Ruby

What Makes a Ruby Birthstone so Valuable?

Ruby is the most popular birthstone of all gemstones, and it is also the most expensive. Because of its beauty and durability, it is a preferred birthstone for most women. Even though there is no conventional scale or grading system for this gemstone, the following features of high-quality rubies should be taken into account. High-quality rubies have a vibrant red hue with a high concentration of saturated red pigment. Additionally, it will be clear and have a dark tone. In general, the higher the grade of a stone, the higher the price of the stone will be.

In truth, a ruby is technically a sapphire, but it has traditionally been distinguished by its highly coveted red hue, which distinguishes it from comparable gems. Corundum has a hardness rating of nine on the Mohs hardness scale, which measures the toughness of gemstones. Diamonds are worth a ten. This is yet another reason why rubies are so highly prized and their deep color and dazzling sheen. While rubies are typically worn as a birthstone, the color and quality of the stone play an essential role in determining its significance. They are said to bring good fortune and are hence highly valued.

Ruby ring

Ruby Birthstone

Rubies were referred to as the “king of precious stones” in ancient India because of their scarcity, hardness (second only to diamonds), beauty, and what appeared to be supernatural qualities. Ruby has always been associated with the life force blood, and in Indian jewelry, it has long been a symbol of power and youthful vigor. In years past, some believed that the birthstone for July might presage misfortune or danger, while others claimed that it could cure inflammatory disorders and calm wrath in those who wore it. In their minds, it made them invincible in warfare, and they believed they were right. Medieval Europeans believed that rubies imparted health, intelligence, prosperity, and success in love to those who possessed them.

14K White Gold Created Ruby Ring Cushion Checkerboard Cut 3.00 Carats Sizes 5 to 9

14K White Gold Created Ruby Ring Cushion Checkerboard Cut 3.00 Carats Sizes 5 to 9
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Features

  • Lab-Created Ruby, Pigeon Blood Red Hue with Brilliant Sparkle
  • The ring is in 14 Karat White Gold
  • White Topaz Accent Stones
  • Perfect Gift for Mothers Day, Graduation, Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversary
  • Includes Gift Box and 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

What Makes a Ruby so Valuable?

Ruby is a name that many people are familiar with, and it is associated with the colors red, bold, and brilliant. But, in a world filled with so many exquisite jewels, what is it about ruby that makes it the ‘king of precious gemstones in the first place? It is incredibly precious and sought-after for various reasons, which we will discuss in detail in this article.

Extravagance & Beauty           

Ruby and sapphire are forms of the mineral corundum for those unfamiliar. Both of these well-known treasures are similar in every way. However, the ruby’s eye-catching red hue is what distinguishes it. However, did you know that the presence of a trace of chromium gives this gem a pink hue? The most valuable rubies nowadays range in color from pure brilliant red to a somewhat purplish red. It is the color that gives this gem its magnificent appearance, which has been prized by kings and gemstone lovers worldwide since the dawn of time.

Rubies of commercial grade are widely available, and rubies of exceptional quality, on the other hand, are scarce (especially those weighing more than one carat). The ruby has earned a place in the respected ‘Big Three of Colored Gems’ — a label given to emphasize its significance and desirability – due to its high demand and vibrant tone with a depth of hue.

Legends and Symbolism

Several ancient civilizations worldwide have treasured the ruby since its discovery in the early Middle Ages. It was believed to be one of the twelve stones listed in the Bible, and as a result, it was regarded as a powerful jewel. Traditionally, Hindus believed that decorating Lord Krishna with exquisite rubies was a surefire method to be reborn as a powerful monarch in the hereafter.

Furthermore, the color red is considered the color of love and passion around the world, and this is one of the reasons why rubies are one of the most popular gemstones for use in engagement rings.

Durability

The ruby’s popularity is not solely due to its outward beauty; there are numerous other reasons behind it. The ruby is also very tough compared to most other gemstones. According to the Mohs scale, which mineralogist Friedrich Mohs devised to identify minerals and quantify their necessary hardness, it scores a 9. This is an excellent rating, especially considering that 10 is the maximum possible score on the scale. As a result, natural ruby jewelry is suitable for everyday wear.

Ruby Color

The most crucial aspect impacting a ruby’s value is its color. A bright, brilliant red to slightly purplish red color characterizes the best ruby. Pure red colors demand the highest prices in most marketplaces, while rubies with overtones of orange and purple are less valuable. To be termed the highest quality, the hue must be neither too dark nor too light. The brightness of the stone is diminished if the color is too dark.

On the other hand, even if the color strength or intensity is excellent, the stone may be mistaken for a pink sapphire if the hue is too light. On the other hand, Pink sapphires have a loyal following and are significantly less expensive than rubies. Finally, the most attractive ruby color is the one that you favor.

Ruby Cut

Several factors influence the cut and proportion of rubies on the market. The crystal shape of a ruby determines which cuts it is suitable for. Ruby crystals from some sources can be extended, although the most common shape is a flat tabular hexagonal shape. The most popular shapes of fashioned rubies are ovals and cushions, with brilliant-cut crowns of kite-shaped and triangular facets and step-cut pavilions with concentric rows of rectangular or square facets to fit these crystal shapes.

Rubies come in various shapes and sizes, including round, triangular, emerald-cut, pear, and marquise. However, larger sizes and higher-quality versions of these shapes are scarce.

Because ruby raw is so costly, many cutters aim to save as much weight as possible. Even though light escapes through flattened pavilions, generating an ugly see-through spot in the stone called a window, they might manufacture flattened ruby rough into shallow stones.

Another aspect that influences cut is pleochroism, which appears in distinct colors in different crystal directions. It shows red to purplish-red in one crystal direction and orangy red in the other in ruby. By placing the table facet perpendicular to the long crystal direction, cutters can reduce the orangy-red tint. Although the potential weight loss would be too significant, it’s not always possible to position a ruby for optimal color restoration.

Ruby Size and Weight

Ruby value is influenced by several aspects, including the size and carat weight of the stone. A larger stone will be more expensive than a smaller one because of the size difference.

Fine-quality rubies weighing more than one carat are extremely difficult to come by, while commercial-quality rubies are readily accessible in various sizes. When the size of a ruby is increased, the price per carat climbs dramatically.

What Makes Ruby Stone Unique?

Ruby is an exceptionally durable stone. It has a hardness rating of 9.0 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, putting it directly below diamond and moissanite on the list (a diamond ranks 10.0 on the scale, and moissanite falls in between diamonds and rubies). Flaws, such as color impurities, characterize natural rubies.

With its associations with life, energy, and sexuality, this is a beautiful stone for recharging your dwindling energy reserves and inducing pleasant thoughts in your head, among other things. This magnificent stone, aptly dubbed “the King of Gemstones,” signifies the Sun and is believed to bestow good health and mental vigor on those who wear it.

What do Rubies Represent?

Rubies are frequently connected with wealth and success. Rubies were used to embellish many ancient crowns because they symbolized good fortune and bravery. The bright red color of the ruby is also associated with feelings of love, passion, and intense emotion. Humans have long thought that rubies contain drops of Mother Earth’s blood, so they are called “blood diamonds.”

The ruby is regarded as a protective stone that can infuse happiness and passion into the life of the person who wears a ruby pendant. In addition to the fact that it is red, the ruby is an ideal gift for a loved one or on special occasions such as Valentine’s Day or an anniversary.

How can I Tell if My Ruby is Genuine?

Rubies have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them difficult to scratch unless you use a diamond. Other gemstones and imitations are more delicate in comparison. You can scratch the surface of your ruby with a coin to see whether it leaves marks; if it does, you most certainly have a counterfeit. Genuine rubies will not be scratched by keys or coins, unlike imitations.

Natural rubies have a deep, brilliant red color near the “stoplight” bright. Often, fake gems are dull in appearance: they are “light, but not dazzling.” If the gem is darker red, it is more likely to be garnet than a ruby. However, if it turns out to be a genuine ruby, keep in mind that darker stones are typically valued more than brighter ones.

What are the Properties of Rubies?

As far as the physical body is concerned, rubies are supposed to invigorate and balance, stimulate the heart chakra, and instill a sense of enthusiasm for life, but are never self-destructive. They can overcome tiredness and maintain calm hyperactivity. They detoxify the body and the blood, and they are used to cure fevers, illnesses, and limited blood flow, among other things.

It has been linked to increased energy and attention and creativity, loyalty, honor, and compassion, among other things. According to legend, Ruby is protective of her house, assets, and family. Supposedly, ruby stimulates the heart chakra and brings spiritual insight while also acting as a protective shield against psychic attacks.

Conclusion

A ruby birthstone can be pretty valuable, depending on its quality. While rubies are solid and long-lasting, they can harm other gemstones if not correctly stored. Consequently, they should be maintained in a bag or box to protect them from damage. They can also be cleaned with light soap and water. However, it is crucial to note that rubies should not be kept in a jewelry box because they are susceptible to scratching. A soft-bristle brush should also be used to clean rubies, and they should not be maintained in a damp environment.

Ruby is considered to be the birthstone of love by many people. In addition to instilling sentiments of love and passion in those born under its effect, persons born under its influence are motivated to develop long-lasting relationships with those they encounter. Additionally, the Ruby birthstone is recognized to represent the adventurous, fun-loving, and emotional disposition and its love ties. Because of this, it is an excellent stone for a summer baby. It would help if you got a ruby ring for your special someone.