The Remarkable Ruby

 

Rubies are a type of precious gemstone known for their ravishing red color. The gemstone derives its name from the Latin word”ruber,” meaning red, the color symbolizing love and passion. Few gemstones captivate the eye like the ruby, making it a cherished choice for those born in July Minerally, ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds. The shade of red depends on the level of chromium and iron content in the ruby.

Origins and Treatments

Rubies, each with its unique story and origin, hold the power to captivate and inspire. From the vibrant Burmese rubies with their distinctive deep purplish-red hues to the rich reddish-brown rubies found in Thailand and Sri Lanka, each gemstone carries a piece of the earth’s history and beauty. These precious stones are transformed through various cutting techniques, treatments and enhancements, revealing their inner brilliance and allure. The pursuit of unaltered deep red rubies represents the search for genuineness and purity, showcasing the exceptional and extraordinary in a world of boundless possibilities.

Ruby in the rough – photo courtesy of GIA
Polished cushion cut ruby – photo courtesy of GIA

A few beautiful examples of our fine jewelry showcasing rubies

Royal Rubies

Rubies are often associated with passion, protection, and love. They have been used in the crowns and tiaras of royals such as the exceptionally beautiful Burmese Ruby Tiara with its intricate design and symbolic use of rubies. A favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, it was commissioned by the Queen herself from the 96 rubies given to her by the people of Burma (now Myanmar) as a wedding gift. It’s said that the Burmese people believed the rubies would protect their queen from the 96 diseases that can afflict the body. The stones were placed in the shape of The Tudor rose around the tiara as a nod to the Royal Family’s history. It’s amazing how gemstones like rubies have been woven into royal traditions and beliefs across different cultures.

Rubies in Popular Culture

In the iconic film “The Wizard of Oz,” a tornado whisks away the protagonist Dorothy and she wakes up to find she’s not in Kansas anymore. During her journey to get back home, she’s gifted a pair of magical ruby slippers that hold the power to transport her back home if she clicks the heels three times while repeating “There’s no place like home.”

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Harry Winston created real ruby slippers set with 4,600 rubies - Courtesy Harry Winston via GIA
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