Burmese rubies have long captivated gemstone lovers with their mesmerizing red hue and unique brilliance. They are often regarded as some of the finest rubies in the world, commanding high prices and an elevated status in the jewelry market. Originating from Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, these rubies are admired not only for their beauty but also for their rarity and rich history. This article will dive deep into what makes a Burmese ruby special, from its origins to its unique qualities, pricing, and how it stands out among other rubies.
The Origins of Burmese Rubies
The Mines of Myanmar
Burmese rubies are primarily mined from the Mogok Valley in Myanmar, an area that has been renowned for its ruby production for centuries. The rubies extracted from this region are famous for their rich, pigeon-blood red color, a term that refers to the intense red with a hint of blue. This type of ruby has been highly sought after by royalty, collectors, and jewelry enthusiasts throughout history.
Mogok’s geological conditions, including its marble formations, contribute to the creation of rubies with excellent transparency and color saturation. Besides Mogok, other mines in Myanmar, such as those in Mong Hsu, have gained recognition in the global gemstone market, though the quality of the rubies from Mong Hsu is generally considered inferior to those from Mogok.
The History of Burmese Rubies
The history of Burmese rubies dates back over 2,000 years. In ancient times, these gems were reserved for royalty, and warriors would wear them as talismans for protection. Burmese kings often adorned themselves and their crowns with rubies, believing that the gems would bring them power and immortality.
The Burmese ruby trade flourished under British colonial rule in the 19th century, and today, rubies from Myanmar remain highly prized in both the Eastern and Western jewelry markets. Many notable historical figures, including European royalty, have adorned themselves with Burmese rubies, elevating the gem’s reputation worldwide.
Political and Ethical Considerations
Due to political unrest in Myanmar, the Burmese ruby trade has been marred by controversy. Economic sanctions imposed by countries like the United States during the late 20th and early 21st centuries aimed to limit the importation of Burmese rubies due to concerns over human rights abuses in Myanmar. However, these restrictions were eased in 2016, allowing the trade to resume under more ethical guidelines. It is essential to verify the origin of rubies before purchasing, ensuring they come from ethically sourced locations.
What Makes a Burmese Ruby Special?
Pigeon-Blood Red Color
One of the most defining characteristics of a Burmese ruby is its color. The coveted “pigeon-blood red” is the brightest and most intense red found in rubies. This vivid color, with its slight bluish hue, creates an incredibly vibrant and rich appearance. Not all Burmese rubies exhibit this specific shade, but those that do are considered the pinnacle of ruby quality and can fetch extraordinarily high prices.
Clarity and Transparency
Burmese rubies are also known for their impressive clarity. These rubies often have fewer inclusions compared to those mined in other parts of the world. Inclusions are natural imperfections within the gem, and while almost all rubies have some, Burmese rubies tend to exhibit excellent transparency, which enhances their brilliance. Many high-quality Burmese rubies are eye-clean, meaning no inclusions are visible to the naked eye.
Fluorescence
One of the most unique qualities of Burmese rubies is their natural fluorescence. When exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light, these rubies can emit a glowing red light, further intensifying their already vibrant color. This fluorescence is a significant factor that distinguishes Burmese rubies from rubies mined in other regions, as not all rubies exhibit this glowing effect.
Rarity
Burmese rubies are rare, particularly those of higher quality with the pigeon-blood red color. The geological conditions that produce these gems are unique to Myanmar, making it difficult to find rubies of similar quality elsewhere. This rarity is one of the reasons why Burmese rubies command such high prices, especially for stones over a few carats in size.
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Evaluating Burmese Rubies
The Four Cs: Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat
When evaluating a Burmese ruby, experts use the same criteria applied to other gemstones: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. However, due to their unique characteristics, certain aspects are more significant when it comes to rubies from Myanmar.
Color: As mentioned earlier, the most important factor in a Burmese ruby’s value is its color. The pigeon-blood red hue is the most desirable, but the intensity and saturation of the red can significantly impact the gem’s price.
Cut: The cut of a ruby affects how well the stone reflects light, which in turn influences its brilliance. Burmese rubies are often cut in traditional shapes, such as ovals and cushions, to maximize their color and brilliance.
Clarity: Burmese rubies with fewer inclusions are highly prized. Although some inclusions are expected, the transparency of the gem plays a key role in its overall beauty and value.
Carat: Burmese rubies over one carat are rare and valuable, and as the carat weight increases, so does the price per carat. Large, high-quality Burmese rubies are considered exceptional collector’s items.
The Role of Origin in Value
The origin of a ruby significantly impacts its value. Rubies from Myanmar, particularly those from the Mogok Valley, are considered the finest in the world. The pigeon-blood red color is mostly found in Burmese rubies, which enhances their market value. Certified Burmese rubies with documented origin command premium prices in comparison to rubies from other countries such as Madagascar or Thailand.
Burmese Ruby vs. Rubies from Other Regions
Comparing Burmese Rubies with Thai Rubies
Rubies from Thailand are known for their darker, more garnet-like red color. While Thai rubies can be beautiful, they lack the vibrant and intense red seen in Burmese rubies. Thai rubies also tend to have more inclusions, which can reduce their transparency and brilliance. Burmese rubies, particularly those from Mogok, are considered superior in terms of color and clarity.
Rubies from Madagascar
Madagascar is another source of high-quality rubies, with some stones exhibiting colors that rival those of Burmese rubies. However, Madagascan rubies generally have more inclusions and are less transparent. The pigeon-blood red color is also rarer in Madagascan rubies, making Burmese rubies more valuable overall.
Rubies from Mozambique
Mozambique has become an important source of rubies in recent years, with some rubies showing excellent color and quality. While Mozambique rubies can sometimes approach the quality of Burmese rubies, they often lack the fluorescence and exceptional clarity that define the finest Burmese rubies.
Pricing and Investment Potential
The Value of Burmese Rubies
Due to their rarity and desirable qualities, Burmese rubies are among the most expensive gemstones on the market. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars per carat for lower-quality stones to over $1 million per carat for the finest pigeon-blood red rubies. The value of a Burmese ruby is influenced by its color, clarity, carat weight, and whether or not it has been treated (e.g., heated to enhance its color).
Ruby Treatments and Their Impact on Value
Many rubies on the market today, including Burmese rubies, undergo heat treatment to enhance their color and clarity. While heat-treated rubies can still be valuable, untreated Burmese rubies are considered more desirable and can command significantly higher prices. Buyers should always seek certification when purchasing rubies, especially when considering untreated stones.
Investment Potential
Burmese rubies have long been considered a wise investment due to their rarity and historical value. As the supply of high-quality rubies from Myanmar dwindles, prices are expected to continue rising, making these gems a sound choice for collectors and investors. Additionally, the growing interest in colored gemstones, particularly from China and other Asian markets, has further increased demand for Burmese rubies, ensuring their continued prominence in the global market.
Famous Burmese Rubies
The Sunrise Ruby
One of the most famous Burmese rubies is the Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat gem that sold for over $30 million at auction in 2015, setting a world record for the most expensive colored gemstone ever sold. The Sunrise Ruby is renowned for its vivid pigeon-blood red color and near-perfect clarity, exemplifying the pinnacle of Burmese ruby quality.
The Carmen Lúcia Ruby
Another notable Burmese ruby is the Carmen Lúcia Ruby, a 23.10-carat gem that resides in the Smithsonian Institution’s collection. This ruby is admired for its exceptional color and clarity, making it one of the finest Burmese rubies in existence.
How to Care for Your Burmese Ruby
Cleaning and Maintenance
Burmese rubies are relatively durable, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. However, they should still be treated with care to avoid scratching or damaging the stone. Clean your ruby with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, ensuring to avoid harsh chemicals that could harm the gem’s surface.
toring Your Ruby
To prevent scratches, store your Burmese ruby separately from other gemstones, ideally in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box. Avoid exposing your ruby to extreme heat or prolonged sunlight, which could affect its color.
Conclusion
Burmese rubies are some of the most coveted and valuable gemstones in the world. Their unique pigeon-blood red color, excellent clarity, and rarity make them a favorite among collectors and jewelry lovers alike. Whether you’re purchasing a Burmese ruby as an investment or simply for its beauty, these gems offer timeless elegance and enduring value.
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