Red Hot Rubies!
Ruby is called the “king of precious stones” for its rarity, hardness, and beauty. Rubies are considered a representation of many positive attributes, associated with the life force of blood and a symbol of fire. For many cultures, the July birthstone is believed to have transcendent powers to:
- Predict misfortune or danger
- Cure inflammatory disease and soothe anger
- Increase energy and vigor and protect its wearer from evil and misfortune
- Burmese warriors believed it made them invincible in battle
- Medieval Europeans maintained that rubies bestowed health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love.
Anyone lucky to have this birthstone is well on their way to a prosperous and love filled life!!
What Makes a Ruby?
Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, colored by the element chromium. All other colors of gem-quality corundum are called sapphire. It is tough and durable, measuring 9 on the Mohs scale. The Mohs scale rates the hardness of gems and minerals. Hardness refers to the stone’s resistance to scratching. The scale ranges from 1 -softest to 10-hardest. This is one tough stone!
Where can you find rubies? Where do rubies come from?
Rubies were first found in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). The Mogok area (aka Valley of Rubies), just north of Mandalay, has produced some of the most sought-after rubies. These rubies are a vibrant red softened by light-scattering inclusions and a glowing red fluorescence. The finest hue of ruby is referred to as “pigeon’s blood!”
Recently, Mozambique has become an important new source for rubies -- 40% of the world’s rubies are expected to come from this African nation.
Wearing Rubies!!
Rubies pair well with neutral, warm tones. Colors like white, tan, and gold are the perfect backdrop for allowing your ruby to stand out. And of course, everything goes well with black! Transform the look of your simple black ensemble by pairing it with a stunning ruby cocktail ring, or a gorgeous ruby necklace. A dazzling pair of ruby earrings will be perfect for accessorizing a monochrome outfit. When you are preparing for a Zoom call, try a striking ruby pendant or bracelet to make a power-packed impression.
Sources: GIA, American Gem Society, Angara Jewelry, Mineralogical Society of America
Valuable Rubies Throughout History
Want to know what the largest, most expensive ruby, or rarest ruby is? Here is a list of some of the most prominent rubies in history!
The Caplan Ruby – Named after Alan Caplan, a famous gemstone dealer who acquired the stone in Burma. Alternately known as “Mogok Ruby" this 15.97 carat Burmese stone sold at Sotheby’s for $3,630,000 in 1988.
De Long Star Ruby – A remarkable star ruby of Burmese origin, currently housed at the Natural History Museum in NYC. This gorgeous vivid purplish-red ruby weighs 100.32 carats and has an eye-catching 6-rayed star effect.
The Sunrise Ruby - It set an auction record for the most expensive ruby, in May 2015. It is a 25.59 carat “pigeon blood” red Burmese ruby, which is set into a Cartier ring and flanked by white diamonds. The stone sold for more than $1 million per carat -- $30 million total.
The Graff Ruby – A well-known cushion cut Burmese ruby with a weight of 8.62 carats. Widely celebrated as the most valuable ruby in the world – a once in a lifetime discovery.
The Liberty Bell Ruby - The world’s largest mined ruby, discovered in the 1950’s in eastern Africa. The 8 1/2 thousand carat ruby -- that's almost four pounds! -- is sculpted to represent a miniature version of the Liberty Bell. It has 50 diamonds set in it, and was valued at $2 million.
Famous and royal rubies
Elizabeth Taylor’s ruby and diamond necklace designed by Cartier - This amazing piece shows incredible craftsmanship and innovative form. Mike Todd gifted this necklace to his then wife, Elizabeth Taylor. In Dec 2011, it was auctioned at Christie’s for $115,932,000.
Elizabeth Taylor’s ruby and diamond Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels - “One day I’m going to find you the most perfect ruby in the world.” The romantic promise Richard Burton made to Elizabeth Taylor. After four years of searching, he discovered the right gem at Van Cleef & Arpels. For Christmas in 1968, Burton gave her the 8.24 carat Puertas ruby and diamond ring, set in 18k gold. It achieved a record price for a ruby at auction, selling for over $4 million.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Ruby Necklace – London native Mrs. Greville left the Queen many beautiful jewelry pieces, one of them being this impressive Boucheron Ruby set Belle Epoque necklace. Edwardian style with settings in a floral pattern.
Burmese Ruby Tiara - When Queen Elizabeth married, she received many fine quality rubies from the people of Burma. In 1973, she commissioned this tiara from Garrard & Co. It features the 96 rubies she received as a gift and many diamonds from her private collection. She named it for the Burmese people, in recognition of their generosity.
One of the most famous ruby suites of all time was gifted by King Edward VIII to Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. Designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, the tassel necklace accompanied by a bracelet and brooch, was one of the finest jewelry pieces to use an “invisible” setting for the rubies and baguette diamonds.
Barbara Hutton famously wore the Queen of Amelie of Portugal’s Ruby Necklace a number of times. Photographer George Hoyningen-Huene photographed her on one of those occasions when she was wearing an Indian sari. The necklace was sometimes worn as a necklace and other times as a tiara.
Danish Crown Princess Mary wears Queen Ingrid’s Ruby Parure Tiara. Originally belonging to Sovereign Louise of Sweden, she passed it onto her daughter as a wedding gift. Queen Louise of Denmark wore her tiara with a wonderful ruby and diamond necklace.
Sources: Leibish Jewelers, Gemme Coutoure, World Atlas, Diamondere