Custom
Ruby Jewelry Designs
Rubies
Things You Need
to Know
History
The price
of wisdom is above rubies, says Job in the Bible, implying
that rubies were highly prized in his time. Indeed, the respect
and appreciation for rubies has always transcended all geographical
boundaries and social class.
The gold
coronation ring of the English kings contains a large, tablet-cut
ruby on which the figure of St. George's cross is engraved.
Around the ruby are set 26 diamonds. Rubies are generously
represented in crowns and scepters in the royal jewels of
many nations.
Ruby has
acquired special attributes from its admirers over the centuries.
It has been regarded as a symbol of freedom, charity, dignity
and divine power. The Burmese believed that gemstones ripened
like fruit. The redder the color, the riper the ruby. A flawed
ruby was considered over mature.
Large, gem
quality rubies have always been very rare. The huge gems described
in medieval romances and oriental literature were most likely
exaggerated by the imaginations of ruby admirers and creative
authors or were actually garnets or spinels.<
Ruby
Color
Rubies and Sapphires are the two varieties
of the mineral Corundum. Their exceptional hardness is surpassed
only by diamonds. Red corundum is called ruby, and all other
colors are called sapphire. The cut-off between ruby and pink
sapphire on one end and plum sapphire on the other has long
been a subject of controversy. Of course, gem dealers want
the gem they're selling to be classified as a ruby because
the name alone increases its value.
Famous
Ruby
A few rubies have distinguished themselves
because of their size or extraordinary beauty and are being
guarded for posterity. The Louvre in Paris houses the Anne
of Brittany Ruby, a 105-carat polished but irregular gem.
The 167-carat Edwardes Ruby was donated to the British Museum
of Natural History in 1887 by John Ruskin. This 167-carat
gem was named in honor of Major-General Sir Herbert Benjamin
Edwardes (1819-68) who saved British rule in India during
the years of the Indian Mutiny. Two star rubies are displayed
in American museums. The Smithsonian displays the 137-carat
Rosser Reeves Ruby; and The American Museum of Natural History
has the 100-carat Edith Haggin de Long Ruby.
Ruby
Sources
The different geographical sources of rubies are known for
characteristic colors and qualities, although they all produce
a variety of gem materials. Burma is famous for producing
the greatest amount of top quality ruby - a fine, clear, deep
red. Thailand is known for dark red to brownish-red stones.
Typical Ceylon (Sri Lanka) rubies are medium light in tone.
And Africa is known for small, sheet-like, purplish-red material.
Burma is the most important source
of ruby today. Other producers are the island of Sri Lanka-(formerly
Ceylon), the countries of Thailand, Kampuchea (Cambodia),
India and Australia, various localities in Africa and our
own state of North Carolina.
Synthetic
Ruby
A synthetic ruby is nearly identical
to the natural gem in physical appearance, chemical composition
and optical properties and can easily be confused with genuine
ruby by unknowledgeable buyers. Only a trained geologist can
tell the difference by locating telltale inclusions in the
stone.
Star
Ruby
Some rubies display a luminous star when
viewed in the right light. This is caused by the orientation
of intersecting needles within the stone. The light reflecting
off them forms a star. Stars may be seen on certain translucent
stones that have been cut in a dome shape.
Versability
Ruby's dramatic color and regal heritage
make it the choice of the most discriminating jewelry lovers.
Fine, large rubies may be worth more than diamonds of comparable
size. They make elegant rings and pendants. Smaller stones
are also set in these pieces as well as brooches, bracelets,
and earrings. Small rubies are popular for use in anniversary
rings to wear alone or in the company, of diamonds. Rubies
are stunning against a backdrop of white, black, royal blue
or emerald green.
Jeweler's Advice
Since subtle differences in quality can
make large differences in beauty (and price), it is important
to select your jewelry from a professional who can guide you
honestly and ethically in your purchase.
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