Object Description
A beautiful ruby and diamond panel ring in the Art Deco style by Hancocks 1980, centred on a wonderful 1.25ct Burmese unheated cushion shaped ruby rub over set in platinum circled by a channel set frame of round diamonds with millegrian edging, within a navette shaped surround of calibre cut rubies all enclosed within a final outer row of round diamonds. The navette shaped panel has gently concave sides and is hand made in platinum and 18ct gold, the straight triple row band has a gold row in the centre between platinum outer bands. This is a lovely ring reminiscent of a bygone era with an elegant shape, richly coloured gems and bright sparkling diamonds.
Maker
Hancocks
Period
1980
Origin
London
Gemstones
1 x oval ruby estimated to weigh approximately 1.25cts and accompanied by a certificate from SSEF stating it is Burma unheated
24 x calibre cut rubies
70 x round brilliant diamonds
Setting
Platinum and yellow gold
Weight
8 grams
Dimensions
UK finger size L 1/2, US size 6
Head 22mm x 17
Band 5.8mm centre back
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.