A RUBY BEAD NECKLACE
Designed as two lines of gently graduating rows of well-matched ruby beads, measuring 12.54 mm to 4.23 mm, with a total weight of approximately 423.93 carats, interspersed with diamond-set rondelles, joined by a clasp set with diamonds and rubies; with a total diamond weight of approximately 5.54 carats, mounted in gold
Ruby: 423.93 carats
Diamonds: 5.54 carats
Gold: 8.00 gms (18 kt), 2.738 gms (14 kt - clasp)
"Hot and fiery, red as the sun, the ruby is the gem of summer." (Usha R Bala Krishnan and Meera Sushil Kumar, Dance of the Peacock: Jewellery Traditions of India, India Book House Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, 1999, pg. 47)
"The ruby has always maintained its important position in the Indian gemstone world because of its symbolic mythological connection with Surya, the sun god, the sun being the centre of all phenomena in our solar system." (Oppi Untracht, Traditional Jewellery of India, Thames and Hudson Ltd. London, 1997, pg. 323)
One of the most sought-after precious stones, rubies have earned them a place among the navratna or nine jewels, which is believed to bring the bearer prosperity and longevity. They are a form of the mineral corundum, with the colours ranging from transparent pink to rose to deep carmine. The most valued ruby in the world is a pure, deep red, often termed pigeon's blood. In ancient times, Ceylon, also known as the Island of Gems, was the primary source of rubies. In the 16th century, Burma (Myanmar) or Pegu became the main hub for rubies, and the gemstones from this region are still considered some of the best in the world. However, in the wake of a trade ban in 2003, many other sites for rubies opened up, including the country of Mozambique in South-eastern Africa.
"From today's perspective, it would be impossible to overstate the significance of African rubies in the gemstone trade. East African ruby, specifically from Mozambique, Tanzania and Madagascar, has recently dominated the market for several reasons; lack of thermal enhancement, brilliancy, size and for its colour. No other geographical region has successfully competed with Mozambique ruby with regard to quality and size." (Dr. A. Peretti, "A Review of Beauty and Rarity of Mozambique Ruby", Gem Research Swiss Lab, accessed online)
Our present lot is designed as two lines of gently graduating rows of unheated Mozambique ruby beads, devoid of any thermal treatment or enhancement. Each rubyretains its original colour, heightening the allure that this gemstone has long held in many cultures.
Designed as two lines of gently graduating rows of well-matched ruby beads, measuring 12.54 mm to 4.23 mm, with a total weight of approximately 423.93 carats, interspersed with diamond-set rondelles, joined by a clasp set with diamonds and rubies; with a total diamond weight of approximately 5.54 carats, mounted in gold
Ruby: 423.93 carats
Diamonds: 5.54 carats
Gold: 8.00 gms (18 kt), 2.738 gms (14 kt - clasp)
"Hot and fiery, red as the sun, the ruby is the gem of summer." (Usha R Bala Krishnan and Meera Sushil Kumar, Dance of the Peacock: Jewellery Traditions of India, India Book House Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, 1999, pg. 47)
"The ruby has always maintained its important position in the Indian gemstone world because of its symbolic mythological connection with Surya, the sun god, the sun being the centre of all phenomena in our solar system." (Oppi Untracht, Traditional Jewellery of India, Thames and Hudson Ltd. London, 1997, pg. 323)
One of the most sought-after precious stones, rubies have earned them a place among the navratna or nine jewels, which is believed to bring the bearer prosperity and longevity. They are a form of the mineral corundum, with the colours ranging from transparent pink to rose to deep carmine. The most valued ruby in the world is a pure, deep red, often termed pigeon's blood. In ancient times, Ceylon, also known as the Island of Gems, was the primary source of rubies. In the 16th century, Burma (Myanmar) or Pegu became the main hub for rubies, and the gemstones from this region are still considered some of the best in the world. However, in the wake of a trade ban in 2003, many other sites for rubies opened up, including the country of Mozambique in South-eastern Africa.
"From today's perspective, it would be impossible to overstate the significance of African rubies in the gemstone trade. East African ruby, specifically from Mozambique, Tanzania and Madagascar, has recently dominated the market for several reasons; lack of thermal enhancement, brilliancy, size and for its colour. No other geographical region has successfully competed with Mozambique ruby with regard to quality and size." (Dr. A. Peretti, "A Review of Beauty and Rarity of Mozambique Ruby", Gem Research Swiss Lab, accessed online)
Our present lot is designed as two lines of gently graduating rows of unheated Mozambique ruby beads, devoid of any thermal treatment or enhancement. Each rubyretains its original colour, heightening the allure that this gemstone has long held in many cultures.