Lot 2088. A superb Burmese 'pigeon blood' ruby and diamond bracelet. Estimate HKD 3,000,000 - 5,000,000 (USD 384,000 - 640,000). Sold for HKD 3,540,000 (USD 453,120). © Poly Auction Hong Kong Limited

Designed as two rows of twenty-six graduated oval- and cushion-shaped rubies weighing altogether 26.77 carats, interspersed with twenty-six pear-shaped diamonds, altogether weighing 14.6 carats, all D color, internally flawless to VVS2 clarity, mounted in 18K gold, approximately 17.0 cm long.

Accompanied by report no. 14116034 / 1 to 26 dated 4 December 2014 from the Gübelin stating that the twenty-six rubies weighing 26.77 carats altogether are of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating, and the color of the majority of the rubies in this bracelet may also be called 'Pigeon Blood Red' in the trade Accompanied by report no. 81615 dated 24 August 2015 from the SSEF stating that the twenty-six rubies weighing approximately 27 carats altogether are of Burma (Myanmar) origin, with no indications of heating, and the color of part of these rubies may also be called 'Pigeon Blood Red' in the trade Also accompanied by an Appendix letter to test report no. 81615 titled ‘Exceptional Ruby Bracelet’ Also accompanied by 26 GIA certificates.

It is with no doubt that when the three words, ‘Burma’, ‘Mogok’ and ‘Pigeon Blood Red’ come together for describing a ruby, the stone in hand is one of the rarest and the most magnificent on earth.

The name “ruby” comes from “ruber”, Latin for red. Over hundreds of years and across cultures, ranking the second on the Mohs scale of harness, just below diamonds, ruby has become a symbolism for passion, lust, and power. It has been recognized globally that Mogok of Burma (Myanmar) produces the best quality rubies in the world, with over thousands of years of history, and continues to maintain its place in the world market. 

The most significant factor in determining a ruby’s value is its color. The best color is that of a pure hue combined with strong saturation. The color must be without significant brown, orange or purple hues, and be neither too dark nor to light. Burmese ruby’s chemical composition typically contains chromium; this causes the fiery red color to be further enhanced by a red fluorescence under UV rays - sunlight and most lighting conditions. Every gemstone has its unique internal environment. It is its own testimony to the secrets deep down under the Earth. Inclusions are expected to exist in rubies, such as needles and small crystals. Some inclusions can make a positive contribution to ruby’s appearance. The typical inclusion of Burmese rubies, rutile silk, can cause light to scatter across the body of the gem, thus creating a more vivid color and a distinctive texture. 

‘Pigeon Blood Red’ is a term used in the trade and accepted by gemological laboratories as the most striking and arresting color of a ruby. It is sensual, ardent, influential and majestic, reminiscent of the burning fire and the flowing blood. A 'Pigeon Blood Red' ruby can command the highest price of any colored stones, at the same time providing a safe long-term investment. The common and historical practice in the ruby market is to heat treat the rough so its color and clarity improves. Natural rubies over five carats that have not been heated are extremely rare and precious.