Bonhams
Lot 198
RUBY AND DIAMOND BROOCHThe pierced foliate plaque of Eastern inspiration with chevron motifs, millegrain-set with old brilliant and single-cut diamonds, accented by a cushion-shaped ruby, weighing 2.02 carats, over a pavé-set single-cut diamond bar of rectangular openwork form, diamonds approximately 2.00 carats total, length 3.1cmFootnotes:Accompanied by a report from SSEF stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin with no indications of heat treatment, minor amounts of oil in fissures. Report number 125423 dated 1st November 2022.Historically, the ruby has been important for many cultures and was ascribed various values of power: protection, wealth, status, cures for illness and peace. The Sanskrit name, ratnaraj or 'King of Precious Stones' given to rubies very much embodies the value bestowed upon this gemstone.Over the past 800 years, the finest rubies unearthed have been found in the Mogok Stone Tract region of Burma, now Myanmar. This continues to be the case today despite rubies being mined in various other locations such as Africa, Thailand, Tanzania, Afghanistan and Madagascar. The continued mining in the Mogok Stone Tract region is resulting in a depletion of top-quality ruby deposits.Burmese rubies are prized for their vibrant fiery colour which is caused by high levels of chromium saturating the ground from which they are mined. It is this colour combined with their strong fluorescence which gives them a glowing, fiery radiance. Top quality Burmese rubies are the gold standard to which all other rubies are judged.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ΩΩ VAT on imported items at the prevailing rate on Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
