Sold for: $3,859,249

Rubies have long been considered “the king of precious stones,” as their Sanskrit name, ratnaraj, translates. Burmese warriors wore them to battle; Indians believed they ensured peace; and nobles everywhere hoarded them for their beauty and symbolic relationship to wealth, love, and passion. “Refined collectors from all over the world are always extremely keen to purchase them,” says Vickie Sek, director of jewelry for Christie’s Asia, which sold this 5.11 ct. Burmese ruby ring by Etcetera for $3.86 million—$1.5 million more than its high estimate—in Hong Kong in June. The mark of Etcetera designer Edmond Chin surely helped. “He sources only the finest gems and is able to transform them into icons of contemporary elegance,” Sek says. Talk about royal treatment! 
 

(Image courtesy of Christie’s)