🌿Discover the Ruby: History, Meaning, and Care Guide🌿
The ruby is a legendary gemstone, known for its deep red color and its millenary history. It attracts collectors, jewelry enthusiasts, and those passionate about lithotherapy alike. In jewelry, it stands out for its incomparable brilliance, while in energy work, it is renowned for stimulating passion and vitality. In this article, discover everything about the ruby: its origin, properties, how to choose a quality jewel, and where to buy this emblematic stone. You can also explore our full collection of ruby jewelry.
Table of Contents
The Essence of Ruby
🔹 What is a Ruby?
The ruby belongs to the prestigious corundum family (Al₂O₃), just like sapphire. It's the presence of chromium in its crystal structure that gives it its characteristic red color. To explore the fascinating world of precious stones, consult our comprehensive guide to gemstones.
🔹 Physical Properties of Ruby
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale, just after diamond
- Crystal System: Hexagonal
- Density: 3.97 to 4.05
- Refractive Index: 1.762-1.770
- Color: Bright red to dark red with varying shades
Ruby Characteristics
🔹 Formation and Types of Rubies
The formation of ruby requires specific geological conditions, occurring at depths between 25 and 50 km below the Earth's surface. The presence of chromium, a key element in its coloration, is essential for its formation.
There are several types of rubies depending on their origin:
- Burmese Ruby (Myanmar): Considered the most valuable, with its sought-after "pigeon's blood" color.
- Thai Ruby: A darker red hue, sometimes tending towards burgundy.
- African Ruby (Mozambique, Madagascar): Important new sources, variable quality but often excellent.
- Sri Lankan Ruby: Generally lighter, sometimes pink.
History and Origins
🔹 A Millenary History
The history of the ruby dates back over 2500 years. The first written mentions appear in ancient Indian texts, where it is described as the "king of precious stones." Its name derives from the Latin "ruber" meaning red. To discover more fascinating stories, visit our jewelry blog.
🔹 Legendary Deposits
Historical and modern sources of rubies include:
- Myanmar (Burma): The Mogok Valley, the source of the legendary "pigeon's blood" rubies, has been mined for over 800 years.
- Sri Lanka: Millenary mines producing stones of exceptional clarity.
- Thailand: The world center for ruby trade and cutting.
- Mozambique: A major new producer, with stones of exceptional quality.
- Madagascar: Promising recent deposits.
🔹 Historical Trade Routes
The Silk Roads played a crucial role in the ruby trade, connecting the mines of Asia to the royal courts of Europe. Venetian and Arab merchants were the main intermediaries in this lucrative trade. This stone was so prized that it was among the most coveted royal treasures, a symbol of power and prestige throughout the ages.
Quality Criteria and Evaluation
🔹 Color: The Royal Criterion
Color is the most important criterion in evaluating a ruby. The famous "pigeon's blood," a deep red with a subtle hint of blue, represents the absolute ideal. Experts evaluate three aspects:
- Hue: Pure red is the most sought-after.
- Saturation: The intensity of the color.
- Tone: The lightness or darkness of the stone.
🔹 Clarity and Inclusions
Perfectly pure rubies are extremely rare. Inclusions, called "silk" in the gemological jargon, can create special effects:
- Asterism: Formation of a six-pointed star.
- "Silk" Effect: Gives a silky appearance to the stone.
- Crystalline Inclusions: Evidence of authenticity.
Unlike diamonds, some inclusions in a ruby are acceptable and even desirable as proof of authenticity.
🔹 Cut: Art and Science
Cutting a ruby requires special expertise to:
- Maximize color intensity.
- Optimize brilliance.
- Preserve the weight of the stone.
- Conceal any inclusions.
Oval and cushion cuts are particularly popular because they enhance the color while maintaining a good weight.
🔹 Carat and Dimensions
The price of a ruby increases exponentially with its size. High-quality rubies exceeding 1 carat are rare, and those over 5 carats are exceptional. A 1-carat ruby generally measures about 6mm in diameter, but this dimension can vary depending on the cut and depth of the stone.
Symbolism and Traditions
🔹 Cultural Significance
The ruby holds a central place in many cultures:
- Hinduism: Sacred stone associated with Krishna.
- Islam: Symbol of protection and honor.
- European Royalty: Symbol of power and authority.
- Eastern Cultures: Stone of life and energy.
🔹 Modern Symbolism
Today, the ruby represents:
- Birthstone for the month of July.
- 40th wedding anniversary (ruby anniversary).
- Symbol of passionate love and vitality.
- Stone of protection and courage.
🔹 Virtues in Lithotherapy
Emotional Benefits
- Stimulates passion and vital energy.
- Strengthens courage and determination.
- Promotes self-confidence and leadership.
- Helps overcome lethargy and lack of motivation.
- Provides inner strength and resilience.
Attributed Physical Benefits
- Supports blood circulation.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Promotes vitality and energy.
- Helps regulate body temperature.
- Contributes to cardiovascular health.
*These properties are based on traditional beliefs and do not replace professional medical advice.
Market and Investment in 2025
🔹 Value and Trends
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- Steady price increase since 2020.
- Growing demand for untreated stones.
- Increased interest from investors and collectors.
- Development of the men's jewelry market.
- Long-term appreciation of high-quality rubies.
🔹 Factors Influencing Prices
- Geographic Origin: Burmese rubies command the highest prices.
- Color Quality: "Pigeon's blood" red remains the most valued.
- Presence of Treatments: Untreated rubies are more valuable.
- Size and Weight: Exponential price increase with weight.
- Certification: Stones certified by recognized laboratories achieve higher prices.
| Ruby Category | Characteristics | Price Range 2025 (per carat) | Investment Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Quality | "Pigeon's blood" red, Burmese origin, untreated, excellent transparency | €8,000 - €30,000+ | Excellent |
| Fine Quality | Bright red, good transparency, few inclusions, may include Madagascar or Mozambique origin | €2,000 - €8,000 | Very Good |
| Commercial Quality | Medium red, some visible inclusions, heat treatment possible | €500 - €2,000 | Moderate |
| Standard Quality | Light to medium red, visible inclusions, treated | €100 - €500 | Limited |
Find the ruby jewel that suits you among our artisanal selection.
Discover our collectionCare and Authenticity
🔹 How to Clean a Ruby Jewel Without Damaging It?
Do
- Gentle cleaning with lukewarm, slightly soapy water (neutral soap).
- Use a soft toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas.
- Rinse with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry completely with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Have it checked by a professional jeweler periodically.
Absolutely Avoid
- Harsh chemicals (ammonia, bleach).
- Ultrasonic cleaners which can damage treated rubies.
- Prolonged exposure to intense heat which can affect certain treatments.
- Violent shocks despite its high hardness.
- Contact with other jewelry which could scratch the setting.
Buying Tips 2025
🔹 How to Choose a Quality Ruby?
- Color: Favor a bright to deep red, with the "pigeon's blood" hue being the most sought-after.
- Clarity: Some inclusions are normal, but they should not affect the brilliance.
- Cut: Choose a cut that enhances the color (oval and cushion are often preferable).
- Origin: Burmese rubies are the most valued, followed by those from Mozambique.
- Treatments: Untreated or only heated rubies are more valuable than those that have undergone invasive treatments.
🔹 Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets: Which Ruby Jewel to Choose?
| Type of Jewel | Advantages | Selection Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Ring | Constant display, perfect alternative to traditional engagement rings, strong symbolism. | Choose a setting that protects the stone, especially if worn daily. Size Guide. |
| Pendant | Enhances the ruby's color, proximity to the heart chakra, versatile with different outfits. | Choose a setting that maximizes the light passing through the stone to reveal its vibrant color. |
| Bracelet | Elegant, allows you to incorporate several small rubies for a striking effect without a prohibitive cost. | Favor a solid setting and secure clasps to prevent accidental loss. |
| Earrings | Illuminate the face, catch the light elegantly, perfect for special occasions. | Well-matched rubies are essential. Check the color and size symmetry between the two stones. |
🔹 Where to Buy a Quality Ruby?
- Specialized artisan jewelers like Aden, offering expertise and rigorous stone selection.
- Auction houses for rare and collectible pieces.
- Certified gemologists offering rough or cut stones.
- Reputable online stores providing certificates of authenticity.
- Directly from lapidaries for custom cuts.
Our ruby jewelry is handcrafted by our artisan jewelers, guaranteeing the uniqueness and quality of each piece.
Custom Creations View our collectionFrequently Asked Questions about Rubies
How to Distinguish a Real Ruby from an Imitation?
An authentic ruby is characterized by its exceptional hardness (9 on the Mohs scale), its high density, and its specific natural inclusions. Observation with a 10x loupe often reveals the characteristic "silk." Synthetic rubies generally have a too-perfect color and lack natural inclusions. When in doubt, consult a professional gemologist.
What is the Difference Between a Ruby and a Red Sapphire?
Ruby and red sapphire belong to the same mineral family, corundum (Al₂O₃). The distinction is based on color: by convention, red corundums are called rubies, while all other colors (blue, pink, yellow, etc.) are sapphires. The exact limit between very dark red sapphire and ruby can sometimes be subjective and varies according to gemological laboratories.
What are the Common Treatments Applied to Rubies?
Heat treatment is the most common and most accepted, improving the color and clarity of the ruby. Other more invasive treatments include glass filling to mask cracks, or polymer impregnation. Untreated rubies are extremely rare and command premium prices. For a significant purchase, always require a certificate detailing any treatments.
Is Ruby Suitable as an Engagement Stone?
Absolutely! The ruby makes an excellent alternative to the traditional diamond for an engagement ring. Its hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale makes it very resistant to daily wear. Its symbolism of passionate love and its deep red color make it a romantic and meaningful choice. Celebrities like Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson have opted for engagement rings adorned with rubies. If you're looking for guidance on choosing the perfect ring, we also have resources on how to choose your ring size.
How Does a Ruby Form Naturally?
Rubies form naturally in metamorphic rocks rich in aluminum, such as marbles or gneisses, when subjected to high pressures and temperatures. The presence of chromium in the environment is essential to give the ruby its characteristic red color. This process takes millions of years and requires very specific geological conditions, which explains the rarity of gem-quality rubies.
Can Ruby be Combined with Other Stones in Jewelry?
Ruby pairs perfectly with several stones. The classic contrast with diamonds highlights its brilliant red. The combination with blue sapphires creates a striking two-tone effect. For a more contemporary look, emeralds offer a very elegant complementary red-green contrast. In modern jewelry, we also see combinations with fine stones such as tanzanite or Paraiba tourmaline for original creations. Discover more about combining gemstones in our guide to precious stone jewelry.
Conclusion: The Ruby, a Timeless Gem
More than just a precious stone, the ruby embodies passion, strength, and elegance. Its brilliant red color, exceptional hardness, and millenary history make it a preferred choice for jewelry intended to pass through generations.
Whether you are attracted by its powerful symbolism in lithotherapy or simply seduced by its captivating aesthetics, a ruby jewel is an investment in a timeless piece that will never fail to arouse admiration. If you are interessed by precious stones, we invite you to read more about our stones.
Explore our blog to learn more about the fascinating world of precious stones, or let yourself be tempted by a custom creation that will showcase the magic of ruby according to your desires. Learn the steps to create your custom jewel on Aden.
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