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ruby jewellery buying guide

gemstone jewellery

Ruby Jewellery Buying Guide

Rubies are a type of gemstone that is prized for their deep, vibrant red colour. They are also said to promote courage, strength, and vitality. If you are looking for beautiful and meaningful gemstone jewellery, ruby is a great choice.

ruby jewellery guide

What are Rubies?

Rubies are gemstones known for their rich red colour. Ruby belongs to the corundum mineral species, which is one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Corundum has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it the second hardest natural substance after diamond, which has a hardness of 10. This high level of hardness means that ruby jewellery is highly resistant to scratches and can withstand daily wear and tear. Rubies are composed primarily of aluminium oxide with the presence of chromium, which gives them their characteristic red hue. The intensity and tone of the red can vary, ranging from pinkish-red to deep, vibrant red. Rubies are one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world. Their beauty and rarity have made them popular throughout history and make stunning jewellery accessories.

Ruby Jewellery Inspiration

stacked ruby ring
ruby ring
ruby rings

Ruby Lore and Meaning

Rubies have been prized for their beauty and symbolic meaning for centuries. The word "ruby" comes from the Latin word "ruber," meaning "red." The colour red has long been associated with passion, love, and protection, and rubies are no exception. Here are some of the most common meanings behind rubies:

  1. The stone of kings: Ruby jewellery has long been associated with royalty and power. In ancient Egypt, they were worn by the pharaohs as a symbol of their authority. In India, they were associated with the god Krishna, who was said to wear a ruby jewellery on his brow. In Europe, rubies were often given as gifts to kings and queens.
  2. The stone of love: The colour red is often associated with love and passion, so it is no surprise that rubies are also seen as a symbol of love. In many cultures, rubies are given as gifts to express love or to celebrate a new relationship.
  3. The stone of protection: Rubies are also believed to have protective powers. In ancient times, they were often worn as amulets to ward off evil spirits. Today, some people believe that rubies can protect the wearer from harm and misfortune.
  4. The stone of health: Rubies are also said to have healing properties. They are said to promote good health, vitality, and longevity. In some cultures, rubies are used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, heart disease, and blood disorders.

Whether you believe in their metaphysical properties or not, there is no doubt that rubies are beautiful and fascinating gemstones. Their rich history and symbolism make them a popular choice for jewellery and a cherished possession for many people.

ruby colour guide

Ruby Jewellery Colour Guide

WHAT ARE THE BEST SHADES OF RED FOR JEWELLERY?

Rubies are a type of gemstone that are admired for their deep, vibrant red colour. The colour of a ruby is determined by the presence of chromium in the crystal structure. The more chromium present, the deeper and more saturated the red colour will be. The most desirable colour for ruby jewellery is a pure red, but rubies with a slight purplish or orange tint can also be beautiful. The colour should be neither too dark nor too light, and it should have a high saturation.

In addition to red, rubies can also be found in other colours, such as pink, orange, and yellow. However, these colours are less common and are not as valuable as red rubies. The colour of a ruby can also be affected by its clarity and cut. A ruby with high clarity will have a more even colour, while a ruby with low clarity may have some areas that are lighter or darker than others. The cut of a ruby can also affect its colour, as a well-cut ruby will reflect light more evenly and will appear to be more vibrant.

Where do Rubies come from?

where to find ruby gemstones

Rubies are mined in a variety of locations around the world. The most important sources of rubies include Myanmar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The Mogok Valley in Myanmar is considered to be the most important source of rubies, and it has produced some of the most famous and valuable rubies in history. Other major sources of rubies include the Montepuez district in Mozambique, the Tunduru district in Tanzania, and the Ratnapura district in Sri Lanka. Rubies can also be found in smaller quantities in other countries, such as Afghanistan, Australia, India, Madagascar, and Pakistan.

Famous Rubies

The Sunrise Ruby

This is the most expensive ruby ever sold at auction. It is a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby that is known for its deep, saturated red color and its star-shaped inclusion. The Sunrise Ruby was set into a ring by Cartier in 1960, and it has been auctioned off several times since then. In 2015, it was sold at Sotheby's Geneva for $30.3 million, setting a new world record for the price of a ruby.

The DeLong Star Ruby

This is another famous Burmese ruby that is known for its star-shaped inclusion. The DeLong Star Ruby is 100.32 carats, making it one of the largest star rubies in the world. It is currently on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

The Rosser Reeves Ruby

This is a 138.7-carat Sri Lankan ruby that is known for its deep, pigeon-blood color. The Rosser Reeves Ruby was named after the American advertising executive who bought it in 1965. He donated the ruby to the Smithsonian Institution in 1969, where it is currently on display.

ruby birthstone jewellery

july birthstone

Ruby Birthstone Jewellery

Ruby is the birthstone for July. It is a type of corundum, a mineral that is also found in sapphires. Rubies are prized for their deep, vibrant red color, which is said to represent love, passion, and protection. They are also said to promote courage, strength, and vitality.

Ruby jewellery is often given as gifts to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. They are also popular for engagement rings and other jewellery.

If you are looking for birthstone jewellery that is both beautiful and meaningful, ruby is a great choice. It is a stone that is said to bring good luck and protection to its wearer.

Celebrity Rubies

ruby crown jewels

The Crown Jewels Rubies

The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom are a collection of royal ceremonial objects that are used in the coronation of British monarchs. The collection includes a number of rubies, including the Black Prince's Ruby, which is set in the Imperial State Crown. The Black Prince's Ruby is a 170-carat spinel that is said to have been captured by the Black Prince, Edward of Woodstock, during the Battle of Crécy in 1346.

elizabeth taylors ruby necklace

Elizabeth Taylor's Ruby and Diamond Necklace

This necklace is one of the most famous pieces of jewellery in the world. It was given to Elizabeth Taylor by her husband, Richard Burton, in 1968. The necklace is made up of 35 rubies and 25 diamonds, and it is estimated to be worth over $1 million. Taylor wore the necklace on many occasions, and it became a symbol of her beauty and glamour.

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