By Chelsea Reed
Known by many as one of the most famous gemstones, the magnificent ruby certainly lives up to its reputation. This birthstone of July has a rich history and is often featured in movies and television shows. Want to impress your friends with ruby knowledge? Check out these fun facts below!
Traces of titanium and iron are what give sapphires their intense blue color. Rubies get their red color from chromium. Their hues can range from pinkish-red to blood red and dark cherry.
Rubies are a longstanding symbol of love, passion, and the vibrancy of life in many cultures. They are a popular option for engagement rings and wedding rings. If you have an anniversary coming up, get one for the 15th and 40th-year milestones to make it extra special!
If you live a very active lifestyle, the ruby is a hearty stone that’s great for tough wear. Unlike other gemstones, you don’t have to worry about scratches or cracks. They have a 9 Moz hardness scale, which is only one scale lower than diamonds at the top!
Mined in Myanmar, they’re renowned for deep red hues with blue undertones. As far as we know, only rubies from this region carry this special hue. The country produces about 90% of the world’s ruby supply for the jewelry industry. Rubies are also found in the United States, Macedonia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Afganistan.
But asterism, a very rare star pattern, is sometimes found in rubies. These special “flawed” gems are called star rubies, and they are even more expensive than diamonds. If you own a ruby with asterism, you are very, very fortunate!
Not surprisingly, they were highly prized trading specimens in the Middle Ages. Marco Polo recorded the practices of ruby mining in Asia during his ventures. The famous gem trader Jean-Baptiste Tavernier observed ruby trading in India with great detail. Some ruby negotiations in the Indian court would linger for months!
Because rubies closely resemble spinel, garnet, and other red gemstones to the naked eye, some famous rubies of old are not rubies at all. The Black Prince’s Ruby of the British Crown Jewels is actually a fantastic specimen of red spinel. Some scholars believe it may be more valuable than a real ruby.
Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about the authenticity of rubies at Seaside Art Gallery! Each piece of estate jewelry is authentic and guaranteed. From birthdays to weddings to just-because gifts, the Gallery’s Estate Jewelry collection is the perfect place to find unique treasures.
An award-winning master artist, teacher, and wildlife enthusiast, David Hunter enjoys demonstrating the craft of depicting animals and the great outdoors in his etchings. His wonderful interpretations of the Outer Banks are no exception, and they often herald the celebration of classic American summers and their natural settings.
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