Hong Kong has become one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for precious jewels — including rubies, the birthstone for July. This spring, record-breaking rubies highlighted the Magnificent Jewels auction at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, and ruby jewels at Christie’s Hong Kong contributed to the auction house’s record year-to-date sales. Here are some results from these fine jewelry auctions, along with a few ruby-red-carpet moments we love.
Sotheby’s
In April, at Sotheby’s Hong Kong sale of Magnificent Jewels, a 29.62-carat oval Burmese ruby and diamond ring, mounted by Cartier, sold for $7,338,462, making it the most expensive single ruby ever sold at auction — and most likely in the world.
At the same auction, The Red Emperor, a Burmese ruby and diamond necklace set with 60 Pigeon’s Blood rubies, totaling 104.51 carats, achieved $9,923,077, setting a new world record for a ruby and diamond necklace. Private collectors bought both of the record-breaking ruby jewels.
Christie’s
In May, at Christie’s Hong Kong sale of Magnificent Jewels, a suite of Burmese Pigeon’s Blood ruby and diamond jewelry comprising a necklace and ear pendants by James W. Currens for Fai Dee sold for $4,805,568 to a member of the Asian trade. The breathtaking necklace features 28 oval-shaped rubies weighing from 5.64 carats to 1.06 carats; the matching ear pendants are set with eight oval-shaped rubies weighing approximately 10.83 carats total. Both the necklace and the earrings are mounted in platinum and 18k yellow gold.
Right: Amy Adams in Valentino, Rubies and Diamonds at the 2014 Golden Globe Awards
Celebrity Rubies
In addition to their stellar performance in Hong Kong, rare red rubies are starring on the red carpet this year. At New York’s 2014 Tony Awards, Idina Menzel of “Let It Go” fame sizzled in a pair of ruby chandelier earrings by Jacob & Co. Amy Adams wore unheated ruby rings on both hands to match her Valentino dress and cape at the Golden Globes. And Sharon Stone stunned in ruby and diamond earrings at the Cannes Film Festival.
Do you love rubies? To learn how best to clean and care for them click here.
https://connoisseurs.com/jewelry_care_tips/how-to-clean-and-care-for-a-ruby/
And Happy Birthday to all you July-born OBJ fans!
