Ruby is all
about passion – penetrating the heart with color
and fire like no other gemstone. Unmatched in legend
and seldom rivaled in beauty, it combines the energy
of light with the power of fire into a single breathtaking
scarlet colored gem.
Recognized as the world’s
most valued gemstone for centuries, ruby holds the undisputed
title as the “King of Gems.”
Ruby possesses a color like no other red gemstone. At its finest, the purity
of its burning crimson hue inspires us with love and desire. Rubies come in a
variety of colors ranging from purplish red to orangey red.
Ruby belongs to the
same mineral family as sapphire, but if a gem is too light in tone or too purple
or orange in hue, it is called a fancy sapphire and not a ruby. The most sought-after
rubies are pure red or red with a very slight pinkish undertone. Very fine quality
rubies, especially in sizes over 3 carats, are incredibly rare and valuable – much
rarer than top quality colorless diamonds.
Birthstone
Ruby is the birthstone for July.
Origins
Some of the finest rubies in the world are mined in Myanmar. Other important
sources include Kenya, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam.
Treatments
Ruby is routinely heat treated to improve its appearance. Heat enhanced rubies
are extremely stable. Some rubies may have a glasslike residue left in surface-reaching
fissures after they are heated. This glasslike material is not stable, and care
should be exercised during the cleaning process.
Care
Rubies are both a hard and durable and can be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaning
machine, any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and water using a soft
brush. Rubies with a glasslike residue in surface-reaching fractures should not
be cleaned with an ultrasonic or steam machine. Be sure to rinse and dry your
jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.
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