Lot 186. Exceptional 20.09 carats Mozambican 'Pigeon Blood' ruby and diamond ring. Estimate HHK$15,000,000 - 25,000,000 (US$1,920,000 - 3,200,000). Sold for HK$23,040,000 (US$2,950,000) © Tiancheng International.

Centring on an oval ruby weighing 20.09 carats, flanked by two oval diamonds together weighing approximately 6.15 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold. Ring size: 6.

Accompanied by GRS report numbered GRS2019-048073 (Award No.2503), dated 2 April 2019, stating that the 20.09 carat ruby is natural, Vivid Red (GRS type "Pigeon's Blood") colour, of Mozambican origin, with no indication of thermal treatment; along with an Appendix to Platinum Award No.2503, stating that 'Extremely rare combination of size (20.09 ct), large face-up appearance, and spared of thermal enhancement.';

Gübelin report numbered 19031173, dated 25 March 2019, stating that the 20.09 carat ruby is natural, Red colour, of Mozambican origin, with no indications of heating; with comments, stating that 'Unheated rubies of this quality are rare.'; along with an appendix, stating that 'The best of these rubies from Mozambique are characterised by an outstanding transparency and a rich colour, resulting in an exceptional overall quality. The natural ruby of 20.09 ct, described...is one of these gems from Mozambique. It has a saturated and homogeneous colour, combined with high degree of transparency. In addition, this gemstone has been spared of thermal treatment. Such a combination of characteristics is rare in natural rubies of this size.'; and two information sheets, stating that 'The demand for natural, unheated rubies kept growing while the supply of such gems remains highly limited, making large, natural rubies of gem-quality from all major sources...difficult to find.' ...'Mozambique has always been an important source of coloured stones such as tourmaline, aquamarine and garnet. Corundum has been known in Mozambique since the Portuguese colonial times, but only since September 2008 larger amounts of rubies entered the market.'

Tiancheng International. HONG KONG SPRING AUCTION, Jewellery and Jadeite, 29 May · 1 pm