Burmese Rubies to Lead Christie's Hong Kong Auction

Rare Burmese rubies, highlighted by a beautiful “Pigeon’s Blood” necklace are being highly anticipated in Christie’s upcoming Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels auction on November 27. Diamond, emerald, and sapphire jewelry will also be available at the auction, which has a pre-sale estimate of $70 million for the jewelry to be sold.

Photo courtesy of Christie’s Images LTD 2011

The most coveted item at the Christie’s auction, however, will most likely be a necklace, called Red Scarlet, which is made with 26 Burmese “no-heat” pigeon’s blood rubies from the famed Mogok Stone Tract in upper Burma, and a sister pair of earrings, the Red Butterflies. Famous designer James W. Currens, the 2012 Best In Show Spectrum Award winner, designed both pieces around rubies of unparalleled color, clarity, and size with diamonds and 18k gold.

Photo courtesy of Christie’s Images LTD 2011

Burmese rubies from the Mogok region are highly sought after as the “pigeon’s blood” color found there, a deep red with hint of blue, is regarded as the standard for ruby color. Naturally occurring rubies of such quality are also incredibly rare because many jewelers must heat the ruby to remove impurities; a no-heat ruby is highly sought after by collectors.

The Red Scarlet features 26 graduated rubies between 5.38 and 1.27 carats, accented by clusters of pear and marquise diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18k gold. The necklace is expected to sell for $3.5 to $5.5 million. The companion piece, the Red Butterflies, features a pair of 7-carat Burmese Rubies and has been estimated to sell for $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

Such high-quality specimens of the Burmese ruby aren’t found often so it can be expected the auction will garner quite an audience for these two pieces alone.

Matthew H for Raymond Lee Jewelers, premiere fine jewelry and luxury watch boutique and buyer.