WORLD RECORD PRICE FOR A RUBY

Superb and extremely rare ruby and diamond ring
Set with a cushion-shaped ruby weighing 25.59 carats, between shield-shaped diamonds weighing 2.47 and 2.70 carats, signed Cartier, numbered, French assay and maker's marks, size 54, case signed Cartier. 

BidNow/online bidding is not available for this lot.Rubies of Burmese origin cannot be imported into the US. This piece contains rubies of Burmese origin and therefore cannot be imported into the US. Please contact the jewellery department for further information or see our Important Notices.Accompanied by SSEF report no. 78414 and Gübelin report no. 15020105, each stating that the ruby weighing 25.59 carats, is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating, 'pigeon blood colour', together with appendix letters.Accompanied by HRD report no. 20033250601 and no. 20033250602, stating that the heptagon-shaped diamonds weighing 2.70 and 2.47 carats, measuring 9.17 x 11.58 x 3.40mm and 9.17 x 11.57x 3.07mm, are both E Colour, VS2 and VS1 Clarity, respectively. Signed Cartier, numbered H4S00449, French assay and maker's marks, stamped Pt 950 for platinum, inscribed 54 signifying the ring size. According to the SSEF report, the ruby weighing 25.596 carats, measuring 17.66 x 15.07 x 10.47mm, is red of strong saturation; ruby with typical inclusions; for further details on the stone, please refer to the gemmological reports. For further information on the diamonds, please refer to the HRD reports. Normal signs of wear to the metal. In very good condition. Gross weight approximately 15 grams. Case signed Cartier.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"The described ruby exhibits a very impressive size and weight of 25.596 ct, combined with a highly attractive colour and a fine purity. Its colour is further pronounced by its well-proportioned cutting style, resulting in vivid red hues due to multiple internal reflections. Due to complex geological formation processes rubies of such quality generally are found in small crystals and only very exceptionally in such a size as the present stone. [...]Its vivid but saturated colour, poetically referred to as pigeon blood red, is due to a combination of well-balanced trace elements in the stone, typical and characteristic for the finest rubies of Mogok. [...]Based on our records we can conclude that a natural ruby from Burma of this size and colour is extremely rare. Thus, the described gemstone with its combination of outstanding characteristics can be considered a unique treasure of nature." Excerpts from the SSEF appendix letter, 4 February 2015

"The 25.59 ct ruby described in the above mentioned Gübelin Gem Lab Report possesses a combination of outstanding characteristics. It displays a homogeneous and richly saturated 'pigeon blood red' colour, which typifies the finest of these gems. The depth of colour, combined with a high clarity and brilliance, all contribute to the beauty of the gem. The shape and finely proportioned cut provides vivid internal colour reflections. In addition, this remarkable gemstone has been spared thermal treatment." Excerpt from Gübelin appendix letter, 11 February 2015