Ruby: A Legacy of Fire, Strength, and Splendor

Historically celebrated for its fiery brilliance and royal symbolism, the ruby has long stood as one of the most coveted gemstones on earth. Before the modern classification of precious and semiprecious stones, color was king—and red was the color of power. The term “carbuncle,” once used for any deep-red gemstone, often referred to ruby or red spinel, though it occasionally overlapped with garnet as well. Over time, rubies—alongside emeralds and sapphires—became recognized as one of the original “precious” gems, prized for their rarity, color, and durability.

Types of Ruby

While all rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, their color and quality can vary dramatically based on origin and trace element composition. Rubies from Myanmar (Burma), famed for their vivid pigeon’s blood hue, are among the most prized. Other sources include Mozambique, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar, each offering unique shades and qualities.

Rubies can also exhibit optical phenomena:

• Star Rubies feature asterism—a star-shaped reflection caused by needle-like inclusions of rutile.

• Color-shift Rubies, although extremely rare, can subtly change hues under different lighting.

History: From Royal Armor to Imperial Crowns

Rubies have been treasured for over 2,500 years, their vivid red hue symbolizing life force, vitality, and divine protection. Warriors in ancient Burma believed rubies granted invincibility in battle, even embedding them into their skin. In India, rubies were known as ratnaraj—"the king of precious stones."

Rubies have adorned the crowns of monarchs, religious icons, and ceremonial weapons throughout Europe and Asia. The famed Black Prince's Ruby—which is actually a red spinel—sits in the Imperial State Crown of England, a testament to the longstanding ruby obsession, even when mistaken identity was comm

WOW FACT!!

The Liberty Bell Ruby, at a jaw-dropping 8,500 carats, is the largest mined ruby ever discovered. Unearthed in East Africa in the 1950s, it was sculpted into a replica of the Liberty Bell and set with 50 diamonds representing each U.S. state. Valued at over $2 million, the piece was tragically stolen in 2011 and has never been recovered.

Mohs Scale:

Rubies score a solid 9 on the Mohs hardness scale—second only to diamonds. This makes them exceptionally durable, ideal for daily wear in rings, pendants, and other fine jewelry. However, natural inclusions can still make them prone to chipping if struck sharply.

Chemical Composition:

Ruby is aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃)—the same mineral as sapphire—but it owes its red color to trace amounts of chromium (Cr). The intensity of red depends on chromium content and any iron present, which can dull the hue or shift it toward orange or purple tones.

How to Buy Ruby Jewelry

Color

The most critical factor in ruby valuation is color. The finest rubies are a deep, rich red with a slight bluish undertone, known as pigeon’s blood. Rubies with orange or brown undertones are less valuable. Color should appear even and vibrant under all lighting conditions.

Cut

Rubies are typically cut in oval, cushion, or round shapes to maximize color and minimize visible inclusions. A precise cut can enhance brilliance and color saturation. Star rubies are often cut en cabochon to highlight their asterism.

Clarity

Rubies almost always contain some inclusions—known in the trade as the gem’s “silk”. These are natural and expected. However, too many inclusions can reduce brilliance and transparency. A small number of well-positioned inclusions can even enhance the gem’s authenticity and character.

Character

Each ruby holds a world within: whether it’s a fluorescent Burmese stone glowing in sunlight, or a mysterious star ruby showing a six-rayed light across its surface, no two are alike. Look for signs of natural origin, regional characteristics, and the right balance of color, clarity, and craftsmanship.

Caring for Rubies

• Clean: Use lukewarm water with mild soap and a soft brush.

• Avoid: Steam and ultrasonic cleaners for treated rubies (especially those that have been fracture-filled).

• Store: Keep away from harder stones like diamonds to prevent scratching..