The Allure of Ruby Stones: A Journey Through History, Meaning, and Exquisite Jewellery
The ruby, a gemstone of fiery passion and timeless elegance, has captivated hearts and minds for centuries. From ancient royalty to modern jewelry enthusiasts, the ruby's rich history, vibrant colors, and enduring symbolism continue to enchant.
Origin Of Ruby
Rubies, formed deep within the Earth under immense heat and pressure, are a variety of the mineral corundum. Their signature red color is caused by trace amounts of chromium, and their hardness, second only to diamonds, makes them a durable and sought-after gemstone.
Rubies are found in various corners of the world, including Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Mozambique, and Madagascar. The most prized rubies exhibit a vivid red hue with a hint of blue, known as "pigeon's blood" red.
The Color of Passion: Ruby's Spectrum of Shades
Rubies range in color from deep crimson to delicate pink, each shade carrying its own unique significance.
Deep Red Ruby: Symbolizes love, passion, and courage.
Pink Ruby: Associated with romance, tenderness, and compassion.
Purple-Red: Represents royalty, nobility, and wisdom.
The intensity and saturation of color greatly influence a ruby's value, with vivid reds commanding the highest prices.
Ruby as a Birthstone: July's Fiery Gem
Ruby is the birthstone for July, representing passion, vitality, and good fortune. It is believed to bring its wearer happiness, protection, and success in love and life.
If you were born in July, wearing a ruby can be a meaningful way to connect with your birth month and its symbolism.
Want to know about some other month check out list of birthstones.
Ruby Value and Price in Australia
The value of a ruby in Australia, as with other precious gemstones, is influenced by a combination of factors:
Color: Vivid red rubies with a hint of blue ("pigeon's blood") are the most sought after, and their prices can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat. Lighter or pinkish rubies generally command lower prices.
Clarity: Rubies with fewer inclusions (internal flaws) are valued higher. Eye-clean rubies, meaning those without visible inclusions to the naked eye, can be quite expensive.
Cut: A well-cut ruby will maximize its brilliance and fire, making it more valuable. Expertly cut stones with excellent proportions and symmetry will fetch higher prices.
Carat Weight: As with most gemstones, larger rubies are rarer and therefore more expensive per carat.
Origin: Rubies from certain regions, like Myanmar (Burma), are historically known for their exceptional quality and thus often command higher prices.
In Australia, ruby prices can vary significantly depending on these factors. Here's a general idea of what you might expect:
Smaller rubies (under 1 carat): Prices can start from around $500 AUD per carat and go up to several thousand depending on quality.
Medium-sized rubies (1-2 carats): High-quality stones can range from $5,000 to $20,000 AUD per carat, while less exceptional stones may be found for a few thousand dollars per carat.
Larger rubies (over 2 carats): These are rarer and can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat, especially if they possess exceptional color and clarity.
It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual price of a ruby can fluctuate based on market demand, individual seller's pricing, and the specific characteristics of the stone.
Lab-Grown Rubies: A Sustainable and Ethical Choice
Lab-grown rubies, also known as synthetic or created rubies, offer several benefits:
Ethical and Sustainable: Lab-grown rubies are created in controlled environments, eliminating the need for mining and reducing environmental impact.
Affordability: They are typically less expensive than natural rubies of comparable quality, making them a more accessible option for jewelry lovers.
Quality: Lab-grown rubies can exhibit the same beauty, color, and durability as natural rubies.
Variety: They offer a wider range of colors and sizes than may be readily available in natural rubies.
Consistency: Lab-grown rubies can be created with consistent color and clarity, making them ideal for matching sets of jewelry.
While some purists may prefer natural gemstones, lab-grown rubies are a beautiful and ethical alternative that allows more people to enjoy the allure of this fiery gemstone.
Caring for Your Rubies: Preserving Their Brillianceult Headline
To keep your ruby jewelry looking its best, follow these simple tips:
Clean your rubies with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.
Store your ruby jewelry separately to prevent scratching.
Have your rubies professionally cleaned and inspected periodically.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your rubies remain vibrant and beautiful for years to come.
Ruby Jewelry: A Timeless Expression of Beauty
Rubies have adorned royalty and graced the fingers, necks, and ears of countless individuals throughout history. Today, ruby jewelry continues to be a popular choice for those seeking to express their love, celebrate a special occasion, or add a touch of luxury to their wardrobe.
Ruby Rings: From classic solitaires to elaborate halo designs, ruby rings are a symbol of love and commitment.
Ruby Earrings: Ruby studs or drop earrings add a touch of sparkle and sophistication to any outfit.
Ruby Necklaces: A ruby pendant or a statement necklace can make a bold and glamorous statement.
Ruby Bracelets: Delicate tennis bracelets or chunky bangles adorned with rubies offer a touch of everyday elegance.
When choosing ruby jewelry, consider your personal style, budget, and the occasion.
Interested in learning about Gemstone, check out our collection of gemstones.
