Sunrise Ruby by Cartier
The Story, Value, Ownership, and Legacy
When we speak of legendary gemstones that transcend their physical beauty to become symbols of history, wealth, and romance, The Sunrise Ruby by Cartier invariably comes to mind. This extraordinary ruby has captivated collectors, historians, and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide, not only for its astonishing rarity and value but also for the rich story woven around its existence. From its Burmese origins to its record-breaking auction sale, The Sunrise Ruby continues to be one of the most talked-about colored gemstones in modern history.
In this in-depth exploration, we will uncover the story of The Sunrise Ruby, trace its ownership journey, discuss its current value, explore controversies surrounding its fame, and shed light on people’s opinions, both admiration and critique. We’ll also reveal where The Sunrise Ruby is located today.
The Story of The Sunrise Ruby
The Sunrise Ruby owes both its name and mystique to a 13th-century poem written by the Sufi poet Rumi, who compared the intensity of love to the dazzling glow of a ruby. Cartier, the world-renowned French jewelry maison, later set this magnificent gemstone into a ring, pairing it with dazzling diamonds, and christened it The Sunrise Ruby.
The gemstone itself originates from Mogok, Myanmar (formerly Burma), a region world-famous for producing “pigeon blood” rubies. These stones are celebrated for their vivid red hue with a hint of blue, unmatched clarity, and natural fluorescence that makes them glow with life. Rubies of this caliber are exceedingly rare, with fine specimens larger than five carats almost impossible to find. The Sunrise Ruby, however, weighs an astounding 25.59 carats, a marvel in itself.
Its intense red color, remarkable transparency, and significant size have placed it in the same legendary category as the world’s most precious diamonds and emeralds. Unlike synthetic or heat-treated stones, this ruby is completely natural and untreated, which adds to its rarity and value.
The Sunrise Ruby came into global fame during a 2015 Sotheby’s Geneva auction, where it shocked the jewelry world by achieving a record price for a ruby at the time. It sold for $30.3 million USD, smashing estimates and becoming the world’s most expensive ruby ever sold at auction.
This groundbreaking sale established The Sunrise Ruby as one of the most important gemstones of the 21st century. Before the auction, it had already been quietly admired in Cartier’s high jewelry collection, but its record-breaking sale transformed it from a jewel into a cultural symbol of wealth, passion, and artistry.
What Is The Sunrise Ruby Worth Today?
The question of The Sunrise Ruby’s value today is complex. At the time of the 2015 auction, it was worth over $30 million, and experts suggest its value has only appreciated. Given the rarity of untreated Mogok rubies, especially one surpassing 25 carats, many gemologists estimate The Sunrise Ruby’s current worth to be between $35–45 million USD, possibly even higher if it reappeared on the market.
Its valuation is influenced by several factors:
Rarity: True “pigeon blood” rubies of this size are nearly non-existent.
Provenance: Set by Cartier, a name synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship.
Cultural Symbolism: Its literary connection to Rumi adds romantic and historical depth.
Market Demand: As wealthy collectors increasingly seek unique colored gemstones, rubies of this caliber become more valuable.
Who Has Owned The Sunrise Ruby in the Past?
The precise chain of ownership of The Sunrise Ruby remains somewhat private, partly due to the confidentiality of high-profile buyers. However, some key ownership points are known:
Cartier – Cartier acquired the ruby and designed it into an elegant ring flanked by trapeze-cut diamonds. Their artistry elevated the gemstone’s fame.
2015 Sotheby’s Buyer – The Sunrise Ruby was purchased by an anonymous private collector for over $30 million. While the buyer’s identity remains undisclosed, some reports suggest it was a wealthy individual from the Middle East, as the region has strong ties to ruby acquisitions.
Unlike famous diamonds such as the Hope Diamond or Koh-i-Noor, which have centuries of documented ownership, The Sunrise Ruby’s modern history is more discreet, reflecting the private nature of contemporary high-value gemstone acquisitions.
Controversies Surrounding The Sunrise Ruby
Though The Sunrise Ruby itself has not been embroiled in major scandals, there are a few points of discussion and debate that occasionally stir controversy:
Ethical Sourcing of Burmese Rubies
Rubies from Myanmar (Burma) have long been associated with concerns over mining conditions, human rights issues, and political instability. Critics have argued that Burmese gemstones may indirectly benefit oppressive regimes. While Cartier is known for ethical sourcing, the association of Burmese rubies with conflict minerals has sparked debates.Confusion with “The Sunrise Ruby Painting”
Interestingly, some people confuse The Sunrise Ruby gemstone with references to a supposed “Sunrise Ruby painting”, though no such artwork by Cartier exists. Some art blogs have mistakenly circulated images of ruby-colored abstract paintings, claiming ties to the gem. This misidentification has caused mild controversy online, as collectors and historians repeatedly clarify that The Sunrise Ruby is strictly a gemstone, not a painting.Market Speculation
As with any record-breaking gemstone, debates swirl around whether its valuation is justified. Critics argue that such sky-high auction prices inflate the gemstone market artificially, while supporters believe it reflects the true rarity and beauty of the ruby.
People’s Opinions About The Sunrise Ruby
What People Love About It
Unmatched Beauty: Collectors and jewelry lovers admire its pigeon blood red hue, transparency, and brilliance.
Romantic Symbolism: The connection to Rumi’s poetry gives it cultural depth, not just monetary value.
Prestige: Owning or even viewing The Sunrise Ruby is considered the pinnacle of luxury.
Craftsmanship: Cartier’s design elevates the ruby, turning it into both a natural wonder and an artistic masterpiece.
What Some People Dislike About It
Exclusivity: Some critics argue that such treasures, locked away in private collections, should be displayed in museums for public appreciation.
Market Inflation: Skeptics question whether the $30+ million price tag is justified, suggesting the sale was fueled by status-driven bidding rather than true worth.
Controversial Sourcing: Ethical debates about Burmese rubies create discomfort for some admirers who prefer conflict-free gemstones.
Overall, however, The Sunrise Ruby enjoys an overwhelmingly positive reputation in the gemological and luxury communities.
Where Is The Sunrise Ruby Located Today?
Since its record-breaking sale at Sotheby’s in Geneva, the current location of The Sunrise Ruby remains private. The buyer has chosen anonymity, which is not uncommon in the high-value gemstone world.
Experts speculate that The Sunrise Ruby is likely housed in a secure private collection, possibly in a Middle Eastern or European vault. While it is not on public display like the Hope Diamond in Washington, D.C., it may occasionally be loaned to exhibitions, though such events have not been publicly confirmed.
This air of mystery only adds to its allure, keeping collectors and enthusiasts intrigued about its fate.
The Sunrise Ruby’s Place in History
Despite being a relatively modern discovery in the grand history of gemstones, The Sunrise Ruby has already cemented itself as one of the greatest rubies of all time. Its combination of size, quality, provenance, and poetic backstory has elevated it beyond a jewel, it is a legend.
Cartier’s role in designing its setting further enhances its prestige, as the brand has been behind some of the world’s most iconic jewels, from royal tiaras to celebrity engagement rings.
For gemologists, The Sunrise Ruby represents the pinnacle of what a ruby can be: pure, vivid, and breathtakingly beautiful. For collectors, it is the ultimate status symbol. And for poets and romantics, it is a gemstone that reflects the eternal flame of love.
The Sunrise Ruby by Cartier is far more than just a gemstone. It is a story of nature’s artistry, human craftsmanship, poetic inspiration, and the ever-rising value we place on beauty and rarity. From its discovery in Myanmar’s legendary Mogok Valley to its record-breaking $30 million auction sale, the ruby has become a modern legend.
Though its current whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery, The Sunrise Ruby continues to inspire awe, debate, and fascination. Whether viewed as a priceless treasure of nature, a cultural artifact tied to Rumi’s poetry, or a symbol of wealth and exclusivity, one thing is certain: The Sunrise Ruby will forever hold a place in the pantheon of the world’s greatest jewels. image/ christies
