While beauty is often in the eye of the beholder, the Carmen Lúcia Ruby is widely regarded as one of the most exquisitely beautiful rubies in the world, renowned for its exceptional size, vivid color, and historical significance.
The Carmen Lúcia Ruby: A Masterpiece of Nature
Housed in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Carmen Lúcia Ruby is a magnificent 23.10-carat Burmese ruby that captivates with its rich, pigeon's blood red hue. This extraordinary gem, sourced from the legendary Mogok region of Myanmar (Burma), exhibits the perfect balance of saturation, tone, and brilliance that jewelers and connoisseurs covet.
- Exceptional Color: Its intense, pure red color with a subtle purplish undertone is characteristic of the finest Burmese rubies and is often referred to as "pigeon's blood" — a benchmark for ruby excellence.
- Remarkable Clarity: Despite its size, the Carmen Lúcia Ruby possesses a clarity level that is highly unusual for natural rubies, especially those of such significant carat weight.
- Distinguished Provenance: The ruby is lovingly remembered not only for its inherent beauty but also because of its previous owner, Carmen Lúcia Buck. Born in Brazil, Carmen Lúcia later moved to the United States and married Dr. Peter Buck, a renowned physicist and philanthropist. Dr. Buck donated this spectacular ruby in her memory in 2004, ensuring its place as a centerpiece of the national gem collection.
What Makes a Ruby "Pretty"? Key Factors of Beauty
The perception of a ruby's beauty is influenced by several critical factors, often summarized by the "4 Cs" (Color, Clarity, Cut, Carat Weight) and origin:
1. Color: The Most Crucial Factor
The most significant determinant of a ruby's beauty is its color. The ideal ruby color is a vivid, intense red, often described as "pigeon's blood." This color is due to the presence of chromium in the corundum mineral.
- Hue: Pure red is most desirable, with secondary hues (like orange, pink, or purple) generally diminishing value if too prominent.
- Saturation: Refers to the intensity or richness of the color. Highly saturated colors are preferred.
- Tone: Describes the lightness or darkness of the color. A medium-dark tone is generally considered ideal.
2. Clarity: Transparency and Brilliance
While all natural rubies have some inclusions, the fewer and less noticeable they are, the more valuable and beautiful the ruby. Inclusions can affect transparency and brilliance by blocking light.
- Eye-Clean: Rubies that appear flawless to the naked eye are highly prized.
- Silk: Fine, needle-like inclusions known as "silk" can actually enhance a ruby's appearance by scattering light, giving it a soft glow (known as asterism if pronounced).
3. Cut: Optimizing Sparkle and Color
The cut of a ruby refers to its shape and facet arrangement. An expert cut maximizes the stone's brilliance, fire, and color display.
- Proportion: A well-proportioned cut ensures light is reflected back through the top of the gem, creating maximum sparkle.
- Shape: Popular cuts include oval, cushion, and round, chosen to best showcase the rough stone's natural attributes.
4. Carat Weight: Rarity in Size
Larger rubies of high quality are exceptionally rare and thus command higher values and admiration. The Carmen Lúcia Ruby, at over 23 carats, is a testament to this rarity combined with outstanding quality.
5. Origin: The Mystique of Place
Certain origins are historically associated with rubies of superior quality. The Mogok Valley in Myanmar (formerly Burma) is legendary for producing the world's finest rubies, renowned for their vibrant "pigeon's blood" color and natural fluorescence. Other significant sources include Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique.
Other Magnificent Rubies of Unparalleled Beauty
While the Carmen Lúcia Ruby is a standout, several other rubies have achieved global fame for their breathtaking beauty and exceptional characteristics:
- The Sunrise Ruby: This 25.59-carat Burmese "pigeon's blood" ruby ring set by Cartier became the world's most expensive colored gemstone, selling for over $30 million. Its exceptional color and clarity make it a true marvel.
- The Graff Ruby: A stunning 8.62-carat oval-cut Burmese ruby, also known for its vivid pigeon's blood color and minimal inclusions, sold for a record-breaking price per carat for a ruby.
- The DeLong Star Ruby: A 100.32-carat star ruby, famous for its distinct six-ray star phenomenon (asterism) that glides across its surface when moved.
Famous Rubies Comparison
| Ruby Name | Carat Weight | Origin | Notable Feature | Current Location (if known) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmen Lúcia Ruby | 23.10 ct | Burma | Exquisite "Pigeon's Blood" color, donated in memory of Carmen Lúcia Buck | Smithsonian National Museum |
| The Sunrise Ruby | 25.59 ct | Burma | World record-holding "Pigeon's Blood" ruby, part of a Cartier ring | Private Collection |
| The Graff Ruby | 8.62 ct | Burma | High clarity and intense "Pigeon's Blood" color, record price per carat | Private Collection |
| The DeLong Star Ruby | 100.32 ct | Burma | Famous for its striking six-ray star asterism | American Museum of Natural History |
In conclusion, while personal preference plays a role, rubies like the Carmen Lúcia Ruby stand as testament to nature's artistry, combining exceptional size, clarity, and the coveted "pigeon's blood" hue that defines true ruby beauty.
