Lot 130. Magnificent 'Pigeon's Blood Red' Burmese Mogok ruby and diamond necklace, Harry Winston. Estimate: HK$20,000,000 - 30,000,000 (US$2,560,000 - 3,850,000). Sold for HK$18,000,000. Photo Tiancheng International.
The filigreed necklace composed of twenty-six heart-shaped rubies together weighing 48.08 carats, decorated with pear-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds extending to the necklace, the diamonds together weighing approximately 75.00 carats, mounted in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold, signed, length approximately 402mm. Accompanied with an original signed pouch.
Accompanied by AGL report numbered CS1077684, dated 22 August 2016, stating that the rubies are natural, Red colour, of Burmese origin, with no gemological evidence of heat; with comments, stating that 'Non-heated rubies are scarce. Rubies are commonly heated to modify their colour and appearance.'; along with a premium letter, stating that 'These outstanding rubies...possess a number of internal features that clearly indicate that these stones were unearthed from the two most important Burmese ruby sources: the historic Burmese locality of the Mogok valley and the village of Mong Hsu. Individually, they each possess a richly saturated, homogeneous colour that is typical of fine quality rubies from these famous locales. As a collection of twenty-six gem Burmese rubies, they are incredibly well-matched in terms of colour and quality. Traditionally rubies of this colour have been described as having a "pigeon blood" hue...Such a collection of twenty-six heart-shape, unheated and well-matched Burmese rubies is incredibly rare...This impressive necklace upholds and reaffirms the esteemed status of a Burmese ruby and its reputation as the premier ruby source in the world.';
SSEF report numbered 87618, dated 20 September 2016, stating that the 48.08 carat rubies are natural, Red colour or strong saturation, of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating; with comments, stating that 'The colour of a majority of these rubies may also be called 'Pigeon's Blood Red' based on SSEF reference standards.'; along with an appendix letter, stating that 'The ruby necklace described...possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation....The rubies have been carefully selected for this necklace based on their highly matching colour and their fine quality. The small inclusions found by microscopic inspection and the analysed properties of these rubies are consistent with those of rubies from the reputed mines in Mong Hsu (southeast of Mogok) and from the Mogok valley. Their attractive and saturated colour - for a majority of these rubies poetically referred to as 'Pigeon Blood Red' - is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements, which are characteristic for the finest rubies from Burma (Myanmar)...Assembling a matching selection of natural rubies from Burma of this quality and cut into such an attractive heart-shape is very rare and exceptional.'