Auctions

Phillips to Auction Rare 18-Carat Burmese Ruby

AuctionsOct 22, 2024

Phillips to Auction Rare 18-Carat Burmese Ruby

The auction house said the gemstone could fetch up to $5.5 million at next month’s sale.

17.97-Carat Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring
In addition to this 17.97-carat ruby and diamond ring, Phillips will offer other colored gemstone pieces, jewels with historical provenance, Art Deco designs, and classic pieces at its Geneva jewelry auction next month.
Geneva—At its jewelry auction next month, Phillips will offer a nearly 18-carat Burmese ruby that’s expected to sell for more than $5 million. 

“Geneva Jewels Auction: Three” will take place in Geneva on Nov. 11.

The star of the sale is a Burmese ruby and diamond ring, pictured above, featuring a 17.97-carat ruby.

While rubies weighing more than 5 carats are extremely rare, the auction house said stones weighing 10 to 20 carats are “true natural wonders.”

Phillips said the gemstone has “exceptional clarity” for its size, as well as a vibrant unheated color and rich saturation.

Its pre-sale estimate is CHF 4.1 million to 4.8 million ($4.8 million to $5.5 million).

The sale also will feature colored diamonds, including a ring with a 3.24-carat, internally flawless fancy vivid blue diamond.

Phillips 3.24 carat Type IIb fancy vivid blue diamond
Phillips will offer this Type IIb fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 3.24 carats at its jewelry auction next month.


The diamond is classified as Type IIb, meaning it contains the trace element boron, which is responsible for the stone’s blue color. 

Type IIb diamonds, which are also known to conduct electricity, are rare in nature, with the auction house estimating that less than one-half of 1 percent of diamonds fall into this category.

The ring is estimated to sell for CHF 4.1 million to 5.1 million ($4.8 million to $6 million).

Phillips will also offer a natural red diamond. 

The 1.21-carat stone is named “The Red Miracle” and comes from a private collection. 

It is estimated to fetch CHF 420,000 to 680,000 ($500,000 to $800,000).

The Red Miracle Phillips natural red diamond
“The Red Miracle” is a 1.21-carat natural red diamond estimated to sell for up to $800,000.


Red diamonds weighing more than 1 carat are exceptionally rare, said the auction house.

At a Phillips auction earlier this year, another red diamond, the 1.56-carat “Argyle Phoenix” sold to Laurence Graff, founder of Graff Diamonds, for more than double its estimate, going for CHF 3.8 million ($4.2 million, or $2.7 million per carat). 

It set two auction records for a fancy red diamond, one for price and one for price per carat. 

Other notable natural colored diamond pieces set to appear at the sale are a 3.88-carat fancy dark gray-blue diamond ring (est. CHF 680,000 to 850,000 or $800,000 to $1 million) and a 40.54-carat old European-cut fancy intense yellow diamond (est. CHF 850,000 to 1.3 million or $980,000 to $1.5 million). 


A 1.36-carat fancy intense blue diamond ring, estimated to sell for CHF 250,000 to 420,000 ($300,000 to $500,000), will be on offer as well. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Other colored gemstones that are part of the auction include an emerald and diamond ring featuring a 14.65-carat Colombian emerald set in a vintage Cartier mounting from the 1920s.

It is estimated to sell for CHF 750,000 to 1 million ($900,000 to $1.2 million).

Cartier emerald ring 1920s Phillips
A 14.65-carat Colombian emerald in a vintage Cartier mounting


An 8.03-carat unheated Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring in a “Trombino” design by Bulgari, as well as a pair of emerald and diamond earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, are each estimated to sell for up to CHF 500,000 ($600,000). 


A 20.49-carat, no-oil Colombian emerald ring also is on offer with an estimate of CHF 650,000 - 850,000 ($750,000 to $1 million).  


Phillips’ upcoming jewelry auction also includes a selection of jewels with provenance. 

A Cartier necklace once owned by French actress Marie Bell featuring citrine, turquoise, and diamonds and showcasing the “Grain de Café” motif, is estimated to achieve CHF 85,000 to 130,000 ($100,000 to $150,000). 

A natural pearl and diamond necklace from a European noble family also is on offer, with an estimate of CHF 60,000 to 85,000 ($70,000 to $100,000). 


A 19th-century gold, emerald, and diamond bracelet featuring an 11.39-carat emerald is estimated to sell for CHF 50,000 to 85,000 ($60,000 to $100,000).

Additionally, the auction house will offer a 19th-century spinel and diamond necklace King George IV is believed to have gifted to his mistress, Elizabeth Conyngham, Marchioness Conyngham. 

Its estimate is CHF 13,000 to 22,000 ($15,000 to 25,000).

A Castellani micromosaic demi-parure from circa 1875 will be offered with an estimate of CHF 7,000 to 10,000 ($8,000 to $12,000). The piece was once part of the late Mrs. Harry Winston’s collection.

Also on offer is a 1930s coral and diamond bracelet (est. CHF 10,000 to 15,000 or $12,000 to $18,000) by Marsh & Co. 

The bracelet is from the estate of Margaret Roebling Perrine, daughter of Ferdinand Roebling, general manager of Trenton, New Jersey-based John A. Roebling’s Sons Company, best known for its pivotal role in constructing the Brooklyn Bridge.

A selection of Art Deco jewels are included in the sale.

Highlighted lots include a circa 1926 diamond jabot pin, a circa 1924 diamond bracelet, a sapphire and diamond bracelet from 1927, and a pair of pearl and diamond brooches from 1930, all by Cartier.
 
Cartier diamond bracelet
Of the Cartier lots listed above, this diamond bracelet has the highest estimate, CHF 85,000 to 130,000 ($100,000 to $150,000).


The auction house also will offer classic designs from Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Bulgari, and Buccellati, as well as a contemporary statement choker attributed to Marina B.

Marina B choker
A gold and diamond choker attributed to Marina B (est. CHF 8,500 to 13,000 or $10,000 to $15,000)


“On the heels of Phillips’ successful sale in Hong Kong, which achieved an outstanding 89 percent year-on-year increase, we are excited to unveil the highlights of ‘The Geneva Jewels Auction: Three,’” Phillips’ Worldwide Head of Jewellery Benoît Repellin said. 

“Our Geneva auction offers a meticulously curated selection, reflective of the robust global demand for rare and captivating jewels. We look forward to presenting these exceptional pieces as we continue our international tour leading up to the Geneva auction in November.”  

The pieces will be showcased globally prior to the auction, with viewings in Taipei, London, Paris, Singapore, and New York.  

The auction preview will open Nov. 6 at Hotel President in Geneva, followed by the live sale on Nov. 11.  

Lauren McLemoreis the associate editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments.

The Latest

Lewis Heyman
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement Plans

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

CCWW Designs Multiple Shell Charm Necklace
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm Necklace

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The Plumb Club board members
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board Members

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Jewelry industry veterans Brad Campbell and John Liebler
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Silver, Gold, and Bronze Medals for Italy Olympic Winter Games
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes Unity

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

vimeo screenshot.png
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up!

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Guinness
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGov

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

Gina Ferranti
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at Diavik

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

Jewelers of America Learning Workship Logo
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This Fall

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

Gold bracelets and bangles
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

Buccellati Opera high jewelry bracelet
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

Rolex Datejust ref. 16233
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth Generation

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

Boucheron Impermanence Boucheron Dragonfly Earrings and Wisteria Hair Piece
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s Impermanence

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

James Avery Cedar Park
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More States

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford, Couture’s new brand director and former fine jewelry buyer at Neiman Marcus
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

Bench jeweler holding a ring and a tool
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic Manufacturing

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

Guzema Celestial Blue
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone Jewelry

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

Nanis Mykonos Store Exterior and Interior
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First Store

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

Long’s Jewelers Summer of Love promo
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s Jewelers

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

Ethical Gem Fair
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to Seattle

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

The Edge and The Edge Retail Academy Logos
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in September

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

Miseno Arco Earrings
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ Earrings

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

James Avery Texas charm
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief Efforts

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy