The cushion-shaped ruby weighing 21.88 carats.

Rubies of Burmese origin cannot be imported into the US. This piece is a ruby of Burmese origin and therefore cannot be imported into the US. Please contact the jewellery department for further information or see our Important Notices. According to the SSEF report the ruby measuring 15.99 x 13.66 x 10.22 mm, is of Burmese origin, with no indications of heating, it is of slightly purplish red, medium strong saturation, for further information on this stone, please refer to the SSEF report; ruby with typical crystal inclusions, some surface reaching, with nicks, chips, scratches and abrasions. Gross weight approximately 4 grams.
"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."

Jewels with a recorded history are rare and valuable to our understanding of jewellery’s place and importance in society. The existence of this ruby is extraordinarily found in a marriage contract, signed on the 15^th March 1784, on the occasion of the marriage between Prince Francisco Ruspoli and Countess Leopoldina Khevenhüller, daughter of Prince Segismundo Khevenhüller.

As stated in the third clause of the contract, « Además de la dote antedicha, dará también el antedicho príncipe don Segismundo Khevenhüller todo el ajuar para la futura Esposa, de tal manera que para h𓄧onrarla no quede nada a cargo del príncipe Esposo, excepto por las joyas entre las que destaca un anillo de rubí de Birmania de más de veinte y dos quilates, que no obstante serán de uso exclusivo de la Esposa en cualquier evento donde sea de norma y según las leyes y prácticas de Roma ».

[In addition to the above dowry, Prince Segismundo Khevenhüller will also give the entire trousseau of the future w🎃ife, so no charges will be given to the husband in order to honour her, except for the jewels, among which a Burmese ruby ring weighing more than twenty two carats that notwithstanding will be oꦏf exclusive use for the wife in any event were the norms requires her to use it and following the Roman laws and practices.]

While the Countess’ ♍trousseau was to be given entirely to the Princ🎶e, including thousands of Florentine gold coins, her jewellery was to remain within her exclusive use – specifically the Burmese ruby ring weighing more than 22 carats, undoubtedly repolished over the centuries to its present weight. This demonstrates how important and personal jewellery is to the owner, and it is this close link between the jewel and the wearer which makes the history and provenance of a jewel so much more exciting.