By merely saying the word one can visualize the fiery, unbridled passion, the romance and the bloodshed that have become an embodiment of the stone itself, the battles seen by the warriors who wore these stones in their skin to ward off enemy swords and the trials faced by great leaders as they dawned a ring set with a sparkling red gem to save them from their own fates.  It was the stone thought to represent life itself as the color of blood, the color of vitality, power, and unabashed love. It was, and still is, the Ruby.

While its reputation alone is obviously enough to make any diamond jealous, its sheer beauty and rarity really seal the deal for this gem. A Ruby of flawless color and substantial size could turn the heads of even the most ardent of diamond fanatics.  Add transparency to the list and the diamond will be all but forgotten, replaced by the gleam of a lustrous Ruby that would be a welcome addition to any jewelry wardrobe.

Treasure in Burma

The Ruby is an extremely durable gem and is the second hardest on the Moh’s scale.  It can also be found in a variety of colors that can differ slightly depending on where a particular gem was found. The most desirable, of course, being a deep pigeon’s blood red with just a hint of blue. Stones of this awe inspiring color generally hale from Burma (today Myanmar) and are referred to as Burmese Rubies even if they were, in fact, mined elsewhere. This includes areas of Vietnam, which generally yields stones of a purplish hue, and Thailand, where Rubies are slightly brown.

The Ruby is also becoming increasingly more valuable due to its rarity, which naturally has only led to a higher demand and, of course, synthetic stones.  As with the Emerald, it is imperative to work with a Gemologist when seeking to purchase this significant stone.

Precious Heirloom

In ancient times, the fiery color of the Ruby led people to believe it could treat ailments of the heart and blood.  It was also known for its protective powers and was, for centuries, considered to be “King of the Gemstones.” Today, the Ruby remains a vital part of the gemstone world and has even joined the Sapphire, Diamond and Emerald as one of Earth’s most precious gems. But to owners of this stone, the Ruby embodies so much more. For many families, the Ruby is a stone worthy of generations. Passed down from mother to daughter, it has become a symbol of the love and passion of the past that truly make the future an adventure worth living for.