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Burma Rubies
For centuries, Burma rubies (or Mogok rubies) have captured hearts and minds. They are renowned for their rich, fiery red colour and unparalleled quality, making them some of the most coveted gemstones in the world.
A Rich History
Burma rubies, renowned for their captivating red hue, trace their origin to Myanmar's Mogok Valley, often dubbed the "Land of Rubies." This region has been the world's premier source of these precious gems for centuries.
They have a rich history, entwined with Burmese royalty and mythology, and have symbolised power, protection, and passion in various cultures. Their allure reached its zenith during the Mogul Empire in India, where they adorned royal regalia. Despite multiple challenges in the gemstone trade, Burma rubies remain highly coveted and maintain their reputation for exceptional quality and vivid colour.
However, it is not just their quality that accounts for Burma rubies’ status as the world’s most valuable coloured gemstone. Burmese warriors believed rubies would protect them in battle; ancient folklore attributes them with mythical qualities of luck and protection. The Sanskrit word for ruby, Ratnaraj, means ‘king of precious stones’; for centuries, they have been linked to royalty, appearing in crown jewels across the globe.
Their irresistible allure lies in their captivating aesthetics when adorning jewellery, and their vivid pigeon-blood red hue adds a striking and luxurious element to any piece, be it rings, necklaces or earrings. The best cuts for Burma rubies often include the classic round brilliant cut, which maximises their brilliance and fiery sparkle. The cushion, oval, and pear-shaped cuts are popular choices, enhancing the gem's natural beauty.
What is a Burma Ruby?
Akin to gleaming pomegranate seeds, Burma rubies are the quality benchmark against which every other ruby is compared–and 90 per cent of these come from Mogok mines. There are defining characteristics that distinguish Burma rubies from other types of rubies.
1) Vivid red colour: Burma rubies are celebrated for their intense, pigeon-blood red hue, considered the most desirable gemstone.
2) Exceptional clarity: They typically exhibit excellent transparency and minimal inclusions, enhancing their visual appeal.
3) High refractive index: This property gives Burma rubies exceptional brilliance and sparkle. The softness often displayed in rubies comes from their minute, light-scattering inclusions, called ‘silk’.
Why are Burma Rubies Red?
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which in its purest form is colourless. It is the traces of chromium that create the red colour. The amount of chromium impacts the vividness of the ruby, with intense reds containing higher levels. The chromium can also cause fluorescence, which adds to the intensity of the ruby. Colour is the most important factor when considering rubies; it is very rare to find a ruby free of inclusions and their value is strongly dictated by the visibility of the inclusions.
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Burma Rubies Moments in History
Burma rubies fiery colour makes them a favourite of Hollywood royalty and socialites alike.
In 2016, the Jubilee Ruby broke records to become the most valuable gemstone to be sold at a US auction. The ruby is 15.99ct and hailed from the legendary Mogok valley. It sold for $14.16 million.
Today, many of the finest stones belong to aristocratic European families, a testament, perhaps, to the ruby’s associations with wealth and power.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to our most commonly asked questions. Should you want to find out more please feel free to contact us and begin your Pragnell experience.
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