The Color of Love: An Exploration of the Burmese Ruby

Nestled in the rocky hills of Upper Burma lies the The Mogok Stone Tract, a treasure trove bursting with the world’s most coveted jewels. Twinkling rock dots the walls of countless mines, a bounty of nearly all earthly gems, including sapphire, spinel and topaz. Mogok’s most precious gift of all are its rubies, an ultra-rare, fiery red gem native exclusively to the region.

Top: Art Deco Platinum, Ruby and Diamond Ring c1925, Middle: Donna Vock Platinum Ruby and Diamond Ring, Bottom: Platinum, Ruby & Diamond Ring

Dubbed “Pigeon-Blood Red” for its rich color, Burmese unheated rubies gain their unique hue from a term called “silk”. Consisting of fine threads of crystal, this hexagonal pattern gives the color a velvety softness which spreads throughout the surface of the stone. Color intensity plays an important role in the gem’s appearance, a combination of both deep red body tone and red fluorescence. Unheated rubies from Burma are the the most rare, but perfect red heated Burma rubies are still treasures

Donna Vock Platinum Ruby and Diamond Ring

Now, Vock & Vintage has added a series of stunning Burmese ruby rings to their collection*. Their approach to design and careful curation of vintage jewels yields elegant cocktail styles, traditional three-stone rings or chic, art deco inspired silhouettes. An original work by Donna Vock, a fresh pave diamond cocktail design features a 2.5 carat cushion cut unheated ruby in a delicate and superbly crafted low-profile setting, an eye-catching statement piece for a romantic night out, or any formal look. Versatile enough for everyday wear or an evening ensemble, the circa 1925 art deco ring holds a 2 carat center ruby flanked by six additional calibre cut rubies. The three stone ring features a 6 carat oval heated ruby flanked by brilliant half moon shape diamonds. A stunning range of Burma ruby and diamond earrings are offered as well.

Burmese rubies make up 2-3% of all rubies in the world, and the gem’s rarity stems from the region’s unique geology. The Mogok Stone Tract’s limestone transformed into marble over 200 million years ago, combining strong heat and pressure to produce the signature Mogok ruby. Now, Mogok’s famed hills are nearly mined out, raising price and demand for the Pigeon-Blood stone. In May 2015, Sotheby’s achieved a new world record price for a ruby at auction with the 25.59 carat Burmese ‘Sunrise Ruby’ ring that was purchased for US$ 30 million.

Contemporary Burma Ruby and Diamond Cloud Ear Clips

Cultures from across the world have ascribed symbolic meaning to the ruby. In Sanskrit, the word for ruby is ratnaraj, translated to “king of precious stones.” Biblical mentions of rubies associate the stone with beauty, wisdom and passion. European royalty considered the gem to be tokens of good health, abundance and a good luck charm for romantic love. It was believed that when worn as a talisman on the left side of the body, above the heart space, the ruby can serve as a protective shield. Today, the ruby serves as the July birthstone, and is thought to promote power and success.

*Vock and Vintage uses only ruby gem material from Burma that has been repurposed from antique or vintage jewelry, exported before the embargo.

Cartier Paris Circa 1970s