In the upcoming Geneva Jewels Auction, Phillips presents a truly extraordinary piece—a magnificent ruby and diamond ring featuring a 17.97-carat Burmese ruby of remarkable color, clarity, and provenance. This gem, one of the auction’s highlights, is a prime example of nature’s artistry and the craftsmanship of fine jewelry. With its rich purplish-red hue, impressive size, and untouched purity, this Burmese ruby ring represents a rare fusion of beauty and history that places it among the most coveted gemstones in the world.
Rubies have been cherished throughout history, often revered as the “king of precious stones” in Sanskrit, referred to as Ratnaraj, or the “leader of precious stones,” Ratnanayaka. Burmese rubies, in particular, are esteemed for their unmatched color and quality. The 17.97-carat ruby in this ring hails from the legendary Mogok Valley in Burma (Myanmar), a region whose mines have yielded some of the most celebrated rubies for over a thousand years.
The gemological reports from the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) and Gübelin Gem Lab confirm this ruby’s Burmese origin and note that it has not undergone any heat treatment, a rarity that underscores its natural beauty. The lack of heat treatment enhances its value, as untreated rubies with such intense color and clarity are almost unheard of, especially in such a significant carat size.
What makes this 17.97-carat ruby truly exceptional is its rich, vivid color, described by SSEF as “vivid purplish red” with a homogeneous saturation that speaks to the highest quality of Burmese rubies. This hue results from trace elements, including chromium oxide, that lend the ruby its characteristic red, formed under unique geological conditions in the Mogok Valley approximately 30 million years ago. This intense coloration, in combination with the stone’s natural purity, results in a captivating, fiery glow that is brought to life by the gem’s masterful cut.
SSEF and Gübelin highlight the gem’s “very fine purity,” noting that its small inclusions are typical of Burmese rubies, adding an extra dimension of character that enhances its authenticity. For collectors, the natural clarity and vivid color are more than just visual attributes—they are hallmarks of quality that position this ruby among the rarest of gemstones.
The sheer size of this ruby, at 17.97 carats, is a remarkable feat. Rubies of this caliber, unheated and with high clarity, are exceedingly rare. Due to the nature of ruby formation, large stones tend to show a drop in clarity and color intensity; hence, finding a Burmese ruby with this combination of size, color, and purity is exceptionally uncommon.
The Gübelin report attests to the stone’s homogeneous color and high quality, a feat of nature rarely seen in the world of fine gemstones.
With an estimated value of CHF 4,100,000 – 4,800,000 ($4,800,000 – 5,500,000), this ruby ring is not only a symbol of luxury but also an investment in rarity. For high jewelry collectors, this piece represents an opportunity to own a natural wonder—a ruby that has remained undisturbed for millions of years, showcasing nature’s finest elements in a dazzling, wearable form.
As a symbol of permanence, wealth, and beauty, this 17.97-carat Burmese ruby and diamond ring transcends time and trends. This ring, with its perfect balance of artistry and nature’s gifts, is set to become a cherished heirloom for generations. The Geneva Jewels Auction offers an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a truly iconic piece that embodies the highest standards of gemological excellence, rarity, and timeless allure.
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Geneva, Switzerland