For thousands of years, royalty and the wealthy have coveted ruby. Its mesmerizing hue inspires passion, love, courage, and devotion while guarding the owner’s wealth and rank. Large rubies are extraordinarily rare and command prices that rival the finest large diamonds. It is July's birthstone and has the prestige of celebrating the 40th wedding anniversary.

Care

Rubies are rated “excellent” for everyday wear. Avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, or clean in an at-home ultrasonic unit.

Major Sources

Afganistan, Cambodia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand

Lore

Blood-red. Fire-red. Color that burns along the veins, and gives brightness to the night. If you’re looking for the color of life itself, look no further than red. And the gemstone that brings red to vivid life can have only one name: Ruby.

The “king of gems,” Ruby is one of the world’s oldest and most revered gemstones. It is also one of the rarest. The mineral Chromium is responsible for the gem’s startling color. Rubies with hardly any inclusions are so rare that large stones of good color fetch higher prices at auction than even diamonds.

Fiery and romantic, showing brilliant depth and intensity, the red hue of Ruby is certain to draw attention. In settings that focus attention on voluptuous color, Ruby sends a message of drop-dead glamour and femininity. Geometric-inspired jewelry designs featuring Ruby are equally appealing to both men and women who seek to convey strength, honor and classic style.

Ruby is the gem most often bestowed on those born in July as well as those born under the sign of Aries. Its arresting hue

speaks of passion and love, making it a stunning gem option for the celebration of the 15th and 40th wedding anniversary.

While Ruby producing countries include Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tanzania and Madagascar, almost 90% of the world’s production of Ruby is from Myanmar. Due to human rights abuses in this country, the United States government has banned imports from Myanmar, making our on-hand supply of Ruby limited. We do, however, currently offer a small assortment of untreated Ruby from Madagascar. Thailand was once a major contributor of Ruby to the world, producing the famous “Siam” Ruby.

Quality Information

AAA: Medium dark pinkish red to red; eye clean; good brilliance; excellent cut; good polish

AA: Medium dark pinkish red; eye clean; good brilliance; good cut; good polish

A: Medium pinkish red; slightly included; good cut; good polish

B: Light pinkish red; included; good cut; good polish

Commercial: Commercial quality; variation in color; included

Enhancement

AGTA Code: H - Heating

Working with this gemstone

Ultrasonic: Usually safe

Steamer: Usually safe

Heat: Good - may improve color

Harmful Chemicals: Boron

Gemstone Properties

Species: Corundum

Color: Red

Hardness: 9

RI: 1.762-1.77

Specific Gravity: 4

Optic Character: DR

Phenomena: Asterism, Chatoyancy