The Ruby, July’s birthstone—A gem of love and passion

Rubies can command the highest prices of any colored gemstone—more than a sapphire. The finest stones have a pure, vibrant red. In fact, when you hold a quality ruby in the sunlight, you’ll see flashes of color. The ruby is not only July’s birthstone, it’s also the official stone of 15^th and 40^th anniversaries.

Rubies get their name from the Latin word (not surprisingly) for red. They’re found in shades from pink to rich, dark red. Most valuable have a full, rich, saturated color with a hint of blue tones. The color, which can look like a flame burning in the gem, comes from small amounts of chromium in the gemstone.

Not surprisingly, ancient cultures associated the ruby with the life force of blood; some believed it could cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. In medieval times, many believed that rubies gave health, wealth, and success in love.

One source, two valuable gemstones

A ruby is actually a red sapphire. Why? Corundum, the source of a ruby, also produces sapphires. So connected are these two stones that a light pink stone is considered to be a pink sapphire. And just as there are star sapphires, you can find star rubies.

Interesting facts about rubies

• The same mining source of rubies can contain gems of all different colors and quality.
• Rubies rate a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, just below diamonds. They’re very durable stones and for everyday wear.
• The first laser was created in 1960 using the red light emitted by a ruby.
• According to the GIA, the ruby was called the “king of precious stones” in ancient India.
• They’re found in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Buying ruby jewelry

• The most common cuts of rubies for jewelry are ovals and cushions. Round, triangular, emerald-cut, pear and marquise are much rarer.
• Rubies look beautiful in either gold or white gold/platinum. Gold can give it a more antique look, while the white gold can look more contemporary.
• Almost all natural rubies receive some sort of heat treatment to strengthen them and stabilize the color, which is acceptable by the jewelry industry. Dyeing stones or filling cavities with glass, however, is generally not acceptable treatment. You should always ask your jeweler what types of treatment your ruby has undergone—by law, this must be disclosed.
• Although most rubies for sale contain some inclusions, try not to buy a stone with visible ones, which can diminish the stone’s value.

Keep your rubies safe

To care for your ruby jewelry, clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. And to protect your beautiful rubies, as with all of your precious pieces, don’t forget to have periodic appraisals to keep your insurance up to date. I’m here to help—call me at 617-304-0174 to schedule an appointment.

Enjoy your rubies—the gemstones of love, passion, and success. And don’t forget to wear your ruby-red slippers!

Brilliantly yours, Aimee