Rosser Reeves Ruby
The Rosser Reeves Ruby, Weighing 138.7 carats (27.74 g), is one of the world's largest and finest star rubies. This Sri Lankan stone is renowned for its great color and well-defined star pattern. The stone is named after Advertising mogul Rosser Reeves who pioneered his industry. And whose techniques were very popular in the 1950s and 1960s,and gave a successful boost to the election campaign of Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952, which led to his election as the 34th President of the United States of America. Rosser donated the piece to the Smithsonian in 1965, carried it around as a lucky stone, referring to it as his baby. He often stated that he had acquired the stone at an auction in Istanbul in the mid-1950s. He actually bought the stone from Robert C. Nelson Jr. of New York who was acting on behalf of Firestone & Parson of Boston. Firestone & Parson were selling the stone for Mr. Paul Fisher of New York. Mr. Robert Fisher, Paul's father, had bought the ruby at an auction in London in 1953. At the time the ruby then weighed just over 140 carats (28 g), but was very heavily scratched, and a few carats were removed in the repolishing. The repolishing also helped to center the stone's star. Articles in the New York World-Telegram and The Sun in 1953 mentioned this fabulous gemstone. This incredible stone is still located in the Smithsonian and is proudly displayed for all to see.
General resources
- Brendan Reeves (Great Grandson of Rosser)