Gemstones have been an integral part of human lives since time immemorial. Their presence and usage can be traced back to ancient eras, such as the Mesopotamian Civilizations, Romans, Greeks, etc. There are an array of gemstones - precious and semi-precious - used in an array of jewellery pieces and precious collectibles. In this blog, we will delve into the A to Z of one very special and unique gemstone - rubies, and understand how you can buy the best rubies at the most ideal prices. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Rubies are precious gemstones that belong to the corundum mineral family, which also includes sapphires. The most distinctive feature of rubies is their striking red colour, which is primarily due to the presence of chromium. Throughout history and even today, rubies are highly valued and applauded for their beauty, strength, resilience and rarity. They have been closely associated with love, passion and power.
On the Mohs Scale, rubies have a ranking of 9, thereby making them one of the hardest natural gemstones. The finest rubies display a deep red hue, known as ‘pigeon blood,’ and are often sourced from regions like Myanmar, Thailand and Madagascar. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, it is believed that rubies possess metaphysical properties, such as promoting courage and vitality. Owing to their cultural significance and historical allure, rubies have rightfully gained the title of being one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.
The history of rubies is incredibly rich and dates back thousands of years in time. They have been revered in many cultures, and were believed to possess protective qualities, embodying love, passion, and power. For instance, in ancient India, rubies were deemed the ‘the king of gemstones’ and were often used in royal adornments, representing nobility and status.
The popularity of rubies increased, as their trade flourished along the Silk Road, connecting East and West, during the Middle Ages. Thus, rubies adorned the crowns, brooches and necklaces of royalty across the globe and emphasised opulence, wealth and prestige. Fast forward to the 19th century, advancements in gemstone cutting and jewellery design suehred in new styles of rubies and highlighted their vibrant colour. Thereafter, the Art Deco period saw rubies incorporated into bold, geometric designs, which further established their place in high fashion.
Currently, rubies continue to be a favourite in fine jewellery, and are often seen in engagement rings and statement pieces. Thanks to their timeless appeal and rich cultural importance, rubies have become an everlasting symbol of love and luxury in the gemstone world.
Quite understandably, rubies are mainly found in countries with geological conditions conducive to their formation. For starters, rubies form under incredibly high-pressure and high-temperature conditions within metamorphic rocks. The specific geological processes needed to make rubies is relatively rare, thereby contributing to their high value.
The most famous source of rubies is Myanmar, especially the Mogok Valley, which is known to produce some of the finest rubies in the world, characterised by deep red colour and clarity. Other important sources of rubies include Thailand, where they are often heat-treated for colour enhancement. Likewise, Madagascar is also renowned for its high-quality rubies.
Besides the countries mentioned above, rubies are also found in India, particularly in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, and in several African countries like Mozambique and Kenya.
Now that we have touched upon the basics of rubies, let us check out some ruby ring inspiration.
If you are looking to buy a ruby engagement ring, knowing a bit about the designs and styles can help.
● Classic Solitaire - An absolutely timeless piece, a classic solitaire includes a high-quality ruby set in a simple gold or platinum band. This enables the gemstone to take the centre stage.
● Halo Design - It is an elegant style of ring, wherein the ruby is surrounded by a halo of sparkling diamonds or similar gemstones. This pattern enhances the colour of the ruby and adds a touch of brilliance to the ring.
● Vintage-Inspired - The third ruby ring inspiration worth your time relates to all-things vintage. These rings have intricate filigree work or art deco designs with unique shapes and detailed craftsmanship..
● Stackable Rings - You can also mix and match thin ruby bands with other coloured gemstones or simple metal bands. This is a modern approach that allows for more creativity and personalization.
● Nature-Inspired - You can also incorporate floral or organic motifs and designs around your ruby ring. Leaves, vines or flowers can provide a whimsical and romantic appeal to your ring.
● Three-Stone Setting - You can also opt for the three-stone setting for your ring, wherein a trio of rubies is used to embody the past, present and future. This is an incredibly meaningful and striking design, and can be a great gift for your loved ones.
There are various compelling reasons to choose a ruby ring. These include -
● Gorgeous Colour - The rich and deep red hues of rubies are truly striking and can make a bold statement. They stand out beautifully in various settings, such as gold and platinum, and complement both traditional and modern styles.
● Symbolism - Rubies represent love, passion and vitality, and hence, are a meaningful choice for engagement and anniversary rings. Usually, engagement rings with rubies are often seen as symbols of commitment and strength in relationships.
● Durability - As we had already hinted above, rubies are one of the hardest gemstones in the world, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale. Hence, they are great for everyday wear, and will last you for years.
● Rarity - The fourth reason why you should choose a ruby ring is because of its rarity. High-quality rubies are rare, especially those with a deep, vivid colour. This rarity adds to their allure.
● Versatility - Lastly, ruby rings can be designed in various styles. From classic solitaires to intricate vintage rings - the possibilities are truly endless. This versatility facilitates personalization to match individual tastes.
‘Pigeon blood.’ a vibrant, rich, and pure red with a slight hint of blue is the best shade of ruby. Rubies with this colour are highly prized for their intensity and depth, and are desired by collectors and gem enthusiasts.
● Ruby Colours - The most distinctive features of rubies is their colour. The most desired type of rubies have a rich, vibrant red called pigeon red. Rubies, however, can display various shades, ranging from pinkish-reds to darker, purplish tones. The intensity and saturation of the colour influences the gem’s value. Usually, the most sought-after rubies have a uniform and vivid colour.
● Clarity - Clarity in gemstones refers to the presence of inclusions or blemishes within the stone. High-quality rubies usually have fewer inclusions, which enables greater transparency and brilliance. But, it is essential to note that some inclusions, called ‘silk,’ can enhance the character and visual appeal of rubies.
Rubies are commonly found with natural inclusions, so slight imperfections are acceptable and do not detract from their beauty. But, simultaneously, rubies with minimal inclusions are rarer and more valuable. The clarity grade of ruby is usually assessed using a scale similar to that used for diamonds.
● Cut - Thirdly, the cut of a ruby plays a crucial role in its overall appearance. The traditional cuts of rubies, like round or oval, are quite popular. But, the new-age cuts and shapes, like emerald, pear cuts, etc., have also garnered a lot of traction. The cut affects how light interacts with the gemstone, influencing its brilliance and sparkles. Well-cut rubies with balanced proportions allow for optimal light reflection, which enhances its natural colour and brilliance.
When buying a ruby gemstone, you should prioritise colour. The key is to look for vivid and pure shades of red, ideally the ‘pigeon blood’ shade. Likewise, clarity is also equally essential, as rubies with minimal inclusions are rarer and more prized. Consider the cut for optimal brilliance. Furthermore, make sure that the ruby you get has proper certification from reputable sources. Only trusted jewellers offer such certifications. Lastly, remember to compare prices and quality to make an informed decision.
Some pointers to keep in mind while choosing a ruby ring are -
● Personal preferences
● Occasion
● Carat weight
● Price and budget
● Clarity
● Cut
● Setting style
● Metal choice
● Colour
● Reputation and reliability of the jeweller
So, there we have it, a comprehensive guide to buying the best ruby rings.
1. How much do rubies cost?
The cost of rubies can vary based on various factors, such as their cut, clarity, carat, colour, etc. However, you can expect rubies to be priced at anywhere between £3000 to £15000 per carat.
2. Are rubies worth buying?
Yes, rubies are absolutely worth buying. They are a precious gemstone, renowned for their beauty, rarity, and hardness. Besides, the versatility of rubies makes them a great choice for any jewellery piece.
3. How can I test my ruby at home?
You can test your ruby at home with a scratch test. Rubies are very hard and real rubies should not get any scratches.
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