A 15.99-carat Burmese ruby leads Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
Named ‘Jubilee Ruby,’ the stone is said to be the most important Burmese ruby to appear at auction in the United States in more than 25 years, the last time being when a 16.20-carat stone sold at Christie’s in 1990. The oval-shape gemstone is set as a ring in platinum and 18-karat gold. It’s expected to sell for between $12 and $15 million.
“Top-quality Burmese rubies of over 15 carats are an absolute rarity in the world of coloured gemstones,” said Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewellery.
“The record price of $18.3 million achieved for the 15.04-carat ‘Crimson Red Ruby’ at Christie’s Hong Kong in December 2015 exemplified the voracious appetite of collectors for these gems. Fittingly, the ‘Jubilee Ruby’ comes up for sale during Christie’s 250th anniversary, allowing gem connoisseurs the opportunity to own the very best Burmese ruby offered for sale in the United States in more than two and a half decades.”
Held on April 20, the auction also features over 250 lots comprising rare diamonds and coloured stones, as well as pieces from Buccellati, Cartier, David Webb, Graff, Harry Winston, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
