Rubies are among the most sought-after gemstones, revered for their captivating beauty, enduring value, and importance in astrology. Known for their vibrant red color, natural rubies have been treasured throughout history, symbolizing passion, protection, and prosperity. Often associated with royalty and power, the ruby stone holds a unique place in the world of gemstones. As a member of the corundum mineral family, rubies owe their rich hue to trace elements of chromium, which give them their distinctive red color. This characteristic sets rubies apart as one of the most desirable stones in the jewelry industry. As a birthstone for July, rubies in astrology are believed to bring good fortune to their wearer, enhancing their confidence and vitality. The natural ruby's brilliance and scarcity make it a prized possession, often found in exquisite jewellery pieces, from rings and bracelets to necklaces. Its timeless appeal continues to captivate gem enthusiasts and collectors alike, maintaining its status as a symbol of luxury and elegance.
In this article, we will explore some of the world's most famous rubies, delving into their history, significance, and the unique qualities that make them so extraordinary.
1. The Sunrise Ruby
The Sunrise Ruby is celebrated as one of the most remarkable rubies in the world, renowned for its extraordinary beauty and historical significance. Mined in the legendary Mogok region of Myanmar, a source of the world's finest rubies, the Sunrise Ruby is named after a poem by the famous Persian poet Rumi. This certified natural ruby stone, with an enormous carat weight, made headlines in May 2015 when it was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva for a staggering $30.42 million, setting a record for the highest price per carat ever paid for a ruby gemstone at the time.
With a vivid pigeon-blood red color, the Sunrise Ruby is lauded for its remarkable clarity and brilliance. Weighing 25.59 carats, this ruby stone is known for its exceptional transparency, a feature that significantly enhances its allure and rarity. Such a combination of color, size, and purity is extremely rare in natural rubies, making the Sunrise Ruby stone a highly coveted piece among collectors and jewelers.
The Sunrise Ruby
In the world of luxury jewellery, the Sunrise Ruby is considered a masterpiece. Its unmatched beauty and historical auction record have elevated it to iconic status, influencing the valuation of ruby gemstones worldwide. The ruby was set between 2 shield-shaped diamonds, creating a spectacular piece of jewellery that epitomizes elegance and sophistication. The influence of Sunrise Ruby on the market is profound, setting new benchmarks for ruby stone prices. Its legacy continues to inspire appreciation for natural rubies, highlighting their timeless beauty and enduring allure in the global jewellery market.
2. The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby
The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby stone is an extraordinary gem renowned for its large carat size and remarkable asterism, a star-like phenomenon that appears on its surface. This captivating effect is a result of light reflecting off tiny rutile inclusions within the ruby, creating a sharp, six-rayed star that seems to glide across the stone as it moves. Weighing 138.7 carats, the Rosser Reeves Star Ruby with its exceptional carat weight is one of the largest and finest star rubies in existence, celebrated for its striking color and clarity. It is currently housed in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, where it continues to fascinate visitors and gemstone enthusiasts alike.
Named after Rosser Reeves, an American advertising mogul who generously donated the stone to the Smithsonian, this natural ruby has a storied past. It is believed to have originated from Sri Lanka, a country famous for producing high-quality star rubies. Before its acquisition by Reeves, the stone was owned by several prominent collectors and was displayed at various exhibitions worldwide. Reeves often referred to the stone as his good luck charm, demonstrating the cultural and personal significance attributed to such gemstones.
The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby
The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby's impact on the appreciation of ruby gemstones is substantial. As a distinguished manik stone, it highlights the unique characteristics that make star rubies highly desirable. The star effect adds a layer of mystique and allure, making these rubies especially popular in jewellery design. The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby's prominence has helped raise awareness of the value and beauty of star rubies, further enhancing their status in the jewellery industry.
3. The DeLong Star Ruby
The DeLong Star Ruby stone is another renowned example of a star ruby, celebrated for its remarkable asterism and rich history. Weighing 100.32 carats, this ruby is distinguished by its deep red color and sharp, well-defined star, a result of rutile inclusions that reflect light in a unique pattern. The oval cabochon star ruby was originally found in Burma (modern-day Myanmar), a region famed for producing some of the world's finest rubies.
The DeLong Star Ruby stone gained significant fame following a dramatic theft and recovery in the 1960s. In 1964, the ruby was stolen from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, along with several other gems, in a heist orchestrated by notorious jewel thief Jack Murphy and two accomplices. The ruby was recovered in a Miami phone booth after a ransom of $25,000 was paid, and its recovery further solidified its place in history.
Beyond its physical attributes, the DeLong Star Ruby is steeped in symbolism and cultural beliefs. Rubies are often associated with passion, protection, and prosperity. They are believed to bring good fortune to their wearer, enhancing vitality and confidence. The star effect in the DeLong Ruby adds to its mystical appeal, symbolizing guidance and protection. This gemstone's allure continues to enhance the brilliance of ruby jewellery, making it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The DeLong Star Ruby
4. The Liberty Bell Ruby
The Liberty Bell Ruby is an extraordinary sculpture, crafted from the largest mined ruby in the world. Weighing 8,500 carats, this remarkable piece was meticulously carved into a replica of the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence. The sculpture features 50 diamonds set into it, representing each U.S. state, further enhancing its symbolic significance. Discovered in East Africa, the ruby was sculpted in 1976 as a tribute to the United States Bicentennial, making it a unique fusion of natural beauty and patriotic artistry.
The Liberty Bell Ruby stone holds significant historical importance due to its ties to American heritage. It serves as a powerful symbol of liberty and unity, capturing the spirit of American history through its distinctive design. Despite its impressive size and craftsmanship, the Liberty Bell Ruby was the target of a daring theft in 2011 when it was stolen from a jewellery seller in Delaware. Unfortunately, the gem has yet to be recovered, adding an air of mystery to its legacy.
The Liberty Bell Ruby
Valued at $2 million, the Liberty Bell Ruby's appeal to collectors lies in its uniqueness and symbolic representation, making it a coveted piece in the jewellery market. Its impact extends beyond its physical attributes, embodying a blend of artistry, history, and national pride.
5. The Carmen Lucia Ruby
The Carmen Lucia Ruby stone is renowned for its stunning red color and exceptional quality, making it stand out among the world's most famous rubies. It is the largest faceted ruby in the National Gem Collection and one of the finest large, faceted Burmese rubies known. Weighing 23.10 carats, this ruby exhibits a rich, saturated red hue, often referred to as "pigeon-blood red," and boasts impressive clarity. Mined from the Mogok region of Burma in the 1930s, the Carmen Lucia Ruby was eventually acquired by Peter Buck, a co-founder of the Subway franchise, who donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in honour of his late wife, Carmen Lucia.
The Carmen Lucia Ruby is mounted in a platinum ring, accompanied by two triangular-cut diamonds totalling 2.38 carats, further enhancing its beauty and brilliance. The ruby is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, where it is admired for its beauty, large carat weight, and historical significance. As a prime example of a high-quality ruby gemstone, the Carmen Lucia Ruby stone has played a pivotal role in shaping modern appreciation for rubies. Its presence in the Smithsonian collection enhances public understanding of the rarity and beauty of natural rubies.
The Carmen Lucia Ruby
Conclusive Reflections
These remarkable rubies illustrate the diversity and charm of ruby gemstones, celebrated for their vibrant red color, large carat weights, and exceptional transparency. Whether through the striking star phenomenon seen in manik stones or the intricate inclusions that enhance their beauty, rubies continue to captivate collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike. Beyond their visual appeal, rubies hold cultural and symbolic significance, believed to bring protection and prosperity to their wearer. Similar to gems like blue sapphire and garnet, rubies have a timeless allure that transcends trends and remains rooted in cultural tradition.
Explore the world of precious gemstones further with Precious Earth, where you can find a curated collection of exquisite ruby stones. Our offerings range from birthstones to stunning statement pieces, crafted to suit all tastes. Visit Precious Earth to discover the perfect ruby gemstone, yellow sapphire, topaz, hessonite, or opal to enhance your jewellery collection and enrich your life.
