With its ethical elegance, regal hues and universal appeal, Mozambique rubies are seeing a brilliant comeback, from high-end jewellery ateliers to A-list red carpets
In the ever-evolving world of luxury gemstones, Mozambique rubies have emerged as the new crown jewel—quite literally. Sourced from Montepuez, one of the world’s richest ruby deposits, these stones are rewriting the narrative of modern luxury: ethically mined, brilliantly colored, and red-carpet approved.
Gone are the days when Burmese rubies reigned supreme. Today, Mozambique rubies are being coveted for their vivid “pigeon blood” hue, excellent clarity, and substantial carat size. From the prestigious auction block at Sotheby’s to the high jewellery collections of Cartier and Louis Vuitton, these rubies are experiencing a glamorous renaissance.
Red carpets around the world have served as glistening runways for Mozambique rubies. At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made headlines in a Manish Malhotra couture gown complemented by a staggering 500-carat Mozambique ruby and uncut diamond bib necklace. Paired with two oversized ruby rings from the same maison, the look redefined ruby maximalism for a new generation.
Earlier, Jane Fonda adorned a 15.29-carat Mozambique ruby choker from Cartier’s Reine Makéda collection, a nod to regal heritage and modern artistry. The iconic necklace has since become a cornerstone of Cartier’s ruby offerings.
Mila Kunis, too, was one of the early adopters, appearing in Fabergé’s Devotion earrings, showcasing 9.32-carat Mozambique rubies set with white diamonds—a quiet but powerful endorsement of these African gems in Hollywood circles.
Cartier’s Reine Makéda collection prominently features Mozambique rubies in grand, architectural forms. A 15.29-carat oval ruby forms the centerpiece of a now-iconic high jewellery necklace, confirming Cartier’s confidence in the ruby’s brilliance and scale.
Louis Vuitton’s high jewellery division has also leaned into the ruby trend, crafting elegant ruby rings and earrings with Mozambican origins. A standout piece: a sculptural ring with a central ruby surrounded by LV’s signature star-cut diamonds—symbolizing heritage fused with bold new perspectives.
A rising name in the Indian luxury jewellery space, Amaris is crafting bespoke bracelets, chokers, and earrings using Mozambique rubies set in 18K white and yellow gold. The brand has quickly become a favourite among contemporary collectors who value both design finesse and traceable sourcing.
Beyond couture, Manish Malhotra’s jewellery division has become synonymous with the opulence of rubies. His statement rings and layered chokers often pair Mozambique rubies with uncut and rose-cut diamonds in regal gold settings. With muses like Aishwarya Rai and Kiara Advani, Malhotra’s ruby designs have become cultural moments in themselves.
Mozambique rubies are at the heart of a global jewellery revolution, and India is right at its epicentre. What makes these rubies so special—particularly from an Indian perspective—is the seamless blend of regal aesthetic, spiritual significance, and conscious luxury they offer.
In Indian tradition, rubies (or manik) have long symbolized power, prosperity, and cosmic energy. With their deep “pigeon-blood” red hue, Mozambique rubies naturally resonate with this cultural legacy—evoking royalty, bridal opulence, and astrological strength. But what sets them apart now is their ethical origin and exceptional quality at scale. Unlike traditional Burmese rubies, Mozambique varieties offer transparency in sourcing (mined through responsible companies like Fura Gems and Gemfields), making them a hit with modern, socially aware buyers.
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For Indian designers like Manish Malhotra and niche luxury houses like Amaris, Mozambique rubies bring a versatile design language: from bridal heirlooms and cocktail rings to bold red carpet chokers, these stones fit the grandeur Indian consumers crave, with the global polish they now expect.
The revolution is simple: bold colour, ethical credibility, and cultural alignment—a rare trifecta making Mozambique rubies India’s most desired gemstone of the moment.
The Mozambique ruby’s ascent is no accident—it is the result of a perfect alignment of aesthetics, ethics, and celebrity influence. Whether encased in Cartier’s timeless craftsmanship, Louis Vuitton’s avant-garde forms, Amaris’s refined luxury, or Manish Malhotra’s statement glamour, these stones are more than just a trend. They are the future of fine jewellery.
And if the current red carpet climate is anything to go by, that future is very, very red.