Ruby

Discover the enchanting world of rubies: gems of passion and power.

With their intense red color, rubies have always captured the collective imagination, evoking deep emotions such as love, passion, power, and desire. These gems, symbols of life and vitality due to their fascinating resemblance to blood, have been adored for centuries for their rare splendor and deep symbolism. Considered "ratnaraj" or "king of precious stones" in Sanskrit, rubies stand out for their rich historical and cultural heritage, making them one of the most precious and sought-after gems in the world.

The Historical Charm of Ruby

Since ancient times, ruby has held a prominent place in cultures around the world, from biblical references extolling its beauty and wisdom to the veneration of Krishna in ancient India, where offering rubies was believed to ensure rebirth as emperors. Even in Pliny the Elder's "Natural History," this gem is celebrated for its remarkable hardness and density. Today, ruby continues to be a symbol of luxury, success, and passionate love, sought after both for its splendor and deep meaning.

The Rarity and Value of Ruby

Ruby, a gem from the corundum family, stands out for its prized variety and can reach market values higher than other colored gems. Its exceptional hardness, rated 9 on the Mohs scale, makes it an ideal choice for frequently worn jewelry, combining lasting beauty and durability.

Quality and Characteristics of Fine Rubies

A ruby's value is primarily determined by its color, which ranges from orangey-red to purplish-red. The pure, vivid red, possibly with a slight purplish hue, is considered the most valuable. Vivid saturation and a medium-dark tone enhance brilliance without compromising it, while a color that is too light may classify the stone as pink sapphire, despite high saturation. This distinction highlights the importance of dominant red color to define a true ruby.

The Origin of Color and Provenance

Rubies form under unique geological conditions, away from silicon, and require a precise combination of temperature and pressure, making them extremely rare. Chromium, present in trace amounts, gives rubies their characteristic red color. Additionally, chromium-induced fluorescence can further amplify the color's intensity.

Metamorphic rocks like marble, low in iron, tend to produce rubies with purer red color and pronounced fluorescence, features highly appreciated in the high-quality jewelry market. Conversely, basalt-origin rubies, richer in iron, often exhibit a darker appearance and reduced fluorescence. The most important current sources are: Myanmar, Mozambique, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.

Rubies in the World of Jewelry

Rubies embody a perfect blend of natural beauty, rarity, and rich history, making them one of the most prestigious choices for luxury jewelry. Whether as a symbol of eternal love or a sign of success and power, ruby jewelry is always a statement of style and significance.