Vintage White Gold Bracelet with Untreated Burmese Rubies, c. 1970

Due to their outstanding quality, rubies from Burma are among the most precious gemstones of all and are often more valuable than diamonds. Their classic location is in the area around Mogok in what is now Myanmar. Rubies from other locations, such as Thailand or Africa, are nowadays almost always heated to improve their color and purity. This is not necessary for rubies from Mogok - their color and beauty do not require any improvement. This bracelet shows the exceptional quality of these rare gemstones. Twelve untreated rubies from Burma are set in a frame of white gold and the finest diamonds. These rubies are arranged in a slightly graduated pattern, increasing in size towards the center. The generous tables allow the viewer to immerse their gaze in the interior of the stones. Their intense red glows in the light with every movement. The finest rutile needles embedded in the rubies give them the typical silky sheen that makes Burmese rubies so unique. The bracelet surrounds the rubies with rhythmically repeated arches and frames of brilliant-cut diamonds and baguette diamonds. The gemstones are held in place by prongs with rounded ends, typical of jewellery from the 1960s and 1970s. Bracelets with colored stones and a large amount of diamonds were particularly popular in these years. In their work Understanding Jewellery (Woodbridge 2010, p. 434f.), David Bennet and Daniela Mascetti show some comparable, precious examples that help us to date this bracelet to this period. We have had two independent appraisals prepared for the bracelet, which confirm both the quality of the gemstones and the Burmese origin of the rubies. The certificates are enclosed with the bracelet, which we were able to purchase here in Berlin.

Estimate:£66,729.87

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