Red is the color of love and passion! Red is the color of Ruby! Even the name ‘ruby’ comes from the Latin word ‘ruber’ which means red. Such is the beauty of this gem, that it is considered the most valuable gemstone (even more valuable than a diamond!). The importance of ruby has references even in olden times, like in Bible where it is said that “only wisdom and virtuous women are more precious than rubies” and in the ancient language Sanskrit, in which the gemstone is called as ‘ratnaraj’ which means ‘king of precious stones’.
It is also the birthstone of the month July and the zodiac sign Cancer.
The most important virtue of ruby is its color. The pigeon red color, which is the brightest and most valuable color, garners the highest price. The color changes according to the regions where it is mined and can range from dark red to a light shade of pink. After the color comes the clarity, carat (weight) and cut. Ruby belongs to Corundum (aluminum oxide) family and is the second hardest mineral, second only to diamonds.
The Mogok Valley in Burma, now Myanmar, has traditionally been the source of the finest rubies. Some of the best rubies that we have today are Burmese rubies, though recently the quality of the rubies found in Myanmar has deteriorated. Other countries were rubies are mined include Thailand, Cambodia and Afghanistan. Ruby deposits have also been found in Vietnam, Madagascar, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, etc.
In jewelry, ruby is often teamed with diamonds to give a more elegant look. The contrast of the red color of rubies with the sparkling look of diamonds makes this glittering pair so desirable. Rubies also look great with a platinum or gold base and are generally set in marquise, oval or cushion-cut. The price of the ruby jewelry depends on the color, clarity and size of the ruby. Be it engagement rings, brooches, necklaces or pendants, ruby jewelry is the most classic jewelry that you can possess.
