Famous Rubies – July Birthstone
Natural rubies, incredibly precious and truly impressionable, are a rare find as is, but when we come across a large flawless one history generally take note. We are going to take a look at some of the world famous rubies in honor of this month’s birthstone.
Famous Rubies: Sunrise Ruby
named after a poem written by the famous poet, Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī, the Sunrise Ruby is the most expensive ruby in existence (so far). This 25.59 carat Burmese saturated “pigeon blood” color ruby, which according to Sotheby’s “typifies the finest of these gems”, was a part of a private collection from the legendary luxury Maison, Cartier. This gorgeous stone sold for just over $30m (USD) to an anonymous Swiss buyer, three times more than predicted!
Alan Caplan Ruby (or Mogok Ruby) – Famous Rubies
Sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 1988, the 15.97 carat Burmese precious stone reached a whopping $227,301 USD per carat – $3,630,000 in total! According to Famous Diamonds, this extraordinary ruby was purchased by Graff Diamonds of London, “who reportedly sold it to the Sultan of Brunei as an engagement ring for one of his wives”.
DeLong Star Ruby
Edith Haggin DeLong purchased the 100.32 carat, 6-rayed star ruby in 1937. Currently, the ruby resides in the Natural History Museum in New York City. However this ruby was once part of America’s largest jewel heist in 1964. Authorities caught the thief, Jack Murphy and two other men, caught a few days later through a ransom operation in Florida.
Hixon Ruby Crystal
Gemologist consider the 196.10 carat Hixon Ruby one of the most perfect ruby crystals in existence! What is truly phenomenal about this Thai origin ruby is the surface is nearly flawless!
Rosser Reeves Star Ruby
Since 1965, The Smithsonian Institution has displayed the Rosser Reeves Ruby. After polishing, the stone lost 1.3 carats and transformed the stone into a star effect ruby. The story has it that, advertising tycoon Rosser Reeves, carried around the stone as a good luck charm!
Chhatrapati Manik Ruby – Considered to be one of the oldest rubies to date (380 – 415 AD), the Chhatrapati Manik Ruby translates to Supreme King’s Gemstone from Sanskrit. This stone was commissioned by Vikramaditya, King of Ujjain, to be mounted in the center of his crown. From then on, this incredibly fascinating stone was exchanged amongst traders, Mughal emperors, and eventually reappeared in London in 1934 as a centerpiece in a diamond tiara. You can read more about the Chhatrapati Manik Ruby in the link above.
The Carmen Lucia Ruby –
Miners discovered the Carmen Lucia Ruby in the 1930’s in the Mogok region of Burma. Carmen Lucia donated this 23.1 ruby to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Gemologists consider it one of the largest faceted Burmese rubies.
Often considered one of the most precious and lustrous stones, Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers has a great selection of ruby jewelry …. rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets. Stop by one of our stores today to find the perfect gift!
