RUBY - the "King of Gems"

Granulated 22K Gold and Ruby Ring by Nancy Troske

For centuries Ruby has been desired as a symbol of wealth, success, love and passion.  It's in as much demand today as it was centuries ago.  In Sanskrit the term for ruby is "ratnaraj" or the "King of Gems." It is valued for its lush red color and it's name comes from the Latin word "ruber" for red.


 Ruby is the most valuable variety of the gem species corundum. Corundum is the second hardest substance on the Mohs scale, with a rating of 9. The most sought after color is a vivid, pure red.  The most desirable color is the so-called "pigeon's blood", a pure red with a hint of blue. Color saturation makes all the difference. Some rubies are purplish or pinkish and although some countries  will consider those stones to be ruby,  Gemologists in the U.S. would call them pink sapphire.  (Sapphires are also corundum and come in all colors, although most people think of sapphire as blue). Color is the most important consideration, with clarity a distant second. Large rubies are rare.

Star Ruby

Many rubies will fluoresce in long or short wave UV and this property can often be used to help identify a stone's geographic origin. Burmese rubies often fluoresce so strongly that the effect is noticeable even in sunlight; such stones seem literally to glow. Thai rubies usually do not show this characteristic.

Inclusions are common in ruby and not always an indication of lower quality. Rutile needle inclusions cause a  "silky shine".  Some rubies show asterism (a six ray star) and are cut into cabachons.  Transparent rough is faceted into rounds, mixed cut ovals or antique cushions.

If you would like a ring like this gold granulated one shown above made in your size please visit see my Ordering Information.