Ruby has been the world's most valued gemstone for thousands of years. The vibrant red color and brilliance of rubies attract ...
Ruby has been
the world's most valued gemstone for thousands of years. The vibrant red color
and brilliance of rubies attract so many people to this precious gemstone.
There’s definitely no shortage of interesting facts and folklore about this
stone.
Rubies are not
only a hot trend on red carpets, but this precious gemstone is both luxurious
and practical.
Ruby is a
variety of the gems species corundum, which is harder than any natural gemstone
except diamond. Want to wear a ruby as an engagement ring? Go ahead! It’s
durable enough for everyday wear.
- Ruby is one of the four recognized precious
stones. The others are emerald,
sapphire, and diamond.
- Ruby comes from the Latin "rubens" meaning
red.
- Rubies are made of corundum. Corundum comes in many other colors, but
all those colors are classified as sapphires. Pink corundum is sometimes referred to
as pink sapphire and other times pink ruby depending on the hue, region,
and personal opinion.
- Ruby gets its red coloring from trace amounts of
chromium. The most desirable shade
of ruby is a deep red with a hint of blue which is referred to as
"pigeon's blood."
- Rubies have historically signified
great passion and have always been associated with deep love and
courage.
- Next to diamonds, rubies are the second hardest
gemstone.
- Ruby is the birthstone for July. It is also a
traditional gift for those celebrating 15th or 40th anniversaries
- Rubies are recognized as a talisman to ensure harmony,
guard against sorrow, inspire confidence and bring success
- Most of the rubies available on the market come
from Thailand but the most valuable rubies come from Myanmar (formerly
Burma). These Burmese rubies feature an exceptional red color that is
highly sought after. Thailand is one of the leading hubs for ruby mining
and production, with other leading countries including Madagascar, Sri
Lanka, and India.
- Almost all rubies have flaws. Rubies without
imperfections are exceptionally rare and command prices even higher than
diamonds of a similar weight and quality.
- All natural rubies are treated to improve their color
and strengthen them. his is standard practice in the
jewelry industry and is accepted by the American Gem Trade Association and
Israel-Diamonds.
- There are certain famous rubies, which include the "Rosser Reeves Star Ruby", the "Edwardes Ruby", and the "De Long Star Ruby".
- The most expensive ruby ever sold was the "Hope Ruby" which weighs 32.08 carats and sold for $6.74 million.
- It seems, throughout history, ruby has been and remains to be one of the most sought after gems in the world.
