French Antique Stunning Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Necklace Circa 1870

GBP 250,000.00

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Object Description

A stunning antique French Burmese ruby and diamond necklace c.1870, the necklace formed of twelve graduated cushion shaped clusters each centred with a Burmese unheated ruby in a gold cut down collect setting and surrounded by old cut diamonds set in silver, all interspersed with stylised four petalled floral motifs set with diamonds between two single diamonds, the necklace fully backed with gold and with a concealed tongue and box clasp. This wonderful collar length necklace is finely articulated and sits perfectly around the base of the throat. The rubies are a beautiful intense colour and have been certified by SSEF and the diamonds are predominantly old mine cuts, a term used to describe a cushion shaped diamond with a small table facet, high crown and polished culet, features which allow these stones to have a huge amount of fire and life, even in dimly-lit environments. The central cluster has a tiny hinged loop behind it which folds down allowing a pendant drop to be attached the necklace thereby offering the chance to personalise the necklace with your own additional jewel. This necklace has no doubt been worn to many a special event over the last hundred and fifty years and is now ready for a new life and a new neck to grace.

Period
Circa 1870

Origin
French

Gemstones
12 x oval and cushion shaped faceted unheated Burmese rubies ranging from approximately 0.4cts to 1.3cts and estimated to weigh a combined total of approximately 10cts, accompanied by a certificate from SSEF stating Burmese origin and unheated.
212 x old cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of approximately 11cts

Setting
Gold and silver with French assay marks

Weight
41 grams

Dimensions
14″ / 35.5cm long
Central cluster 0.57″ / 14.5mm wide graduating to clasp cluster 0.43″ / 11mm wide

Condition
Very fine

Directors Notes
Rubies mined in Burma have long been held as the absolute ideal in terms of colour for a ruby, they are an exceptionally beautiful rich deep red with neither too much brown nor pink in it. The term ‘pigeon’s blood’ has historically been used in an attempt to define this colour that is found in the best examples produced by this region. The Mogok Valley in Upper Burma (now known as Myanmar) has been the world’s primary ruby source for centuries and the origins of the mines are swathed in mystery and legend. What is certain is that references to these gems have been found dating back to the Shan Dynasty in the 6th Century. The mines were taken over by the King of Burma in 1597 and all rubies over a certain size had to be given to him on discovery rather than sold. Today there are many different mines in the area both privately owned and government run. New deposits were found in the Mong Hsu area of the country in the 1990’s and more recently a new source has been discovered in the northern region of Namya.

Object Condition

Very Fine

Object Details

Dealer Opening Times

By appointment only.

Dealer Contact

Telephone
+44 (0)20 7493 8904
Web
Email

Dealer Location

52-53 Burlington Arcade
London W1J 0HH
United Kingdom

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