Pigeon's Blood Rubies to Lead Christie's Sale

RAPAPORT... Christie's will offer a Burmese pigeon's blood ruby and diamond ring at its upcoming sale in Hong Kong, estimating it will fetch up to $4.5 million.Along with the 8.11-carat jewel, the auction house will also sell a set of Burmese pigeon's blood ruby and diamond earrings, weighing 5.19 and 5.03 carats, at the November 28 Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale. The pair carries a high estimate of $4.3 million, Christie's said Monday.A carved jadeite and ruby pendant necklace bearing a Chinese-lettered engraving of "Five Blessings in a Row" will also be up for auction. That piece has a presale estimate of up to $4.5 million. Meanwhile, a Kashmir sapphire and diamond bracelet containing a total of 29.89 carats of sapphire is set to fetch up to $3.2 million.Other notable items include rare diamonds from the famed Golconda mines in India. A 10.63-carat, D-color, internally flawless diamond ring is set to go under the hammer for up to $1.9 million, along with a pair of D-color, internally flawless diamond earrings weighing 5.10 and 5.02 carats. Those have a presale estimate of up to $1.5 million.Christie's will preview the jewels in Taipei, Taiwan; Tokyo; Shanghai; Beijing; and Hong Kong.Image: The Burmese pigeon's blood ruby and diamond ring. (Christie's)