Rubies, often referred to as the “King of Gemstones,” have captivated humanity for centuries with their mesmerizing red hues and legendary rarity. These gemstones have adorned the crowns of monarchs, found their way into the most exquisite jewelry pieces, and become symbols of wealth and passion. In the realm of rubies, a select few have achieved legendary status not only for their size and color but also for their record-breaking prices. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of opulence and explore some of the most expensive rubies ever sold.
1. The “Sunrise Ruby” – $30.3 Million:
The “Sunrise Ruby” is arguably one of the most famous rubies in the world. This exceptional gemstone, weighing approximately 25.59 carats, exhibits a vivid red hue reminiscent of the rising sun. It is set in a ring designed by Faidee, a renowned gem dealer specializing in rare rubies and sapphires. In 2015, the “Sunrise Ruby” set a new world record for the most expensive ruby ever sold at auction, fetching a staggering $30.3 million at Sotheby’s Geneva.
2. The “Red Emperor Ruby” – $10.9 Million:
The “Red Emperor Ruby” is a 10.05-carat Burmese ruby known for its exceptional color saturation and purity. Its intense red hue, often described as “pigeon’s blood” red, is highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. In 2015, this exquisite gemstone was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong for $10.9 million, further emphasizing the allure of top-quality Burmese rubies.
3. The “Mogok Ruby” – $8.6 Million:
The “Mogok Ruby” is another Burmese ruby renowned for its intense red color and exceptional clarity. Weighing approximately 19.03 carats, this magnificent gemstone was sold for $8.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva in 2015. Its remarkable size and quality contributed to its high price.
4. The “Hope Ruby” – $6 Million:
The “Hope Ruby,” named after the famous collector and philanthropist Henry Thomas Hope, is a 32.08-carat Burmese ruby of exceptional quality. This ruby possesses a rich red hue and exceptional clarity. It was sold at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2015 for $6 million, highlighting the continued demand for top-tier Burmese rubies.
5. The “Crimson Flame Ruby” – $18.3 Million:
The “Crimson Flame Ruby” is a remarkable 8.62-carat Burmese ruby with a vivid red hue and excellent clarity. It was sold by the renowned gem dealer Faidee at a Sotheby’s auction in 2015 for $18.3 million. This gemstone’s vibrant color and exceptional quality contributed to its record-breaking price per carat.
6. The “Liberty Bell Ruby” – $2.97 Million:
The “Liberty Bell Ruby” is a 4.5-carat Burmese ruby with a rich red color and excellent clarity. It was designed by Faidee and set in a platinum ring featuring white diamonds in the shape of the Liberty Bell. This unique piece of jewelry was auctioned at Sotheby’s in 2015 for $2.97 million.
7. The “Graff Ruby” – $8.6 Million:
The “Graff Ruby” is a 8.62-carat Burmese ruby that exhibits a deep, vibrant red color. It was sold by Graff Diamonds in 2014 for $8.6 million. The gemstone’s exceptional quality and provenance contributed to its high price.
8. The “Burma Ruby” – $7.4 Million:
The “Burma Ruby” is a 13.21-carat Burmese ruby known for its intense red hue and excellent clarity. It was sold at a Christie’s auction in 2015 for $7.4 million. This ruby’s remarkable size and quality made it highly coveted among collectors.
9. The “The Red Emperor Necklace” – $10.4 Million:
The “Red Emperor Necklace” features a collection of Burmese rubies, including a centerpiece ruby weighing approximately 10.05 carats. The necklace was sold at a Tiancheng International auction in Hong Kong in 2015 for $10.4 million.
10. The “Red Lotus Necklace” – $10.4 Million:
The “Red Lotus Necklace” features a magnificent 10.05-carat Burmese ruby surrounded by smaller rubies and diamonds. It was sold at a Tiancheng International auction in Hong Kong in 2015 for $10.4 million.
These extraordinary rubies not only showcase the breathtaking beauty and rarity of top-quality Burmese rubies but also emphasize the enduring fascination with these gemstones in the world of high-end jewelry and gem collecting. Each of these exceptional rubies possesses a unique combination of color, size, and clarity, making them not only valuable but also historical treasures that continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.