Ruby Elegance

Rubies are best known as one of the precious three gemstones: they are revered alongside emeralds and sapphires. Sought after for its luxe, rich red hue, this July birthstone is universally appealing. Read on to learn more about rubies!

Rubies are sought after for their deep red color. The most highly desired ruby color is a rich red with a hint of purple: this shade is called "pigeon's blood."  Long associated with blood due to their color, rubies have been used in jewelry throughout history. Medieval Europeans wore rubies for health, success, and love. Warriors from Burma believed rubies lent them strength in battle, and in ancient India the ruby was thought to be king among gems.

Rubies are mined primarily in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Mozambique. While there are other areas such as Thailand and Cambodia that boast deposits of rubies, the aforementioned mines produce stones that are the most highly desired. These rubies are typically vibrant, with hints of purple in their deep red tones.

Rubies of the highest quality have a pure, vibrant red color with slight hints of purple. The quality of the ruby is lowered if the stone has hints of orange, or if the color is too purple. An ideal ruby is neither too pale or too rich in its hue. Like diamonds, many rubies have inclusions. The value of the stone fluctuates depending on how visible these imperfections are. 

Like many colored stones, rubies can be heat-treated to enhance their natural red tones. When done correctly, this practice is both safe and accepted by the jewelry industry: a ruby that has been certified by the Gemological Institute of America will come with a GIA certification, ensuring that you have the best quality of ruby possible. 

Ruby is the birthstone of July. A perfect homage to the summertime with its vibrant tones, this stone is as precious as it is lovely. Contact me today to begin your own project featuring rubies! 

Photo credit for the loose stones and research information: Gemological Institute of America, Map: Gemporia