Ruby - the Legend, the Myth, the Fantasy

It's July! Maybe we're "finally" going to get some summer weather and leave some of that rain behind.  So let's talk about the red-hot ruby!

What Makes Ruby So Special?

Ruby is cherished for its dramatic red color, unrivaled beauty, extreme rarity and a regal presence in crown jewels. The most revered color for Ruby is “Pigeon’s Blood,” a pure red with a hint of blue that makes them intriguing and enticing.

Ruby inclusions (those small materials and characteristics enclosed within a gemstone) aid gemologists in determining authenticity and even the mining locale. For centuries, Rubies have been heated to enhance clarity, improve color, or both. These adjustments are stable and permanent.

In ancient times, long before people knew how to facet gems, kings and royalty collected rubies as signs of their status and sovereignty.  Even in our modern world, no other gem will match the tradition of Ruby. 

Where Do Rubies Come From?

The primary sources for Rubies include Burma, Madagascar, Mozambique and Thailand. Our favorite award-winning gemstone cutter, Roger Dery, shared with us that he purchases most of his rough rubies in Sri Lanka, which was known in ancient times as “Ratna-Dweepa,” meaning Gem Island. It has been estimated that 25% of Sri Lanka’s land has the proper geology for gems, making it one of the highest density countries with gem deposits compared to its land mass in the entire world!

Who Can Enjoy Rubies?

Everyone!  Even though Ruby is the July birthstone, and the 15th and 40th Anniversary Gem, anyone can enjoy this lovely red gemstone. Its hardness makes it quite suitable for everyday wear in earrings, pendants, rings and bracelets. You don’t need a reason to want a ruby – they are stunning.  Anyone would love a ruby accessory!