Pair of Gem Pigeon’s Blood Ruby and Diamond Earrings by Siegelson, New York
Pair of Gem Pigeon’s Blood Ruby and Diamond Earrings by Siegelson, New York
A pair of earrings, each composed of a prong-set cushion-cut ruby encircled by prong-set diamonds suspended from diamond-set earwires; mounted in platinum
- 2 cushion-cut rubies, weighing 4.04 and 4.03 carats
- 18 brilliant-cut diamonds, total weighing 10.29 carats
- 18 round diamonds, total weighing 0.09 carats
- Measurements: 1 1/2 x 3/4 inches
Additional cataloguing
Certification
Gübelin Gem Lab Gemmological Report, dated October 26, 2015, stating that the cushion-shape natural corundum rubies are of Burma origin with no indications of heating. Further stating the color variety is “pigeon blood red.”
Gübelin Gem Lab Appendix stating “A set of two
natural, non-enhanced rubies from Burma of this size, endowed with such intrinsic qualities as a high transparency, combined with a saturated color, is
very rare.”
Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) Test Report, dated September 25, 2015, stating that the two natural corundum rubies are of Burma origin with no indications of heating. Further stating the color variety is “pigeon blood red.”
Gemological Institute of America Diamond Dossiers for each of the 18 round brilliant diamonds stating that the diamonds are D color and internally flawless clarity.
Significance
Throughout history, the deep red color of the finest rubies has made it the most valued stone in the world. The ancient Hindus called the stone ratnaraj, meaning “king of precious stones.” In 1560, Italian goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini stated “the price of ruby was eight times that of diamond.” In The Six Voyages, published in 1676, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier wrote, “When a ruby exceeds six carats and is perfect, it is sold for whatever is asked for it.”
An intense red gemstone, ruby is formed from the mineral corundum, with the color caused by chromium deposits. For hundreds of years the Mogok Valley in Upper Myanmar (Burma) produced the finest rubies ever discovered, though few good rubies have been found recently.
The most precious and beautiful ruby hue known as Pigeon’s Blood is a deep red with undertones of purple. Dr. Eduard Gübelin described it thus, “Ruby owes its personal popularity to the gorgeous glowing color of smoldering red fire beneath its shining, lacquer-like surface, and its name, derived from the Latin word ruber, red, denotes the embodiment of the most beautiful red. Light and velvety shades range from pink to darkest purple, but the crown of all the beauty, the noblest and most precious nuance is Pigeon Blood red, a saturated shade of carmine red. The more glowing, the more vivid is the red sparkle, the choicer and more costly is the ruby.”
Today, Burmese rubies over 3 carats are the most rare, expensive, and sought after of all gemstones, and the Pigeon’s Blood is the apogee of beauty and rarity. The size and unparalleled color of these matched Pigeon’s Blood ruby earrings make this jewel a shrewd investment and wise acquisition for the collector.
