Julia Roberts’ gorgeous ruby and diamond necklace from Pretty Woman has become as iconic as the movie. Album / Alamy Stock Photo
This year marks Phillips’ 10-year anniversary in Asia. Stay tuned for our milestone celebrations in the region throughout the year.
Here, we celebrate some of our favorite moments in popular culture that showcase the power of rubies and provide style inspiration while perusing The Hong Kong Jewels Auction.
At this year’s Grammy Awards, the carpet wasn’t the only icon in red.
Taylor Swift at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Sipa US / Alamy Stock Photo
Taylor Swift made a bold entrance to the event, donning a stunning Vivienne Westwood dress, sleek red lip, statement ruby earrings, and even a ruby thigh chain replete with the letter ‘T.’ Her move marked a shift away from the recent emerald-studded red carpets. While we may be on the cusp of a new trend, red stones, especially rubies, have never been out of fashion.
Rubies are among the “big three” gemstones, alongside sapphire and emerald. Cherished by enthusiasts and collectors for ages, rubies were historically believed to impart power, protection, and prosperity to the wearer. Today, rubies are also seen to symbolize vitality, love, passion, romance, and — as ever — power.
Lot 560: Pair of Ruby and Diamond Ear Pendants >
To use Taylor’s look as inspiration for your own style, let this exceptional pair of ruby and diamond ear pendants be your starting point. As unheated Burmese rubies are already very rare, matching pairs are highly sought after and command premium prices. To find a set of ear pendants featuring two such pairs, as in the present lot, brings a smile to the face of the true gem-lover.
Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman
Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in Pretty Woman, 1990. Album / Alamy Stock Photo
The more romantic side of the ruby’s power is expertly reflected in the 1990 film Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Viewers won’t soon forget the endearing scene where Gere’s character almost closes the box on Roberts’ hand, followed by her iconic laugh and their intimate romantic moment in the mirror. The exquisite white gold, diamond, and ruby necklace seen in the film is one of the most expensive jewellery pieces featured in a movie from this era, specially made for the film by French goldsmith Fred Joaillier and showcasing 23 rubies.
But as in film, so it can be in life...
Lot 610: Ruby and Diamond Necklace >
This stunning ruby and diamond necklace features thirty-five graduated oval and cushion-shaped rubies weighing approximately 38.80 carats. These rubies are of the most coveted Burmese origin. Burmese rubies possess a distinctive red hue that results from their elevated chromium content, the mineral catalyst responsible for transforming the rubies’ parent mineral into their vibrant red form. Rubies rich in chromium can also fluoresce under ultraviolet light, glowing with a fire that mesmerizes viewers and perfectly embodies power and passion. What’s more, a few of the rubes set in this necklace can be classified as the most coveted vivid red hue known as ‘pigeon’s blood.’
Lady Gaga in House of Gucci
Lady Gaga wore a gorgeous Bulgari necklace as Patrizia Reggiani in 2021’s House of Gucci. Photo 12 / Alamy Stock Photo
There could be no better choice for House of Gucci’s costume department than to adorn Patrizia Reggiani’s character in the stunning Le Magnifiche collection piece, estimated to be worth over US$625,000. The storytelling of the film was enhanced by the wardrobe and accessory choices, and here, the glamour and zeal of Gaga’s character was on full display.
As much as Reggiani may have taken things too far, we all have a more complex and fiery side. To show this off at the moments that count, let the jewels do the talking. We'd suggest pairing the rare step-cut ruby and diamond ring with the extravagant ruby and diamond bracelet featuring 33 of the rarest Burmese Mogok rubies.
It will be hard for anyone to look away.
Lot 597: Ruby and Diamond Bracelet >
Lot 583: Ruby and Diamond Ring >
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