Real Ruby gemstones have always stolen the hearts of people owing to the fact that its color, its elegance, and its history. This article explores all that you want to know about ruby gemstones including where to find them, how they are selected and more. Please read on and learn why rubies are so costly and how you can locate a perfect stone.
What Are Ruby Gemstones?
Thus, Ruby gemstones are classified under a group of minerals called Corundum with Aluminum Oxide being its major constituent. This can be attributed to the presence of a tiny quantity of chromium resulting in the vibrant red color. That means the deeper and the more vivid the red, the higher the price of the ruby is going to be. Rubies can be of any color but the ones which are most sought after are those that are of a ‘pigeon blood red’.
It ranges from 6 to 7.5 in the Mohs hardness scale and this makes rubies to be closely related to diamonds as they are ranked 9 in the same scale. This shade when combined with their endurance gives them high demand as gemstones especially for use in engagement rings, necklaces and earrings.
The History of Ruby Gemstones
As it is known, rubies have quite a rich history, their records going as far as thousands of years. In ancient civilizations, people even wore rubies as talismans thinking that they have some sort of protection over them. For example, it is customary in Burmese culture to wear rubies to a fight believing that the respective stone would guard him or her from an effect of the bullets. In India rubies had even been referred to as ‘the king of gems,’ correlated with the sun, passion and love.
From time immemorial, ruby has been considered to be the royal and richness gem of the earth. By being intensely red, they symbolize power, wealth and vitality; factors that only add to its appeal.
Where Are Rubies Found?
As for rubies, their main source is Myanmar with exports considered to be some of the highest quality ruby gemstones. Other Asian countries also mine rubies including Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Madagascar. Every location is slightly different in color or quality and this gives a buyer a large choice to select from.
Myanmar produces generic rubies of ‘pigeon’s blood’ red while Thai stones are comparatively darker on account of iron partiality. Freely available Sri Lankan rubies have a slight pink hue hence giving the launched stones a local touch.
How to Choose the Right Ruby Gemstone
As much as selecting the ruby gemstone, it is very important to consider these things to enable a customer to obtain the best value for his or her money.
- Color: The color of the ruby is the most important aspect. The finest grade of rubies has a much desired blood red shade that is tinged with blue. In particular, it is necessary to exclude slightly dark or too light shades of rubies, as they are usually not very expensive.
- Clarity: It is also important to remember that most rubies are included, that is, they contain internal imperfections; the fewer they are, the higher the gem. However, there are some inclusions accepted because they are a sign that the ruby is natural.
- Cut: The saturation of a ruby can be judged based on its overall cut; a well shaped ruby will have a symmetrical, open table and the light will bounce back evenly. This increases the luster of the stone to even further making the stone even more attractive to the naked eye.
- Carat Weight: The bigger the rubi the scarcer it is particularly if it has a rich red color and it is not opaque. Some large stone rubies with beautiful color saturation and absolutely no defects are sold at astonishing prices.
What Makes Ruby Gemstone So Valuable?
Among all the gemstones, Rubies occupy one of the highest rankings of price, and the price is determined by the rarity of the stones with reference to their quality. Well defined red color, low clarity, and exceptionally larger sizes are very rare and thus, highly demanded and expensive. Thus, the ‘pigeon’s blood’ ruby that is prized above all others, is sought after and can be sold at much higher price per carat than diamonds.
However, apart from beauty, rubies are associated with love, passion and energy. Its color is really deep red which makes them in high demand for engagement rings, anniversary gifts and many other occasions.
Ruby Gemstones: A Timeless Investment
Even if one buys ruby gemstones for investment purposes, they are some of the most timeless pieces he or she can invest in. Despite the fact that they are usually hard to find, and very durable, the fact that they have meaning attached to them also make them worthy investments for any jewelry enthusiast. If maintained in an appropriate manner, a ruby can last through generations, thus being transferred in the art of handing down.
Conclusion
There is more to this red stone than mere decorative materialism; these Ruby gemstones stand for passion, love, and strength. This gave them deep red hue, a historic past and scarcity places them among the most coveted gemstones in the world. Thus, anyone who decides to buy a ruby for himself/herself or for a loved one can be sure that he/she is investing in something unique and unique.
