Rubies are some of the most precious gemstones in the world, and their value is only increasing. In this blog post, we’re looking at the ten most expensive rubies ever sold at auction. From The Neelanjali Star Ruby to the Cartier Ruby Ring, these magnificent gems have broken records and captivated the world with their intense hue and color.
We will explore the stories behind these stones and provide a brief overview of information about their features and characteristics. We hope to give you an insight into the world of these high-end rubies and their auction records and provide a glimpse into their intrinsic beauty and desirability. So read on as we explore the 10 most expensive rubies ever sold!
10. Cartier Ruby and Diamond Ring
Sale Price: $6.40 to $7.68 million
Year Sold: 2013
Country of Origin: Myanmar
photo source: Christie’s
This ruby is from Burma and belongs to an infrequent weight class. Additionally, its diamond has a superb grade color with typical rubies from this prominent location—a fully saturated, homogeneous hue. One of the most prominent jewelry companies in the world, Cartier, is the maker of this ring containing this magnificent ruby.
This 29.62-carat Cartier Ruby and Diamond Ring stands out as being particularly noteworthy and exceptionally uncommon.
The simple style of this ring makes it the perfect choice for individuals who like a more sophisticated approach to jewelry, even if it is far more subdued than comparable ruby-and-diamond items. Over the past century or so, Cartier has produced a long list of expensive jewelry products, and this ring is but one of several that may fetch millions of dollars.
9. Ruby and Diamond Red Scarlet Necklace
Sale Price: $9.98 million
Year Sold: 2014
Country of Origin: Myanmar
photo source: Christie’s
The 62.46-carat Ruby and Diamond Red Scarlet Necklace by James W. Currens for Faidee is an exquisite piece of jewelry crafted with rare and precious stones. This luxurious necklace was sold in 2014 at a price of $9.98 million, making it one of the most expensive pieces ever sold. It features a magnificent 62.46-carat ruby set in white gold surrounded by 64 round brilliant diamonds.
The necklace also features a diamond-studded chain with a total weight of 31.5 carats. The ruby is exceptionally rare and valuable due to its deep red color and exceptional clarity. The diamonds are all of exceptional quality and clarity, each carefully selected and cut to create a breathtaking effect.
The Red Scarlet Necklace is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design, making it a highly sought-after item for jewelry collectors and investors.
Did You Know?
The Ruby and Diamond Red Scarlet Necklace was created by renowned jewelry designer James W. Currens, who has designed pieces for some of the most well-known celebrities in the world.
8. Ruby and Diamond Ear Pendants
Sale Price: $11.49 million
Year Sold: 2016
Country of Origin: Myanmar
photo source: Christie’s
The 10.02 and 9.09 carats of Ruby and Diamond Ear Pendants that originated in Myanmar were sold in 2016 at a price of $11.49 million. The pair of earrings features an emerald-cut diamond of 10.02 carats and a cushion-cut ruby of 9.09 carats, mounted in platinum and 18K yellow gold.
The pendants boast of excellent clarity and color, with the diamonds graded E color (colorless) and IF clarity (internally flawless) and the rubies rated as “pigeon’s blood” red. Furthermore, the rubies were certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as being natural and untreated.
Did You Know?
The earrings were sold as part of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva in November 2016.
7. Mogok Ruby and Diamond Ring
Sale Price: $10.5 million to $11.78 million
Year Sold: 2015
Country of Origin: Myanmar
photo source: Sotheby’s
The 24.70-carat Mogok Ruby and Diamond Ring that originated in Myanmar and sold in 2015 at a price of $10.5 million to $11.78 million is an exceptionally rare and exquisite piece of jewelry. The 24.70 carats ring is set in 18-karat white gold and has a circular-cut ruby as its centerpiece. The ruby is surrounded by a halo of 16 round brilliant diamonds, adding to the beauty of this extraordinary piece.
The ruby is highly valuable due to its exceptional color, weight, and clarity. It is believed to have originated in the Mogok region of Myanmar, which is known for producing some of the world’s finest rubies. The sale of the ring was part of a larger collection of rare gems and jewelry from Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva, Switzerland.
The auction included over 500 items and was estimated to bring in between $37 million and $60 million.
Did You Know?
The Mogok ruby and diamond ring was the most expensive lot of the said auction, and it was purchased by an anonymous buyer.
6. Etcetera Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Sale Price: $12.94 million
Year Sold: 2015
Country of Origin: Myanmar
photo source: Christie’s
The 120-carat Etcetera Ruby and Diamond Necklace, originating from Myanmar and sold in 2015 for a staggering $12.94 million, is one of the world’s most expensive jewelry pieces. This necklace features an impressive 120-carat untreated Burmese ruby at its center, surrounded by 78 round white diamonds and a further 2 kite-shaped diamonds.
The rubies are deep red, and the diamonds have a colorless hue. The necklace was designed and crafted by the renowned Swiss jeweler David Morris and featured in several international auctions. The rubies and diamonds are set in platinum and feature a unique design described as “a piece of wearable art.”
Did You Know?
The necklace also features a unique clasp that is made up of diamonds and rubies. The clasp is said to be the most intricate part of the necklace and is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the designer.
5. Oval-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring
Sale Price: $12.97 million
Year Sold: 2017
Country of Origin: United States
photo source: Christie’s
In 2017, a 0.87-carat Oval-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring originating in the United States were sold at a staggering price of $12.97 million. The ring was created by renowned jewelry designer Harry Winston and is considered one of the most expensive pieces ever sold.
The ruby featured in the ring is estimated to be over 100 years old, and it is accompanied by two pear-shaped diamonds with a total weight of 3.14 carats. The ring is crafted from platinum and is set with 28 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 1.25 carats. The combination of precious stones and exquisite craftsmanship make this one of the most sought-after jewels in the world.
Did You Know?
The ring was auctioned at Christie’s in New York City in 2017, where it achieved its record-breaking price, making it the most expensive ruby and diamond ring ever sold at auction.
4. Jubilee Ruby Ring by Verdura
Sale Price: $14.16 million
Year Sold: 2016
Country of Origin: Myanmar
photo source: Christie’s
The 15.99-carat Verdura Jubilee Ruby Ring is a stunning ring sold at an auction in 2016 for $14.16 million. It is believed to have originated in Myanmar and is set in a beautiful 18-karat white gold mounting with diamond accents. The oval-shaped ruby at the center of the ring is one of the most significant rubies to ever come to auction.
The Verdura Jubilee Ruby Ring is an incredible jewelry piece with a long and fascinating history. It was formerly owned by renowned jewelry collector Marjorie Merriweather Post, who acquired the piece in the 1920s. The ring was later passed onto her daughter, former socialite Doris Duke, who wore it until she died in 1993.
The ring then went through a series of auctions before being purchased for a staggering $14.16 million in 2016.
Did You Know?
The Verdura Jubilee Ruby was reportedly mined in the Mogok Valley in Myanmar.
3. The Crimson Flame
Sale Price: $18 million
Year Sold: 2015
Country of Origin: Myanmar
photo source: The Jewelry Editor
The Crimson Flame is a 15.04-carat vivid red Burmese ruby sold in 2015 at Christie’s Hong Kong for an incredible $18 million. It is one of the most expensive rubies in the world and was mined in the Mogok region of Myanmar.
The ruby has a unique and beautiful color, described as “vivid red” by the Gubelin Gem Lab. This particular stone is extremely rare, with a clarity grade of “L-SI2”, meaning it is almost completely blemish-free.
The Crimson Flame is set with two tapered baguette diamonds on either side. It also features a modified octagonal cut, making it more unique and desirable. This ruby is a stunning example of Myanmar’s magnificent stones, which are highly sought after for their beauty and rarity.
Did You Know?
When it was announced that the stone would be auctioned off in 2015, it attracted much attention from wealthy buyers worldwide.
2. Sunrise Ruby
Sale Price: $30.42 million
Year Sold: 2015
Country of Origin: Myanmar
photo source: Sotheby’s
The 25.59-carat Sunrise Ruby is a rare and precious gemstone that originated in Myanmar. It was sold in 2015 at an auction of Sotheby’s for a record-breaking price of $30.42 million, making it the most expensive ruby ever sold that year.
The stone was cut from a 31.59-carat rough Burmese ruby and was given the name Sunrise Ruby due to the magnificent scarlet hues that appear to glow like the morning sun.
The oval-shaped ruby is set with diamonds and featured in a white gold and platinum setting. The Sunrise Ruby was certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as having “no indications of heating” and was also declared to be of Burmese origin.
Did You Know?
This unique gemstone was purchased by an anonymous buyer, and it is believed that the Sunrise Ruby was bought by a high-profile collector.
1. The Neelanjali Star Ruby
Sale Price: $100 million
Year Sold: 2008
Country of Origin: India
photo source: Camille Wordsworth
The Neelanjali Star Ruby is a rare and valuable gemstone that originated in India. It is a star ruby, which means it has a six-rayed star effect when viewed under a light source. The Neelanjali Star Ruby weighs an impressive 1,370 carats, making it one of the largest and most expensive rubies ever.
This magnificent gemstone was sold to an anonymous buyer in 2008 for a staggering $100 million.
The Neelanjali Star Ruby is a unique and beautiful gemstone that has been treasured for centuries. Its rarity and value make it highly sought after by collectors and jewelers. Its value is expected to increase over time, making it a great investment for anyone looking to add a unique piece of jewelry to their collection.
Did You Know?
It was named after Neelanjali, a character from a Hindu mythological story. The ruby is believed to have been cut from a larger stone mined in India.
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