Ruby Jewelry: Passion in Deep Red
Ruby is the king among red stones and one of the most coveted gemstones in the world. Its fiery deep red, like no other stone, stands for passion, power, and love. This guide explains everything about ruby jewelry – from its geology to modern wear.
What is a Ruby?
Ruby is red corundum (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃) – precisely the same chemical compound as sapphire, only colored red by chromium impurities. This is no coincidence: ruby and sapphire are the same mineral in different colors. Mohs hardness: 9 – only diamond is harder. This makes ruby one of the most robust gemstones ever. Main occurrences: Myanmar (Burma) – best ruby worldwide ("Pigeon Blood"), Mozambique, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania.
The Famous "Pigeon Blood" Color
The most intense, coveted ruby red is called "Pigeon Blood" – a deeply saturated purplish-red that is the quality designation in the ruby world. Pigeon Blood Ruby from Myanmar: The admixture of fluorescence makes these stones luminous, almost glowing, in daylight. A genuine Pigeon Blood Myanmar ruby is among the most expensive gemstones in the world.
Assessing Ruby Quality
- Color (most important criterion): Intense, rich red without too much pink (rose sapphire territory) and without being too dark (loses color indoors).
- Fluorescence: Burmese rubies fluoresce brightly red under UV – enhancing their luster in natural light.
- Inclusions: Rubies almost always have inclusions (silk inclusions from rutile needles are typical). "Eye clean" is good – loupe-clean is extremely rare.
- Treatments: Over 90% of all rubies are heat-treated. This is standard and accepted. Glass-filled rubies are cheap and inferior.
History and Symbolism
For millennia, ruby was more significant than diamond in Asia. Indian maharajas collected rubies as the highest gemstones. Burmese warriors wore rubies sewn into their skin for invulnerability. In the Bible, ruby is considered the stone of wisdom ("Her value exceeds rubies," Proverbs 31). European royal crowns: rubies as red crown jewels.
- July Birthstone: Official birthstone for the month of July.
- 40th Wedding Anniversary: Ruby Anniversary – ruby jewelry is the traditional gift.
- Fire and Passion: The red of the ruby universally stands for love, energy, and vitality.
Wearing Ruby Modernly
- Ruby Solitaire Ring in Yellow Gold: The deep red + warm gold = passion in jewelry form.
- Ruby Stud Earrings: Round or oval rubies – intense color accent on the ear.
- Ruby with a Black Outfit: Black maximizes the red of the ruby.
Ruby Jewelry at Corelune Jewellery
Fire and passion in stone – at Corelune Jewellery you will find ruby jewelry for all who live intensely.
