The Ruby
The “King of Gems,” embodying ethereal beauty, unmatched brilliance, and fiery passion.
Overview
Derived from the Latin word ruber (meaning red), the ruby is a magnificent variety of corundum. From the beginning of civilization, rubies have been the prized possessions of kings and queens, especially coveted by medieval European royalty over all other gemstones.
For centuries, Burma (Myanmar) was the key source for the finest rubies. Today, the Montepuez mine in Mozambique is the world’s largest known deposit, alongside sources in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and beyond. Desired for its remarkable hardness, durability, and rarity, the ruby remains one of the most exotic and expensive colored gemstones in the world.
Symbolism
Medieval Europeans wore rubies to attract health, wealth, wisdom, and love. As one of the 12 stones mentioned in the Bible, early cultures believed the ruby was the most powerful of all precious stones, symbolizing the sun and warding off negative thoughts.
Because red is universally associated with love and passion, this treasured stone is a highly popular choice for engagement rings. It serves as the magnificent birthstone for July and the traditional gift for the 40th wedding anniversary (the Ruby Jubilee).
Physical Properties & Quality
Hardness & Strength
A red variety of the mineral corundum, rubies exude remarkable luster and sparkle. Rated a 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, rubies are incredibly durable—making them the second hardest natural substance on earth, right after diamonds.
Treatment
Heat treatment is an industry standard providing stable, permanent color enhancement. However, rubies heavily filled with lead glass for clarity are no longer considered entirely natural, greatly reducing their value. Lab-created rubies (identical in structure) serve as a flawless, affordable alternative.
Color & Size
The most coveted color is a pure, vibrant red with a hint of blue (often called "pigeon blood"). If the color is too light, the stone is categorized as a pink sapphire. Because fine-quality natural rubies over one carat are exceptionally rare, the price-per-carat increases drastically with size.
Clarity & Cut
Rubies with absolutely no inclusions are practically nonexistent. They typically feature thin mineral needles called "silk". Commonly, they are cut into oval and cushion shapes to maximize the rough crystal. Large, flawless round or emerald cuts are exceedingly rare.
Ruby Grading System
Top 1%
These represent the top 1% of rubies in terms of quality. They have a truly exceptional deep, rich red (pigeon blood), exhibit high brilliance, and are very slightly included.
Top 10%
This grade includes the best 10% of natural rubies available. They feature a signature medium-dark red shade and possess very few inclusions.
Top 20-30%
Representing the top 20% to 30% of natural rubies, these stones offer a beautiful medium-dark red color but feature a moderate amount of inclusions.
Top 50-70%
These comprise the next 50% to 70% of natural rubies available. They display a lighter shade of red and have moderate to heavy inclusions.
Ruby Care Instructions
While exceptionally hard, a ruby might still chip on high impact, and everyday wear can cause the surface to appear cloudy due to built-up oils. Follow these tips to keep your rubies glowing for a lifetime:
- Remove For Chores: Unless it’s your wedding ring, take your ruby jewelry off when performing heavy everyday chores to avoid sharp impacts.
- Last On, First Off: Put your jewelry on after applying perfume, lotion, and hairspray to prevent the surface from getting cloudy.
- Gentle Wiping: After wearing your jewelry, gently wipe off skin oil and makeup using a soft cotton cloth.
- Safe Cleaning: Gently clean your rubies using a soft toothbrush and mild liquid soap in warm water. Rinse with fresh water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Machine Cleaners: Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for rubies, provided the setting and metal are compatible and the ruby is not heavily fractured or glass-filled.
- Smart Storage: Store them separately wrapped in silk or velvet pouches (or a divided box) to prevent your ruby from scratching softer stones.