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Diamonds may be forever, but there’s a reason why the ruby is known as the “King of Precious Stones”. On the occasion of Tatler’s ruby anniversary, we take a look at some of the high jewellery pieces that best encapsulate the stone’s irresistible allure
Representing desire, passion and power, the rich red ruby has a beguiling charm that captivates hearts, and has often been used as a token of love throughout history. Famously, the Duke of Windsor once asked French jewellery maison Van Cleef & Arpels to create a brooch, composed of two ruby-and-diamond-set feathers representing holly leaves, to comfort his paramour Wallis Simpson when they could not spend Christmas together in 1936. This and numerous other sparkling moments in jewellery history have cemented the ruby’s reputation as a stone of ardent passion.
Here, a look at some of the enchanting ruby creations bound to spark joy.
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Magical Marvel
Above An NFT of Bulgari’s Ruby Metamorphosis necklace from its Magnifica high jewellery collection
An NFT of Bulgari’s Ruby Metamorphosis necklace from its Magnifica high jewellery collection
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A true show of the Italian luxury house’s creativity and exquisite craftsmanship, Bulgari’s transformable Ruby Metamorphosis necklace from its Magnifica high jewellery collection is made for every occasion—from formal shindigs to date nights and even regular days about town. Thanks to its detachable tassel and pendant, which is anchored by a 10-carat focal ruby, the opulent number can also be worn as a choker or an everyday brooch. As part of the brand’s first NFT high jewellery capsule, the Ruby Metamorphosis necklace has been turned into an NFT artwork (pictured) that is sold only together with its physical twin.
Love Token
A model wearing the Corolle Mystérieuse earrings and the Couture Mystérieuse ring from Van Cleef & Arpels’s Legend of Diamonds high jewellery collection
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Rubies feature prominently alongside diamonds in Van Cleef & Arpels’s latest high jewellery collection, Legend of Diamonds, which nods to the house’s iconic diamonds and classic archival designs. Inspired by the curvaceous Floating Ribbon brooch created in 1937, the Couture Mystérieuse ring, in particular, is simple and elegant with just the right amount of flair. Undulating like a ribbon, swirls of exquisitely carved, Mystery-set rubies seemingly flow from the dazzling diamond at the heart of the bow motif atop the band, with baguette-cut diamonds along the edge of one of the tails further adding to the verisimilitude.
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Floral Allure
Chopard 2018 Red Carpet collection necklace in 18-karat white gold set with rubies and diamonds
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Evoking a lively, youthful femininity, Chopard’s ring and necklace from its 2018 Red Carpet collection were inspired by flowers and beautifully brought to life with rubies and diamonds. The necklace, in particular, is a stunner featuring 111 rubies totalling 211.91 carats, the majority of which are each surrounded by a ring of diamonds that perfectly sets off its fiery hue.
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Regal Masterpiece
Above Harry Winston necklace set with a pigeon’s blood ruby, rubies and diamonds
Harry Winston necklace set with a pigeon’s blood ruby, rubies and diamonds
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The pigeon’s blood ruby is the most saturated in colour and fluorescence among all rubies, and it is this rarest and most sought-after variant in the ruby family that American jeweller Harry Winston showcases in this multi-layered necklace from its high jewellery collection. The double-row stunner has as its focal gem a 5.42-carat cabochon-cut Burmese pigeon’s blood ruby, which is joined by 36 cabochon-cut Burmese pigeon’s blood rubies totalling 104.36 carats, 18 round brilliant-cut rubies totalling 5.71 carats and dazzling clusters of diamonds that further play up the luxuriousness of the piece.
Music and Passion
Chaumet Aria Passionata bracelet in pink gold set with rhodolite garnets, red and pink tourmalines, rubies and diamonds
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Recalling the rich reds and golds of Milan’s famed Teatro alla Scala opera house, the opulent Aria Passionata ring and bracelet from French jewellery house Chaumet’s Chaumet est une fête collection, inspired by emblematic music venues, are lavish creations in pink gold bedecked with all manner of rubies. Resembling a flower in full bloom, the ring, for instance, features a host of rubies in various cuts as well as a 4.83-carat cushion-cut pigeon’s blood ruby at its heart, with rhodolite garnets and red tourmalines lending depth.
Take Flight
Above Piaget Wings of Light Captivating Wings ring in white gold set with a ruby and diamonds
Piaget Wings of Light Captivating Wings ring in white gold set with a ruby and diamonds
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Drawing its design from a bird’s wings in motion, the whimsical Captivating Wings ring from Piaget’s Wings of Light high jewellery collection features a single pear-shaped ruby from Mozambique set off with a sprinkling of diamonds.
