Lot 146. Magnificent 10.25-carat natural unheated Burmese Mogok “Pigeon’s Blood” ruby and diamond ring. Estimate HK$25,000,000 - 35,000,000 (US$3,200,000 - 4,488,000). © Tiancheng International

Centring on a cushion-shaped ruby weighing 10.25 carats, surrounded by pear-shaped diamonds together weighing 8.33 carats, mounted in 18 karat yellow and white gold. Ring size: 6.

Accompanied by AGL report numbered 8088131, dated 23 August 2018, stating that the 10.25 carat ruby is natural, Red colour, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heat enhancement; with comments, stating that 'Non-heated rubies are scarce. Rubies are commonly heated to modify their color and appearance.'; along with an appendix letter, stating that 'This ruby has been determined to originate from one of the most important and historic ruby sources: Burma (Myanmar). Furthermore, it ... from the historic Burmese locality of the Mogok valley. This gem possesses a richly saturated pure red color that is further accentuated by vivid internal color reflections. Traditionally, stones of this color have been described as having a ''Pigeon Blood'' hue ... Weighing in excess of 10 carats, this exceptional ruby is in a weight class that is very exclusive for any ruby source. Gem-quality rubies of five carats are already very rare. Now, consider the present Burmese gem with a weight of 10.25 cts, which has not been enhanced and retains the color and quality bestowed by nature ... Jewelry articles such as this uphold and reaffirm the esteemed status of a Burmese ruby and its reputation as the premier ruby source in the world.';

GRS report numbered GRS2017-037554, dated 23 March 2017, stating that the 10.24 carat ruby is natural, Vivid Red (GRS type ''Pigeon's Blood'') colour, of Burmese (Mogok) origin, with no indication of thermal treatment;

SSEF report numbered 100363, dated 28 May 2018, stating that the 10.251 carat ruby is natural, Red colour of strong saturation, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating; with comments, stating that 'The colour of this ruby may also be called ''Pigeon Blood Red'' based on SSEF reference standards.'; along with an appendix, stating that 'The natural ruby described ... possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation ... the small inclusions found ... are the hallmarks of rubies from the classical ruby mines in the Mogok valley in Burma (Myanmar) ... The attractive and saturated colour of this ruby, poetically also referred to as ''Pigeon Blood Red ... for the finest rubies from Mogok ... A natural ruby from Burma of this size and quality can be considered rare and exceptional.';

Tiancheng International. HONG KONG SPRING AUCTION, Jewellery and Jadeite, 7 July · 1 pm