Rubies, known for their intense red hue and exceptional hardness, have long been treasured for their beauty and rarity. They have adorned royalty, celebrities, and the affluent, becoming symbols of power, passion, and prosperity. This article explores the ten most famous pieces of ruby jewelry in the world, each with a unique history and remarkable craftsmanship.
See also: What is the most expensive ruby in the world？
1. The Burmese Ruby Tiara
The Burmese Ruby Tiara is one of the most iconic pieces of ruby jewelry owned by the British royal family. Commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, this tiara features 96 rubies given to her as a wedding gift by the people of Burma (now Myanmar). The rubies are set in a floral motif, surrounded by diamonds, creating a stunning contrast that highlights the deep red of the rubies. The tiara is not only a masterpiece of jewelry design but also a symbol of the enduring relationship between the UK and Burma.
2. The Graff Ruby
The Graff Ruby, a 8.62-carat gemstone, is renowned for its extraordinary “pigeon’s blood” red color and flawless quality. Discovered in Burma, this ruby was bought by British jeweler Laurence Graff in 2006. After being repolished to enhance its brilliance, it was sold for a record price of $8.6 million at Sotheby’s in 2014. This ruby’s exceptional quality and the staggering price it fetched underscore its significance in the world of gemstones.
3. The Red Emperor Necklace
The Red Emperor Necklace, created by Faidee, one of the world’s leading dealers in Burmese rubies, features an extraordinary collection of unheated Burmese rubies. The centerpiece of this necklace is a 10.05-carat ruby, complemented by smaller rubies and diamonds, all set in platinum. This necklace is a testament to the beauty and allure of Burmese rubies, showcasing their unparalleled color and clarity.
4. The Queen of Bhutan’s Ruby Necklace
The Queen of Bhutan’s Ruby Necklace is a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese jewelry craftsmanship. This necklace features a large, deep red ruby as its centerpiece, surrounded by intricate gold work and smaller rubies. The necklace is not only a symbol of Bhutanese royal heritage but also a reflection of the country’s rich cultural traditions and reverence for gemstones.
5. The Patiño Ruby Necklace
The Patiño Ruby Necklace, named after its original owner, Bolivian tycoon Simón Iturri Patiño, is a breathtaking piece featuring some of the finest Burmese rubies. The necklace consists of multiple rows of rubies and diamonds, with a 32.08-carat Burmese ruby as the centerpiece. This piece, created by Cartier, is celebrated for its opulence and the exceptional quality of its rubies, making it one of the most famous ruby necklaces in the world.
6. The Mogok Ruby Necklace
The Mogok Ruby Necklace, named after the renowned ruby mining region in Burma, features a collection of rare, untreated Mogok rubies. The centerpiece of this necklace is a 20.48-carat ruby, surrounded by diamonds and smaller rubies. This piece is a tribute to the legendary Mogok Valley, known for producing some of the finest rubies in the world. The necklace’s exquisite design and the quality of its rubies make it a standout piece in the world of high jewelry.
7. The Sunrise Ruby
The Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby, is one of the most valuable rubies ever sold at auction. Its vibrant “pigeon’s blood” color and exceptional clarity make it a rare and sought-after gemstone. In 2015, it was sold at Sotheby’s for $30.3 million, setting a world record for a ruby. The Sunrise Ruby’s unparalleled beauty and record-breaking price highlight its status as one of the most famous rubies in the world.
8. The Duchess of Windsor’s Ruby Necklace
The Duchess of Windsor’s Ruby Necklace, designed by Cartier, is an iconic piece of jewelry that reflects the style and elegance of Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. The necklace features a cascade of rubies and diamonds, with a central motif of ruby flowers. This piece was famously worn by the Duchess during the 1950s and remains a symbol of her sophisticated taste and the glamour of the era.
9. The Liberty Bell Ruby
The Liberty Bell Ruby, weighing 8,500 carats, is the largest mined ruby in the world. Discovered in East Africa in the 1950s, it was sculpted into a replica of the Liberty Bell, complete with a bald eagle on top. This massive ruby is not only a remarkable example of gemstone carving but also a symbol of American patriotism. It was stolen in a jewelry heist in 2011 and remains missing, adding to its mystique and fame.
10. The Carmen Lúcia Ruby
The Carmen Lúcia Ruby, a 23.1-carat Burmese ruby, is renowned for its vibrant red color and exceptional clarity. Donated to the Smithsonian Institution by Dr. Peter Buck in honor of his late wife, Carmen Lúcia Buck, this ruby is one of the finest examples of Burmese rubies in a public collection. Its inclusion in the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection underscores its significance and the admiration it garners from gem enthusiasts worldwide.
Conclusion
These ten pieces of ruby jewelry represent the pinnacle of gemstone beauty and craftsmanship. Each piece has its own unique history and significance, reflecting the allure and prestige associated with rubies. From royal tiaras to record-breaking auction sales, these rubies continue to captivate and inspire, cementing their place in the annals of jewelry history. Whether through their exceptional color, remarkable size, or historical importance, these rubies stand as timeless symbols of beauty and luxury.
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