Rare Burmese ruby sells for $30.3 million at auction

[TexasTowelie]

Source: AP

GENEVA (AP) — A rare Burmese ruby in a platinum ring with diamonds sold for $30.3 million at auction, setting a world auction record for any ruby and for any stone by Cartier, according to Sotheby's.

The buyer and history of the piece, with the ruby weighing in at 25.59 carats, was not disclosed. It was auctioned Tuesday as part of the annual Magnificent and Noble Jewels sale by Sotheby's Geneva.

The price of the cushion-shaped "Sunrise Ruby" had been estimated prior to the sale at $12 million to $18 million. It is known for its "pigeon blood" red color and set between heptagon-shaped diamonds weighing 2.47 and 2.70 carats. The piece is signed Cartier.

The auction house called a natural ruby from Burma of this size and color extremely rare. The ring broke an auction record for any ruby per carat.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/rare-burmese-ruby-sells-30-3-million-auction-193328603.html

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[Spitfire of ATJ]

1. Yeah,....the rich can afford a tax increase.

[pansypoo53219]

2. the picasso as well.

[DFW]

3. I'm sure it was a very pretty stone

But anything over $20 million, and I'm out............

[mnhtnbb]

4. Wowser!

I have a ruby engagement ring. I wonder if my husband got me an upgrade for our 30th anniversary (on Monday) and it's
in the mail?!?

[leftyladyfrommo]

5. I'll bet he did.

You are going to have to act so surprised.

[Coventina]

6. Very pretty, but I'd be too nervous to wear it!

In some kind of alternate universe where I have that kind of money, of course!

[packman]

7. Yes, but does it have a secret decoder setting?