Very Fine Burmese 'Pigeon's Blood' Ruby and Diamond Necklace. Estimate 16,000,000 — 20,000,000 HKD (1,802,528 - 2,253,159 EUR). Photo Sotheby's.

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.

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’.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels & Jadeite, Hong Kong, 06 avr. 2015, 01:00 PM