Lot 1779
  • 1779

AN IMPORTANT AND SPECTACULAR RUBY AND DIAMOND RING

Estimate
82,000,000 - 92,000,000 HKD
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Description

  • Ruby, Diamond, Gold
Set with a cushion-shaped ruby weighing 24.70 carats, within a surround of pear-shaped diamonds, the shank pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds of pink tint, size 7.

Condition

Accompanied by SSEF report numbered 80220, dated 11 June 2015, Gübelin report numbered 1003549, dated 12 March 2010 and AGL report numbered 8087505, dated 26 February 2018, each stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating; SSEF further stating that the colour of this ruby may also be called 'pigeon blood red' in the trade. Accompanied by sixteen GIA reports: Numbered 2165818900, dated 12 January 2015, stating that the diamond weighing 1.73 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 1179572285, dated 26 June 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.70 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 2186503599, dated 6 November 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.60 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 5161231991, dated 23 June 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.57 carat is D Colour, Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 2186632119, dated 15 December 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.56 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 6167653076, dated 15 December 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.52 carat is D Colour, Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 5186630314, dated 6 November 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.52 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry, Type IIa. Numbered 2151457543, dated 31 May 2013, stating that the diamond weighing 1.51 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 1189366739, dated 4 October 2014, stating that the diamond is 1.25 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 2176731558, dated 14 July 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.21 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 2176530168, dated 12 June 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.20 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 5186691616, dated 5 December 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.13 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry, Type IIa. Numbered 2155827798, dated 11 December 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.12 carat is D Colour, Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry, Type IIa. Numbered 2186204095, dated 24 September 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.09 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 2186061474, dated 25 September 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.09 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Numbered 2186646080, dated 8 November 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 1.07 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. Accompanied by four GIA dossiers: Numbered 2186757675, dated 23 December 2014, stating that the diamond weighing 0.34 carat is D Colour, VVS1 Clarity. Numbered 5196049711, dated 19 January 2015, stating that the diamond weighing 0.31 carat is D Colour, VVS1 Clarity. Numbered 7196550611, dated 2 March 2015, stating that the diamond weighing 0.30 carat is D Colour, VVS1 Clarity. Numbered 2197490204, dated 25 February 2015, stating that the diamond weighing 0.30 carat is D Colour, Internally Flawless. Accompanied by SSEF Premium Appendix. Also accompanied by The Lotus Gold gemstone report numbered P-10093, dated 1 September 2014, stating that the ruby is natural of Burmese origin, with no enhancement, "Pigeon's Blood" distinction. Further accompanied by GRS report numbered GRS2010-031254 (Award No 542), dated 21 April 2010 and C. Dunaigre report numbered CDC 1002264, dated 14 March 2010, stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating. GRS further stating that the ruby is GRS type "pigeon's blood". C. Dunaigre also stating that the colour variety of the ruby is sometimes referred to as "Pigeon blood" in the trade. Please refer to reports and folio for further details. Metal tested as white and pink gold. Inscribed R24.70, PD4.38, D16-21.87, D8- 2.48 referring to the weight of ruby, diamonds of pink tint and diamonds respectively. Ruby is medium dark red of strong saturation, with typical inclusions, some surface reaching and minor blemishes when examined under 10x magnification, but hardly noticeable with unaided eye. Diamonds of pink tint are faint pink, mostly VS clarity as graded in the mount. Metal in very good condition. Overall in excellent 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.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.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.

Catalogue Note

Accompanied by SSEF report numbered 80220, dated 11 June 2015, Gübelin report numbered 1003549, dated 12 March 2010 and AGL report numbered 8087505, dated 8 March 2018, each stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating; SSEF further stating that the colour of this ruby may also be called 'pigeon blood red' in the trade; also accompanied by SSEF Appendix letter stating 'The natural ruby...possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The described gemstone...exhibits an impressive size and weight, combined with a well-saturated colour and a very pleasant antique cushion shape. Natural rubies from Burma of this size and colour represent a great rarity...a very exceptional treasure of nature.' Also accompanied by sixteen GIA reports, stating that the pear-shaped diamonds weighing from 1.73 to 1.07 carats are all D Colour, Flawless to Internally Flawless; further accompanied by three diamond type classification reports stating that the diamonds weighing 1.52, 1.13 and 1.12 carats are determined to be Type IIa diamonds. Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency. Also accompanied by four GIA dossiers, stating that the pear-shaped diamonds weighing 0.34 to 0.30 carat are all D Colour, Internally Flawless to VVS1 Clarity.


Accompanied by SSEF Premium Appendix, AGL JewelFolioTM and three gemmological reports.

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A TREASURE FROM MOGOK

For centuries, the ruby has been distinguished as one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. Commanding some of the most competitive prices per carat, Burmese rubies are some of the world’s most highly desired gemstones.

Considered some of nature’s most dazzling creations, gemstones are primarily valued for the plethora of hues and tones of which they embody. Ruby red hues are legendarily associated with the most intense of emotions – passion, desire, love and fury. The reverence with which the ruby has long been held in the East is expressed in Sanskrit as Ratnanayaka which translatesas the ‘Leader of precious stones’. Its status as ‘King of Gems’ was reiterated, around 1110AD, in Marbodus’s ‘liber de lapidibus’, where the ruby is called ‘the most precious of the twelve stones God created when he created all creatures’. Historically worn as a talisman, the penetrating colour of red was believed to embody mystical properties in protecting its wearer from harm, associating the gem with power and protection, bringing good fortune to the wearer.

For centuries, Burma, or present-day Myanmar, has been renowned for producing the finest quality rubies. The geological composition of the Mogok mines in northern Burma providethe optimum environment for a ruby’s formation. With the diminished iron and its diluting effects, rubies from Burma are coloured by chromium oxide which gives them their distinctive sensual red hue and causes a red fluorescence that, in artificial light, can make the stone glow as if it was internally illuminated.

One of the most significant factors affecting a ruby’s value is colour. The finest Mogok rubies are described as ‘pigeon blood’ red. This term was originally coined by the trade and is used to describe rubies which exhibit a strong colour saturation, are unheated and of fine quality, considering qualities such as clarity, transparency and colour homogeneity of the stone.

As the ruby mines in Burma and elsewhere produce fewer and fewer stones of important sizes, the discovery of any gemstone that is larger than 5 carats is a cause for celebration among gem connoisseurs. For Lot 1779, the impressive size of 24.70 carats combined with the well-saturated glowing red colour truly represents an exceptional treasure of nature.