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Burmese Ruby Bracelet
Specimen | Catalog Number | Locality | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Burmese Ruby Bracelet | NMNH G5020 | Myanmar [Burma] | 60.00 ct |
This platinum bracelet contains 31 antique-cut Burmese rubies (totaling 60 carats) possessing the deep, highly-valued color called pigeon's blood. Burma, particularly the region around Mogok, has been a main source for rubies since the late fifteenth century. Rubies from this region are known for their rich and vibrant color, which is why the term "Burmese Ruby" is synonymous with the finest color rubies. A red to slightly purplish-red color, that is medium-dark in tone, with the vibrancy of the color enhanced by a red fluorescence is called pigeon's blood. The rubies in this bracelet were taken from another piece of jewelry and reset by Harry Winston, Inc., in 1950. The original cuts were retained and the stones were reset in a 3-row platinum bracelet with diamonds. The accompanying 107 pear, marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds, total 27 carats. This beautiful bracelet was donated to the Smithsonian in 1961 and is on display in the Gem Gallery at the National Museum of Natural History.