One of the four precious gemstones, rubies are found in many shades of red, ranging from dark red to pinkish to pigeon blood. With their fiery hue, rubies have long been associated with love and passion, making them a timeless choice for wedding jewellery.
Where are Rubies most commonly found?
The finest rubies come from Burma (Myanmar) but are also mined in countries like Afghanistan, Australia, India and Cambodia among many others.
Ruby’s true identity as a variety of corundum wasn’t established until 1800. Before that, red stones like spinel, garnet, and tourmaline were often mistaken for rubies. Even the "Black Prince Ruby," part of the British crown jewels, was considered as one of the largest rubies, until confirmed to be a massive spinel.
Which Ruby is the most valuable?
Colour is one of the most important factors to determine the value of a ruby. Amongst all the different shades, the most valuable and desirable shade is the pigeon blood red, a deep red with a hint of blue.
This colour is associated with Burmese rubies, primarily sourced from Myanmar, specifically the Mogok Valley. The name ‘pigeon-blood’ reflects their intense, highly-saturated colour and minimal inclusions.
Next are Thai Rubies, originating predominantly from the Chanthaburi-Trat mining district in Thailand. These generally have greater clarity and fluorescence than the Burmese rubies, due to the higher iron content within them. Thai rubies are often a darker, ‘garnet-like’ red as compared to the intense red rubies from Myanmar.
In recent years since their discovery, Mozambique rubies have also risen in prominence. Their colour ranges from orangy-red to purplish-red. The world’s most expensive ruby is actually an untreated Mozambique ruby, Estrela de Fura, a 55.22 carat ruby, sold at an auction in 2023 for 34.8$ million.
Although well-known for its sapphire, India’s rubies are slightly less esteemed than the others. Sourced primarily from the southern-parts, including Karnataka and Tamil nadu, Indian rubies are more opaque, making them well-suited for cabochons.
Lastly, we have Madagascar rubies. They have a similar colour to the Mozambique rubies with the core distinction being the presence of inclusions like monazite crystals and rounded zircons.
Can you wear your Ruby jewellery everyday?
Part of the conundrum family, ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, making it a stone with excellent toughness. Resistant to the effect of heat, light and chemicals, rubies make a great choice for rings and jewellery subject to daily wear.
How should you clean your Ruby jewellery?
The safest way to clean your ruby is using warm soapy water and a soft brush. It is also recommended to have your jewellery checked every year or so by a professional to ensure the stone is secure and jewellery is in good condition.
If you are looking to customise your jewellery with rubies or other coloured gemstones, feel free to reach out to us on info@stapyltonsmith.com. Our founder, Guillaume is a trained gemmologist and can help you find ethically-sourced, highest quality gemstones.
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