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Ruby: The Timeless Beauty of the King of Gems

Overview

Rubies remain among the most coveted and revered gemstones worldwide, mainly due to their deep, vibrant red color. A Ruby, a variety of the mineral corundum, belongs to the same classification as sapphires. However, its striking red hue sets it apart. Throughout history, people have associated rubies with love, passion, and vitality. Because of this, they remain a popular choice for fine jewelry and engagement rings.

Properties of Ruby

Color: The most desirable rubies display a deep, rich red color, often described as “pigeon’s blood red.” Among all factors, color plays the most crucial role in determining a ruby’s value.

Hardness: With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies rank just below diamonds in durability. As a result, they are ideal for everyday jewelry.

Clarity: Rubies often contain inclusions, commonly referred to as “silk.” However, jewelers evaluate them based on overall clarity. In fact, rubies with fewer inclusions are usually of higher quality.

Transparency: Most rubies appear transparent to translucent. However, inclusions can sometimes impact their overall clarity.

Ruby History

For centuries, people have prized rubies for their rarity and beauty. In ancient cultures, these gemstones held immense value. For example, the Burmese believed that rubies possessed extraordinary powers to bring strength and vitality. Because of this belief, they often offered rubies in temples or embedded them in warriors’ armor for protection. Additionally, rubies symbolized love, making them a cherished gift for engagement rings and royal jewelry.

Sources

Rubies originate from various regions across the world. However, some locations stand out for producing exceptional stones:

  • Myanmar (Burma): This region is famous for yielding some of the world’s finest rubies, particularly those with the coveted pigeon’s blood-red color.
  • Thailand: As a major ruby source, Thailand produces both high-quality stones and those suitable for commercial use.
  • Mozambique: In recent years, Mozambique has gained recognition for its rubies, which exhibit rich color and impressive clarity.
Famous Rubies

Several rubies have gained historical significance, further showcasing their importance:

  • The Red Emperor’s Ruby: Weighing over 15 carats, this legendary ruby holds the distinction of being one of the largest ever discovered.
  • The Hope Ruby: Weighing 32.08 carats, this extraordinary ruby forms part of the British Crown Jewels.
  • The Thelma Ruby Necklace: Worn by royalty, this stunning necklace features a breathtaking 10-carat ruby surrounded by diamonds.
Uses

Rubies feature prominently in a variety of fine jewelry pieces, including engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Because of their vibrant color and exceptional durability, they make perfect heirloom pieces that families cherish and pass down for generations.

Care and Maintenance of Ruby

  • Rubies are quite durable and can be cleaned with mild, soapy water and a soft cloth.
  • Like other gemstones, rubies should be stored separately to avoid scratching.
  • Avoid exposing rubies to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, as this could affect their color or clarity.
  • Learn more about Jewelry care.

Fun Facts About Rubies

  • Rubies are the birthstone for July and are considered symbols of passion, love, and power.
  • The name “ruby” comes from the Latin word “rubens,” meaning “red.”
  • The largest ruby ever discovered weighed more than 2,000 carats and was found in Myanmar.
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