The oval ruby weighing 10.37 carats, flanked by half-moon-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 1.00 carat, size 5¾.

Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 11050171 stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin, no indications of heating. Together with two notes from Gübelin, the first stating that the ruby is of the Mogok Valley, or Mogok Stone Tract, in the Katha district, North East of Mandalay. The second note is stating the rarity of this stone. The ruby is a very bright and lively medium slightly pinkish red color and is slightly included, one of those inclusions being a dark inclusion which can be seen with the naked eye at particular angles. Richly saturated and evenly colored. Diamonds are approximately E-F color and VS clarity. In very good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. 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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Accompanied by Gübelin report no. 11050171 stating that the ruby is of Burmese origin, no indications of heating.  Together with two notes from Gübelin, the first stating that the ruby is of the Mogok Valley, or Mogok Stone Tract, in the Katha district, North East of Mandalay.  The second note is stating the rarity of this stone.

The scarcity of gem-quality rubies of significant siz🦋e ensures that the demand for them will always far exceed the supply.  The French explorer Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605-1689), generally regarded as the father of the gem trade, exclaimed "when a ruby exceeds 6 carats and is perfect, it is sold for whatever is asked for it."  Tavernier, who made six trips to India during his lifetime, kept accounts of the gem trade in the east and the abundance of fabulous gems to be found in the royal treasuries. No doubt Tavernier would be surprised to learn that over the last four centuries very little has changed in regard to the value of an exceptional rubyജ.

Today as in earlier times, the main source of gem quality rubies is the Mogok Valley, northeast of Mandalay in Upper Burma.  It is a small area of a few dozen square miles, only a portion of which is gem-bearing. No one knows when mining there began, but prehistoric tools have been discovered indicating ancient origin. The earliest records of activity date from 1597 when the mines were secured by the King of Burma who demanded that larger stones be surrendered tꦆo him. Conditions deteriorated over the next centuries when deplorable mining conditions and political uncertainty made for sporadic production. Rulers suspected the miners of breaking up larger and more valuable stones but it is possible that not many ever existed in the first place. Since 1962 when Burma's socialist government gained control of the mines,  production figures have been nearly impossible to obtain. Judging from the paucity of fine rubies on the market, it is presumed that the mines are nearly depleted.

Ruby is the red variety of the gem ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚspecies corundum, second only to diamond in hardness and therefore ideal to be fashioned and worn as a jewel. Composed mainly of aluminum oxide, corundum is in its purest form, colorles🐓s. Although aluminum oxide is not rare, it is hardly ever found in combination with chromium, the element responsible for imparting the red color to a ruby. A beautiful ruby is therefore the result of a fortunate combination of the right chemical elements and specific geological conditions.

The Burma Rose is a stone befitting of its title. A beautiful rose-red hue and exception🐟ally brilliant, it is also an attractive shape, beautifully proportioned and over 10 carats in weight.  As the Gübelin certificate attests, it is of Burmese origin and free of heat. A note to the ge🅺m report states that the use of heating techniques has increased over the past decades making the demand for natural, high quality, unheated rubies even greater at present. Throughout history, faceted rubies of large size and fine quality are so rare that hardly any stones were "named."  A few examples, such as the "Black Prince's Ruby" and the "Timur Ruby" were later discovered to be spinels. The current stone, The Burma Rose, more than earns its title with its exceptional pedigree, beauty and rarity.