RUBY
Ruby is the red variety of sapphire or the mineral corundum. When corundum occurs in any color, other then red, it is referred to as a sapphire. Rubies are primarily mined in Burma, Madagascar, India and Eastern Africa. The most renown source of fine quality rubies is Burma, known now as Myanmar.
The value of a ruby is determined by the intensity of its red color. The most valuable rubies will be a medium tone, intense red without any modifying tones of violet, orange, gray or brown and are transparent in clarity. Rubies that are too light or too dark will be less highly valued.
With the exception of some rare colored diamonds and imperial jadeite, fine rubies still command the highest prices paid for gemstones.
The value of a ruby is determined by the intensity of its red color. The most valuable rubies will be a medium tone, intense red without any modifying tones of violet, orange, gray or brown and are transparent in clarity. Rubies that are too light or too dark will be less highly valued.
With the exception of some rare colored diamonds and imperial jadeite, fine rubies still command the highest prices paid for gemstones.
In its purest form, the mineral corundum is colorless. Trace elements that become part of the mineral’s crystal structure cause variations in its color. Chromium is the trace element that causes ruby’s red, which ranges from an orangy red to a purplish red.
The strength of ruby’s red depends on how much chromium is present—the more chromium, the stronger the red color. Chromium can also cause fluorescence, which adds to the intensity of the red color.
The strength of ruby’s red depends on how much chromium is present—the more chromium, the stronger the red color. Chromium can also cause fluorescence, which adds to the intensity of the red color.
THE HISTORY
Red is the color of our most intense emotions—love and anger, passion and fury. It’s associated with objects of power and desire—like fast cars and red roses. Early cultures treasured rubies for their similar color of the blood that flowed through their veins, and believed that rubies held the power of life.
Ruby is one of the most historically significant colored stones. Rubies are mentioned four times in the Bible, in association with attributes like beauty and wisdom. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or “king of precious stones.”
Desire for ruby is just as great today as it always has been. As a symbol of passion, ruby makes an ideal romantic gift. Consumers are drawn to the lush color because it also signifies wealth and success. Ruby is the birthstone for July and the gem for the 15th and 40th anniversaries.
Ruby is one of the most historically significant colored stones. Rubies are mentioned four times in the Bible, in association with attributes like beauty and wisdom. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or “king of precious stones.”
Desire for ruby is just as great today as it always has been. As a symbol of passion, ruby makes an ideal romantic gift. Consumers are drawn to the lush color because it also signifies wealth and success. Ruby is the birthstone for July and the gem for the 15th and 40th anniversaries.
CARING FOR RUBIES
It is generally safe to machine clean or steam clean jewelry containing rubies. It is best to use a damp cloth with warm and soapy water to clean ruby jewelry. As always, avoid any harsh chemicals and try to avoid placing rubies in direct sunlight for extending periods of time.