the side of the ring shank. Very fine ruby of exceptional colour and purity, with minor scratches, few nicks around the girdle. For further information on the stone, please refer to the Gübelin, AGL and GIA certificates. Diamonds bright and lively. Signs of normal wear to the metal, scratches consistent with use. 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. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Burmese rubies have long been considered as the most desirable rubies in the world and the crimson glow that very fine examples possess merit the descriptive term of 'pigeon's blood' for their high colour intensity.

The famed 'pigeon's blood' rubies occur in the deposits from the legendary Mogok Valley, in the Katha district, North East of Mandalay. Famous for its rare combination of rich colour intensity and red UV-fluorescence, Mogok rubies also exhibit a velvety softness caused by the tiny needle inclusions which scatter light throughout the stone. Of all the locations in which rubies are found, the Mogok region is renowned for producing the distinctive intense red colours and bright red fiery brilliance, and are the benchmark by which all fine rubies are judged. Currently the Mogok mines are yielding fewer stones of important sizes, with a very high percentage of newly-mined rubies owing their fine colour and clarity to heat treatment. Exceptional untreated rubies over five carats, such as this lot, are a true rarity in the market and are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to replace as the mines no longer produce rubies of such significant size and quality.

The ruby offered here is exceptional on every level. From its highly saturated red colour to its outstanding crystal like purity, this is undoubtedly one of the finest rubies to recently appear at auction.