Gemstone Ruby is a precious and highly sought after red gemstone varying in color from pink to blood red. It has for long been regarded among the most valuable gemstonesf on earth and is blessed with all the traits that a precious gemstone should possess viz. wonderful color, exceptional hardness and durability, outstanding brilliance, and extreme rarity.
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Rough Uncut Rubies
The gemstone is composed of the mineral aluminium oxide (Al2O3) which is prevalently recognized by the name of corundum. Hints of metallic impurities (that of chromium) in the crystal framework of the corundum gives the gorgeous red tint to this enchanting gemstone. Quite rightly called ‘Ratnaraj’ or the king of gems in Sanskrit, rubies are always conspicuous by their majesty.
Its color is its most basic and discernible property and the name itself is derived from the Latin word ruber which means red. The red color is very significant as on one hand red symbolizes vigor, willpower, anger and courage while on the other hand it signifies joy, sexuality, passion and love.
Gem quality corundum of any other color is called a sapphire.
The colors of a this gemstone include pinkish red, purplish red, orangish red and brownish red depending on the trace content of chromium and iron in the stone. Geological formations that create it determine the quantity and variety of trace minerals in a ruby. As such, the region of origin such as Burmese and Thai are often used to describe the color.
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The Grand Collar Cross of the Bavarian Saint George Order, crafted from gold and adorned with rubies and diamonds, is showcased at the Bavarian Palace Department in Munich, Germany. Photo by Jebulon.Public Domain. |
All the five continents of our planet yield corundums. Mozambique, South-East Asia and Central Asia produce the finest ruby crystals. “Pigeon’s Blood” rubies have been coming out of Mogok Stone Tract in Myanmar right from 600 CE.
The Burmese stones have a propensity to be purplish red in color while the Thai stones are far more brownish red.
In just ten years, Mozambique has come to be the world’s most prolific resource for gem-quality ruby. Gemological institute of America has examined these deposits hands-on, gathering data in the field and also in the research laboratory. The development of the deposit in Montepuez has generated incredible interest. The appeal lies in the variety of players involved as also in the different kinds of material uncovered.
2.1 CT Certified Ruby Eternity Ring |
14K Gold Everyday Statement Ruby Ring |
Rubies show pleochroism which means that the color varies with the direction of viewing.
Virtually all gems in the gem trade undergo some sort of treatment or other for improvement of clarity as well as the tone and saturation of color. Certain types of stones are treated with oils while the corundum range of gemstones namely the rubies and sapphires are commonly given heat treatment. Clarity & color of sapphires and rubies improve significantly with heat treatment.
If you want an all-natural untreated gemstone ruby you should insist on a testimony from a recognized gem testing laboratory like the AGTA Gemological Testing Center or the GIA certifying that the stone displays no evidence of heat alteration. But you have to pay a premium for the privilege. Besides, basic heat treatment of rubies is an established practice in the gem trade so long as it is openly disclosed. The value of the gem does not get drastically lowered by the treatment.
Like a diamond, the value of Gemstone Ruby is decided by the four Cs, namely color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Above all, the true worth of a ruby is determined by its color. The brightest pigeon blood-red rubies command the maximum value over the other rubies of comparable quality. Color is followed by clarity and a clear gemstone will command a premium. But a completely clear stone devoid of any needle-like rutile inclusions makes it suspect. It might indicate that the stone has been treated or it might even be an synthetic lab cultivated. Cut and carat weight also influence the price of a ruby.
The value of natural ruby is based not only on the classic Four C’s, but also on the geographic origin.
Certified Untreated 3.04 Carat Natural Ruby Heart |
Certified Untreated 3.02 Carat Natural Ruby Cushion |
Occasionally, the inclusions in a gemstone (which diminishes its clarity) can in fact increase its value. The silk, which is so common in corundum, can, if adequately abundant, and correctly arranged, lead to asterism. With suitable cutting (only seen in cabochon cuts) this generates star rubies.
Rubies exhibiting asterism are known as “Star Rubies”, and if transparent are highly prized. Typically star rubies display six ray stars. But in unusual cases twelve ray stars can also occur.
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Asterism Phenomenon in Gemstone Ruby: |
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The plentiful tiny rutile needles in a star ruby are exactly arranged in such a way that they are aligned perpendicular to the rays of the star. These magnificent gems show a sharp six-rayed star which slides along majestically across the surface of the gem as the light moves or the stone is rotated. The star is best perceptible when seen in a solitary light source such as sunlight.
2.2 CT 3 MM Ruby Eternity Diamond Halo Ring |
2Ct Garnet Alternate Ring Full Eternity Wedding Ring |
A wide variety of shapes and cutting styles are used for crafting the raw material into a gemstone .
Oval cushion is the most common cut but rounds are also seen along with other shapes, like the heart or emerald cut. Slight premiums are paid for round stones, while slight discounts apply for pears and marquises. Stones that are overly deep or shallow should normally be avoided.
 Cabochon Cut Ruby |
 Emerald Cut Ruby |
 Heart Cut Ruby |
 Marquise Cut Ruby |
 Oval Cushion Cut Ruby |
 Pear Shape Cut Ruby |
 Red Round Brilliant Cut Ruby |
Cabochon-cut rubies are also common. This cut is used for star stones, or those not clean enough to facet. The best cabochons are fairly transparent, with smooth domes and good symmetry.
Generally rubies occur only in small carat sizes which range from 1 carat to 15 carats. Fine rubies of large sizes are extremely rare and cost a lot of money.
The Hue, Tone, Color-Purity, Clarity, Transparency and Cut together determine the overall grade of this gemstone.
Overall grade scores: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, Exceptional (Best).
Rubies have an excellent hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness which means that only diamond and moissanite are harder then rubies. This makes it an outstanding jewelry stone. For reasonably clean stones, no particular wear or care safeguards are needed though a heavily included or fractured stone will be less stable.
950 White Platinum Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Wedding Anniversary Bridal Ring |
7.09 ct Oval Shape Ruby and Diamond Anniversary Ring in Platinum |
There is some thing innately regal about rubies. The rich red color of this beautiful gemstone has for centuries, besotted humans.
In ancient times rubies were deemed to be more precious than even diamonds and till date they continue to be one of the most sought after gemstones. Rubies have always remained the favored stone for emperors and rulers across the world. There is hardly any royalty who has not worn this immaculate gemstone.
Quite a few mystical metaphysical qualities have also been attributed to rubies and these beliefs have been handed over from generation to generation. The gemstone is believed to impart clarity, wisdom and motivation. Ruby was thought to protect the wearer from psychic and physical attacks. Soldiers in ancient Burma inserted rubies into their skin that they believed would save them from fatal wounds in the battlefields.
It is believed that lucid dreams can be brought on by sleeping with a this gemstone.
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In traditional Indian archery, thumb rings served as protective gear for archers. Yet, this particular archer’s ring, crafted from jade and embellished with gold, rubies, and emeralds, likely served more as a decorative piece or a symbol of status. India, 17th-18th century, 4.4 x 3.2 cm, 28.3 g. Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Public Domain. |
The Romans and Greeks used rubies for their healing abilities. Warriors used rubies to heal their wounds and reduce the pain. It was believed that the healing power of rubies could decrease their suffering. It is also supposed that rubies can promote healthy blood circulation and protect from infection. Rubies are thought to cleanse the blood of toxins.
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Traditionally, the term “carbuncles” referred to deep red cabochon-cut stones, a category that today’s gemologists would differentiate into rubies, garnets, spinels, and more. These stones collectively inherit the lore associated with carbuncles. This 14kt gold ring features a ruby “carbuncle.” Photo courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Quinn’s Auction Galleries. |
The color red in itself brings about feelings that are strong and deep and rubies are a true reflection of this very fact. Symbolizing the very spirit of life and love, rubies make wonderful jewelry pieces. These radiant gemstones are especially regarded as highly romantic gifts.
Rubies make exquisite pieces of jewelry, like ruby rings, ruby earrings or ruby pendants. While more inticrate pieces with diamonds thrown in make great accessories for special evenings, more understated ruby jewelry proves to be ideally suited for every day wear by adding a splash of color to any attire.
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14kt White Gold Yang Ring, with diamonds & diamonds. Photoby Mark Somma. Licensed under CC By 2.0. |
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