Jennifer Tonkin
Co-Head of Department UK
Lot 125
AN IMPRESSIVE RUBY AND DIAMOND RING, DESIGNED AND SIGNED BY COSTANTINO REPOSSI
Amended
12 November 2020, 11:00 GMT
London, New Bond StreetSold
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AN IMPRESSIVE RUBY AND DIAMOND RING, DESIGNED AND SIGNED BY COSTANTINO REPOSSI
The oval-cut ruby weighing 12.78 carats within a pear-shaped diamond surround, between graduated baguette-cut diamond shoulders, pear-shaped diamonds approx. 5.20cts total, signed Repossi, ring size approx. N
Footnotes
Accompanied by a report from SSEF stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin with no indications of heat treatment. Report number 111189, dated 28th November 2019.
Accompanied by a report from GRS stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin with no indications of heat treatment. Report number GRS2019-017169, dated 11th January 2019.
Accompanied by a report from Gübelin stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin with no indications of heat treatment. Report number 18111108, dated 20th November 2018.
Accompanied by a report from the GIA stating that the pear-shaped diamond weighing 0.91 carat is D colour, VS2 clarity. Report number 7316952379, dated 13th February 2019.
Accompanied by a report from the GIA stating that the pear-shaped diamond weighing 0.91 carat is F colour, VVS1 clarity. Report number 2185577672, dated 10th July 2017.
Accompanied by a report from the GIA stating that the pear-shaped diamond weighing 0.57 carat is D colour, VS1 clarity. Report number 6261620961, dated 8th August 2017.
Accompanied by a report from the GIA stating that the pear-shaped diamond weighing 0.50 carat is D colour, VS2 clarity. Report number 3295821011, dated 23rd July 2018.
Accompanied by a report from the GIA stating that the pear-shaped diamond weighing 0.50 carat is D colour, VS2 clarity. Report number 1299054976, dated 11th May 2018.
Accompanied by a report from the GIA stating that the pear-shaped diamond weighing 0.33 carat is D colour, SI1 clarity. Report number 2196777028, dated 6th April 2015.
Accompanied by a report from the GIA stating that the pear-shaped diamond weighing 0.31 carat is D colour, VVS2 clarity. Report number 2196060655, dated 19th January 2015.
Accompanied by a report from the GIA stating that the pear-shaped diamond weighing 0.30 carat is E colour, VVS2 clarity. Report number 6312733016, dated 21st January 2019.
Accompanied by a report from the GIA stating that the pear-shaped diamond weighing 0.30 carat is D colour, SI1 clarity. Report number 5176472400, dated 17th July 2014.
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, which only adds further value to this 12.78 carat gemstone offered for auction.
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.
The beauty and desirability of this Burmese ruby lies in its impressive credentials: a weight of 12.78 carats, a well saturated red hue and an appearance unaltered by heat treatment. Possessing over 10 carats of weight in a gem-quality ruby is extremely unusual as ruby crystals with the coveted vibrant red hue tend to be quite small. It is remarkable and rare to find a specimen of this calibre to be offered at auction.
Saleroom notices
Please note this ring is designed and signed by Costantino Repossi and not 'by Repossi' as stated in the catalogue.
