Knowledge
Gemstones
Historical mining in Burma
Mines in the Middle of Nature
The most important origin for rubies are undoubtedly the old Burmese mines, in particular the Mogok Stone Tract. This has been the premier source of fine ruby since at least the 13th century, although the exact date these gems were first discovered in the area likely dates back many hundreds, even thousands of years prior. This belief is evidenced by an abundance of stone and bronze age tools discovered amongst mining debris.
The town of Mogok is situated in the Katha district of Upper Myanmar (previously Burma) with the region rising to a height of around 2347 miles above sea level. Known for its wealth of fine gemstones, of which rubies are the most famous, this area is often referred to as the ‘Valley of Rubies’. Whilst the ruby mines cover an area of around 400 square miles, only around 70 square miles of this is actually gem bearing.
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Mogok is one of the most scenic parts of Myanmar, home to an abundance of wildlife in jungled hills, however the terrain is largely inhospitable, with high mountain ranges covered in snow and little to no road access, increasing the danger and difficulty of reaching these sought after gems.
Coveted by Royalty
From the year 1597, the Mogok Stone Tract came under a royal monopoly, where it would remain for around 200 years. Indeed, according to the writings of Father Sangermano, an Italian priest residing in Burma at the turn of the 19th century, the Emperor employed inspectors and guards to watch the mines. If any ruby that surpassed a particular size be concealed, sold or bought by anyone other than the Emperor, they would be put to death.
European traders first came to Myanmar in the 15th century, the great age of exploration, seeking exotic lands and spices where, unsurprisingly, the abundance of gemstones, particularly rubies, also caught their eye. These fine gems had been known about, but were yet to reach Western shores. Myanmar has been associated with fine rubies ever since and upon being brought back to Europe, they were particularly prized by nobility and royalty.
The Mogok mines were opened up to European miners in the 19th century, which allowed for a more plentiful amount of Burmese rubies to enter the Western market, and these can thereafter be seen decorating some of the finest jewels of the era.
The exquisite appearance of a Burmese ruby
The beautiful vibrancy of a Burmese ruby can be traced back to their geology. Typically formed in a crystalline limestone (marble) matrix, this metamorphic rock is low in iron, resulting in a more intensely red ruby.
Burmese rubies have long been admired for their pure and highly saturated colour. This ranges from a light pinkish-red through to a deeper blood red hue, and are particularly seen with more purple tones than rubies from other sources.
These rubies also are rich in the trace element chromium (which causes the red hue in the mineral corundum) which gives rise to an inner fluorescence resulting in an enchanting red glow, especially in sunlight. The fluorescence also acts to cover up any darker areas in the stone, known as extinction, and helps produce the vivid colour that Burmese rubies are so famed for.
The presence of tiny rutile inclusions within the gem, known as ‘silk’, also impacts on the colour and appearance of these rubies. The silk scatters the light through the gem, giving it a unique softness, characteristic of Burmese material.
Fashioning Burmese Rubies
The shape of a rough Burmese ruby crystal lends itself to well-proportioned stones, although large stones above 5 carats are a rarity. With an untreated ruby, few stones reach 2 carats in size. Larger untreated Burmese rubies are truly exceptional, and are a near impossible find.
Hand-cut by skilled lapidaries, most Burmese rubies are faceted to showcase their intense colour, with rounded, cushion shape and oval stones a popular choice to showcase their inherent brilliance and glow, with other cuts such as drop shapes and step-cuts a more unusual find, but just as exceptional.
The dazzling star ruby also hails from the Mogok Stone Tract, which is known for producing the finest examples of these gems. They are cut en-cabochon, a polished, dome-shaped stone which showcases a fascinating and beautiful optical phenomena known as ‘asterism’. Whilst six rayed star rubies are relatively common in Burma, twelve rayed stars are a much rarer occurrence.
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Pigeon’s Blood Rubies
The Mogok region is also the most famous historic source of the highly sought-after ‘Pigeon's Blood' rubies. This is a title granted very selectively and is reserved only for the finest of rubies displaying a vivid glowing crimson red hue. These gems are compared in colour to the iris of a white pigeon’s eye.
Whilst the origin of this term is disputed, it likely dates back hundreds of years, with Chinese, Indian and Arab sources all being alleged. The first time this term appeared in the English language can so far be dated back to 1839 in ‘A Catalogue of the Collection of Pearls and Precious Stones formed by Henry Philip Hope, Esq’ by Bram Hertz.
Pigeon’s blood rubies are an utterly captivating gem and the most valuable of all rubies.
The value of a Burmese ruby
Rubies are one of the most precious gemstones in existence, commanding the greatest price per carat of any other coloured gem.
The old Burmese mines were known for producing the highest quality rubies and yet even at the height of their production, the yield has never been huge.
Today, the more easily accessible alluvial deposits have gone, and with the increasing difficulty mining hard rock, the expectation remains that no significant yield will be produced. Therefore, very fine untreated Burmese rubies from the historic sources are fetching extraordinarily high prices, and will only continue to appreciate in value due to their ever growing rarity and of course, the desirability to own such a magnificent piece of nature.
Famous Burmese Ruby Jewels
A symbol of protectionIn the 1970s Queen Elizabeth II commissioned Garrard to create a ruby and diamond tiara using 96 rubies that had been a wedding gift to her by the people of Burma in 1947. It was said that these rubies would ward off the 96 illnesses that the Burmese people believed could be inflicted on the human body.
A symbol of loveFrom one Elizabeth to another, in 1957 Elizabeth Taylor was gifted a set of Cartier Burmese ruby jewels by her third husband, film director Mike Todd. Following his tragic death just one year later, she continued to wear her rubies for the remainder of her life and later would say that he was the love of her life. After her passing in 2011, the rubies sold at auction with the rest of her jewels and are now part of The Cartier Heritage Collection.
Here at Berganza, we invest in only the finest Burmese rubies, set within antique and vintage jewels. Each one completely natural and unenhanced, with a beautiful colouration, these rubies can be found in pieces spanning nearly 500 years of history.
For the connoisseur, our pigeon’s blood Burmese ruby rings showcase this incredible gem in its purest form of beauty.
For the investor, you need look no further than our pigeon's blood Burmese ruby tiara. Dating back over 100 years, this convertible piece showcases twenty-six natural untreated Burmese rubies, each one with the prestigious ‘pigeon’s blood’ status.
For the lovers, you will be sure to find the perfect ruby engagement ring to symbolise your love and passion or show your eternal devotion after 40 years of marriage with a stunning pair of Burmese ruby earrings or a bracelet.
Whilst maintaining their prestigious status as one of the worlds finest gems, the beauty of a Burmese ruby is for everyone.
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Burmese rubies can cost upwards of thousands of pounds, but the prices will vary greatly depending on the colour, size and quality of the ruby in question.
Rubies are one of the hardest gemstones and can be worn daily. We would recommend taking your Burmese ruby off if you are doing physical activities, such as going to the gym, or heavy DIY. To clean your ruby, a bowl of warm water and soft toothbrush will work wonders, or simply wipe clean with a cloth! At Berganza we offer an annual aftercare service with all purchases.
A reputable gemmologist or gem lab will be able to assess your ruby and let you know whether it is genuine, and its likely origin. If your ruby came from Berganza, you will have been issued with a valuation for insurance and in most cases, a third party certificate stating that your ruby is genuine and of Burmese origin.
If your ruby was purchased from Berganza you are welcome to contact our specialists who can arrange for updated valuation to be produced for your piece. If your ruby was acquired elsewhere, we recommend visiting a reputable independent valuer who can provide a valuation for you.
