Red is a color that fills the heart with power, passion, emotion, and vitality. Throughout history, red has been associated with authority, representing religion, heroism, and good fortune. People’s love for the color red naturally extends to red gemstones, especially the rare, high-quality rubies found in nature.
The scientific name for ruby is red corundum. Due to the rarity of chromium, the color-causing element, in natural gemstones, higher chromium content results in a more vibrant red color and increased rarity. Let’s explore some of the most stunning and legendary rubies to date.
01
The World’s Most Famous Pigeon’s Blood Ruby: “Carmen Lúcia”
This ruby originates from Mogok, Myanmar, and after a tumultuous journey, it now resides in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in the United States. Weighing 23.1 carats, it is currently the largest and highest quality faceted ruby on display. Rubies symbolize love, and this legendary gem has a heartwarming love story behind it.
American millionaire Peter Buck’s wife, Carmen Lúcia, adored rubies and always hoped to see this incomparable stone. Due to cancer, she never had the chance to own it. However, her husband fulfilled her dying wish by donating a substantial sum to the museum to acquire and exhibit this magnificent ruby, naming it after his wife as a permanent memorial.
02
The World’s Most Expensive Single Ruby: “Sunrise Ruby”
This 25.59-carat pigeon’s blood ruby was sold at Sotheby’s Geneva auction in 2015 for $30.3 million, double its estimated price. This equates to approximately $1.2 million per carat, making it the first ruby in Sotheby’s Geneva auction history to exceed $1 million per carat.
03
The World’s Largest Star Ruby: “Rajaratna Star Ruby”
This magnificent star ruby, originating from India, weighs an astounding 2,457 carats. It boasts a beautiful six-rayed star effect and is cut in a rounded cabochon shape with a flat bottom.
04
The World’s Most Infamous “Ruby”: “Black Prince’s Ruby”
This large red gemstone is set in the center of the British Crown Jewels. It has remained mostly in its original form, with only slight polishing. For centuries, it was mistakenly believed to be a ruby. However, experts later discovered that the “Black Prince’s Ruby” is actually a red spinel, a gemstone considerably less rare than a ruby.
This revelation is considered one of the most significant gemological mix-ups in history. Surprisingly, this discovery has not diminished the stone’s value. On the contrary, its worth far exceeds that of most rubies due to its legendary history, its prominent position in the British Crown Jewels, and its close association with the British royal family’s destiny.
05
History’s Most Scandalous Love Ruby: “My Wallis Ruby Necklace”
Although this necklace doesn’t feature a large ruby as its centerpiece, it showcases clusters of rubies and diamonds forming an exquisitely elegant ribbon design. This necklace also bears witness to the scandalous love story of the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII of England, who chose love over the throne. In 1936, the Duke abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée. This ruby necklace was his gift to Wallis, aptly named “My Wallis.”
The necklace is part of a set that includes a matching bracelet and brooch, designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. It showcases the jeweler’s signature invisible setting technique, resulting in a visually stunning and delicate appearance. The piece exemplifies the perfect blend of craftsmanship and romantic symbolism, making it one of the most talked-about ruby jewels in history.
Crimson Treasures: The Most Breathtaking Red Gemstones in History
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