Highly coveted Burmese rubies alongside refined sapphires and emeralds will headline Phillips’ Hong Kong Jewels Auction scheduled for October 3.

The spotlight is on a pair of 10.77-carat and 9.99-carat unheated Burmese rubies and diamonds mounted as ear clips, which has a pre-sale estimate of HK$9.4 million to HK$12.5 million (around US$1.2 million to US$1.6 million).

“A single unheated Burmese ruby of this size is an unusual find and to gather two of such rare specimens in matching colour, clarity and size is yet another epitome of rarity,” noted Phillips. 

Other highlights include a ring with a 7.02-carat Burmese ruby centre gem with excellent lustre and very fine clarity, which is expected to sell for HK$8.5 million to HK$12 million (about US$1.1 million to US$1.5 million); and a necklace featuring over 54 carats of unheated Burmese rubies valued at HK$7.8 million to HK$9 million (approximately US$1 million to US$1.15 million). Majority of the stones in the necklace exhibit the coveted Pigeon’s Blood colour, the auction house said.

Other top lots include a 16.07-carat Burmese sapphire and diamond ring; a 14.19-carat no-oil emerald and diamond ring; and a 21.70-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond necklace, to name a few.

Phillips Jewels’ Senior Specialist Janet Lam said demand for jewellery has remained resilient, especially for high jewellery. As such, the auction house witnessed steady growth in 2024. In fact, global jewellery auction sales were up year on year by more than 190 per cent during the first half of 2024. 

“This season, we are excited to be offering a meticulously curated collection of rare and fine gemstones, coloured diamonds and signed pieces from prestigious jewellery makers such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Harry Winston and Bulgari, among others,” added Lam.