Rubies
The King of Gemstones, July has the honour of calling the Ruby it's birthstone.
Rubies are an ancient gemstone and like any good ancient tale, this one is fraught with curious superstitions and beliefs in the pursuit of wealth, power and acclaim. Come along as we sift through superstitions of an intriguing past and learn more about the King of Gems!
How Rubies are Formed
Rubies are formed by the mineral corundum and coloured by chromium. All other colours of corundum minerals are called sapphires. Therefore, colour is of utmost importance for the value of this gem and are revered for their stunning red colour and are named for this. The name “Ruby” is derived from the latin word “rubeus” meaning “red”. The most desirable shade of ruby red is called "Pigeon Blood Red". Rubies come in a variety of shades from lighter pink and purplish reds to vibrant deep crimson.
Unfortunately, the addition of chromium can also cause cracks and fissures in these gems, meaning that few crystals grow large enough for use in fine jewellery adding to their rarity and value. It is also exceedingly rare to encounter a flawless ruby, and these gems often contain inclusions referred to as “silk” which, just like the inclusion of jardin in emeralds, can increase the value of a ruby. However, transparency is still an important characteristic for a ruby and opaque rubies are less valuable. High quality rubies command the highest per-carat price of any coloured gemstone (excluding fancy coloured diamonds) because of their rarity.
One of the most beautiful chemical properties of rubies is the fluorescence caused by the chromium in the stones chemical composition. This creates the effect of glowing, like a hot ember, from within the stone. Although we know now that this beautiful effect is simple chemistry. It is this quality that gave rise to the ancient theory that gemstones are alive and sentient.
A Rich History
Originally a favourite gem across Asia, rubies have been desired the world over for millennia. Royalty, aristocracy, religious leaders, and the gentry alike all went out of their way to acquire rubies to include in family treasure troves, heirloom pieces and even battle armour. In Sanskrit the word for ruby, “ratnaraj” means “king of precious stones” and, in many ancient cultures, rubies represented the strongest of human emotions both positive and negative; love, passion, fury and anger.
The earliest record of rubies suggest they were discovered in the Mogok region (the valley of rubies) of Myanmar (formerly Burma) as early as 2500 BC. Some records suggest that rubies have been traded on China’s North Silk Road as early as 200 BC. Early cultures treasured rubies because they believed that the gems held the power of life, as symbolised by their blood red colour.
Rubies were prized very highly and ancient people believed that the virtue of these stones surpassed that of all other gemstones. So much so, that they were often valued greater than diamonds and widely believed to hold supernatural power. In many cultures Rubies were frequently engraved or carved in the images of deities to signify love, life, death, fertility, honour, victory and to ward off evil.
Emperors, Kings and Rulers across the world wore rubies as a symbol of their wealth and as a talisman for preservation and protection from enemies.
Until the 1800’s, when ruby was formally recognised as a variety of corundum, most red stones like red spinel, tourmaline, and garnet were often mistaken for rubies. One famous example of this is the Black Prince’s Ruby in the Imperial State Crown in Britain’s Crown Jewels, which has been identified as a stunning example of red spinel.
How to Care for your Ruby Jewellery
As always, we recommend treating your jewellery like you treat your high heel shoes. Make it the last thing you put on when you leave the house and the first thing you take off when you return home. We recommend that you do not wear your jewellery while sleeping, showering, swimming or during extreme physical activity. Avoid contact with body care products and harsh chemicals including perfumes, hairspray, lotions and household cleaning products.
How to clean your Ruby Jewellery
At Home - use warm, soapy water coupled with a gentle toothbrush is the safest way to clean emeralds. Be careful not to use strong detergents or vigorous scrubbing especially on treated stones. Alternatively, you can bring your emerald jewellery in store for a complimentary clean or let our jeweller revive it to it's former glory with a professional clean, polish and check for a small fee.
Where are they sourced?
Rubies are mined in Australia, Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam, but the finest rubies come from Burma (Myanmar).
Hardness - Emeralds are rated a 9.0 out of 10 on Mohs Hardness Scale
Toughness - Usually excellent, but stones with certain treatments or with large fractures or inclusions can be less durable
Can you wear emeralds as an engagement ring centre stone?
Absolutely! Rubies are a popular alternative to diamonds for use in engagement rings as centre stones. The beautiful symbolism and perceived virtue of these gems make them the perfect choice for a forever love story.
Any Questions?
Please email us at hello@senseandwonder.co.nz and we would be happy to answer them for you!
Rubies are an ancient gemstone and like any good ancient tale, this one is fraught with curious superstitions and beliefs in the pursuit of wealth, power and acclaim. Come along as we sift through superstitions of an intriguing past and learn more about the King of Gems!
How Rubies are Formed
Rubies are formed by the mineral corundum and coloured by chromium. All other colours of corundum minerals are called sapphires. Therefore, colour is of utmost importance for the value of this gem and are revered for their stunning red colour and are named for this. The name “Ruby” is derived from the latin word “rubeus” meaning “red”. The most desirable shade of ruby red is called "Pigeon Blood Red". Rubies come in a variety of shades from lighter pink and purplish reds to vibrant deep crimson.
Unfortunately, the addition of chromium can also cause cracks and fissures in these gems, meaning that few crystals grow large enough for use in fine jewellery adding to their rarity and value. It is also exceedingly rare to encounter a flawless ruby, and these gems often contain inclusions referred to as “silk” which, just like the inclusion of jardin in emeralds, can increase the value of a ruby. However, transparency is still an important characteristic for a ruby and opaque rubies are less valuable. High quality rubies command the highest per-carat price of any coloured gemstone (excluding fancy coloured diamonds) because of their rarity.
One of the most beautiful chemical properties of rubies is the fluorescence caused by the chromium in the stones chemical composition. This creates the effect of glowing, like a hot ember, from within the stone. Although we know now that this beautiful effect is simple chemistry. It is this quality that gave rise to the ancient theory that gemstones are alive and sentient.
A Rich History
Originally a favourite gem across Asia, rubies have been desired the world over for millennia. Royalty, aristocracy, religious leaders, and the gentry alike all went out of their way to acquire rubies to include in family treasure troves, heirloom pieces and even battle armour. In Sanskrit the word for ruby, “ratnaraj” means “king of precious stones” and, in many ancient cultures, rubies represented the strongest of human emotions both positive and negative; love, passion, fury and anger.
The earliest record of rubies suggest they were discovered in the Mogok region (the valley of rubies) of Myanmar (formerly Burma) as early as 2500 BC. Some records suggest that rubies have been traded on China’s North Silk Road as early as 200 BC. Early cultures treasured rubies because they believed that the gems held the power of life, as symbolised by their blood red colour.
Rubies were prized very highly and ancient people believed that the virtue of these stones surpassed that of all other gemstones. So much so, that they were often valued greater than diamonds and widely believed to hold supernatural power. In many cultures Rubies were frequently engraved or carved in the images of deities to signify love, life, death, fertility, honour, victory and to ward off evil.
Emperors, Kings and Rulers across the world wore rubies as a symbol of their wealth and as a talisman for preservation and protection from enemies.
Until the 1800’s, when ruby was formally recognised as a variety of corundum, most red stones like red spinel, tourmaline, and garnet were often mistaken for rubies. One famous example of this is the Black Prince’s Ruby in the Imperial State Crown in Britain’s Crown Jewels, which has been identified as a stunning example of red spinel.
How to Care for your Ruby Jewellery
As always, we recommend treating your jewellery like you treat your high heel shoes. Make it the last thing you put on when you leave the house and the first thing you take off when you return home. We recommend that you do not wear your jewellery while sleeping, showering, swimming or during extreme physical activity. Avoid contact with body care products and harsh chemicals including perfumes, hairspray, lotions and household cleaning products.
How to clean your Ruby Jewellery
At Home - use warm, soapy water coupled with a gentle toothbrush is the safest way to clean emeralds. Be careful not to use strong detergents or vigorous scrubbing especially on treated stones. Alternatively, you can bring your emerald jewellery in store for a complimentary clean or let our jeweller revive it to it's former glory with a professional clean, polish and check for a small fee.
Where are they sourced?
Rubies are mined in Australia, Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam, but the finest rubies come from Burma (Myanmar).
Hardness - Emeralds are rated a 9.0 out of 10 on Mohs Hardness Scale
Toughness - Usually excellent, but stones with certain treatments or with large fractures or inclusions can be less durable
Can you wear emeralds as an engagement ring centre stone?
Absolutely! Rubies are a popular alternative to diamonds for use in engagement rings as centre stones. The beautiful symbolism and perceived virtue of these gems make them the perfect choice for a forever love story.
Any Questions?
Please email us at hello@senseandwonder.co.nz and we would be happy to answer them for you!
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