World of Rubies
Ruby at a Glance:
| Mineral Name: | Corundum |
| Colour: | Red (or Darker shades of Pink) |
| Main Factor affecting Value: | Colour is the most important factor. The finest Rubies are described as a 'Vivid medium-dark toned Red" |
| Inclusions: | There are nearly always Inclusions in Rubies |
| Birthstone: | Ruby is the July Birthstone |
| Some Ruby Mines: | Burma, Thailand, Madagascar, Tanzania |
Ruby as a positive influence
Ruby is a dynamic stone said to promote enthusiasm, vigour and passion for life. It is also believed to encourage a positive state of mind, promotes dynamic leadership, increases self-motivation and overcomes lethargy. Ruby is one of the most historically significant coloured stones. Rubies are mentioned four times in the Bible, in association with attributes like beauty and wisdom. In the language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or ‘king of precious stones’. Rubies are the Birthstones for the month of July.
Brief history
Ruby comes from the Latin origin ruber, meaning ‘red. The glowing red suggested an inextinguishable flame burning within the stone.
Do you know that rubies are the most sought after jewel from source? The regal & wealthy classes had an exquisite collection of rubies. There are many references to these magnificent stones in Bible and ancient Indian Sanskrit texts. It personified the symbol of power for the mighty rulers. Burma has long continued a tradition for producing world class rubies since antiquity. In medieval period, the Mogok mines were controlled by Burmese kings as all stones were part of royal treasury. As a symbol of passion, rubies are the quintessential romantic gift. Consumers are drawn to the colour because it signifies wealth and success!
Some interesting trivia:
A giant 77 carat ruby was discovered by Burma Ruby Mines Ltd in 1899!
In Dec 2011, Elizabeth Taylor's entire jewellery collection was sold off by auction house Christie's. Several pieces were included in the sale, notably a ring set with an 8.24 carat gem that broke the 'price-per-carat' record for rubies - $512,925 per carat, estimated $4.2m in total! She also sold a ruby necklace for over $3.7 million!
The Liberty Bell Ruby is the largest mined ruby in the world! It was found in the 1950's in East Africa and weights around 8500 carats! It was stolen during a heist in 2011 and has not yet been recovered.
The Sunrise Ruby is the world's most expensive ruby! In fact its also the most expensive coloured gemstone and the most expensive gemstone other than a diamond! The 'Pigeon blood' Burmese ruby weights 25.6 carats and in May 2015, it was sold at auction in Switzerland to a private buyer for $30 million! This ruby has been described as among the rarest of all gemstones - "a unique treatsure of nature".
Celebrities who wear rubies:
- Dannii Minogue
- Demi Moore
- Taylor Swift
- Kate Nash
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