Ruby properties

The ruby is a precious stone belonging to the corundum family, just like sapphires. What sets it apart from other sapphires is its intense red color, which gives it an aura of passion and power. In summary, the ruby is a red sapphire.

The ruby, like other corundums, is composed of aluminum oxide, but what makes it unique is the presence of chromium oxide, which gives it its bright red color. It can be transparent or slightly translucent, and is generally formed in geological environments such as magmatic or metamorphic rocks. The ruby is insoluble in acids, which testifies to its chemical resistance, and it is considered the second hardest mineral after diamond, making it a highly prized gemstone for jewelry.

The most sought-after color for rubies is often described as "pigeon’s blood," a deep red with a subtle hint of blue. This hue is particularly prized for its rarity and striking beauty.

The name "ruby" derives from the Latin "ruber," meaning "red," and was given to this gemstone as early as the 13th century. This designation perfectly reflects the vibrant and captivating color that characterizes the ruby, a stone that has always fascinated and inspired humanity.

Before the 19th century, the ruby was often grouped under a more general name, attributed to several red stones, such as "carbuncles" in the medieval era. This confusion was due to the similarity in color between the ruby and other gemstones, such as red spinel (sometimes called "broom ruby"), tourmaline (known as "Siberian ruby"), pyrope garnet, almandine garnet, hyacinth, fluorite, or even pink-orange topaz.
However, over time, gemologists have developed methods to distinguish the ruby from these other stones, based on its chemical composition, hardness, and characteristic luster. Today, the ruby is recognized as a distinct gemstone, appreciated for its deep red color and natural brilliance.

The ruby is a highly prized gemstone, particularly in the field of jewelry. After diamond, it is one of the most expensive stones on the market. Its value is determined by several factors, including its dimensions, color, purity, and cut. Purity is also a crucial factor.
Rubies without visible inclusions to the naked eye are rare and therefore more valuable. Inclusions can be crystals, fissures, or air bubbles.
The cut, or cut, is another important element. A well-executed cut can enhance the color and brilliance of the ruby, while a poor cut can decrease its value.
Finally, the dimensions of the ruby, i.e., its weight in carats, also influence its price. Large rubies are rarer and therefore more expensive.

Natural rubies are often characterized by the presence of inclusions, which are marks or impurities inside the stone. These inclusions are actually a sign of the ruby’s authenticity, as they are the result of natural processes in the formation of the stone. They can take different forms, such as crystals, fissures, or air bubbles, and may be visible to the naked eye or require a loupe to be observed.
On the other hand, synthetic rubies, which are created in a laboratory, are often nearly perfect, without visible inclusions. This is due to the controlled manufacturing process, which allows for the elimination of inclusions and the production of stones of high purity. However, these synthetic rubies do not have the same value as natural rubies, as they are not the result of natural processes and do not possess the same rarity.
In conclusion, inclusions are a sign of the authenticity of a natural ruby, while synthetic rubies are often nearly perfect due to their laboratory production.

The synthetic ruby

Synthetic stones are artificially created gems, using sophisticated scientific methods. These processes aim to reproduce the natural conditions of gemstone formation in a controlled laboratory environment. The goal is to produce stones that have the same chemical, optical, and physical characteristics as their natural counterparts.

It is important to note that synthetic stones are not imitations. They are made to closely resemble natural stones, but they are created artificially. Therefore, it is mandatory to mention that it is a synthetic stone when marketing it.

The first synthetic ruby was created by French chemist Edmond Frémy in 1877, using the flux method. This technique involves melting ruby salts in a high-temperature furnace, which produces artificial ruby crystals.

In 1902, Edmond Frémy’s adopted son, Auguste Verneuil, perfected this method by developing the technique of fusing aluminum oxide powder with a red dye. This method, known as the "Verneuil method," allowed for the production of high-quality synthetic rubies on a large scale.

Today, there are a variety of sophisticated methods for producing high-quality synthetic rubies. Among the most well-known are the Imori method, which uses a solution growth process, and the Chatam method, which relies on fusing aluminum oxide powder with a red dye.
The Kashan method, on the other hand, is based on solution growth from ruby salts, while the Ramaura method uses the solution fusion technique to produce large synthetic rubies.
Finally, the Knischka method is a solution growth method that produces high-purity, large synthetic rubies.
These different methods offer jewelry manufacturers and gemologists a range of high-quality synthetic rubies suitable for various applications.

It is often relatively easy to distinguish a natural ruby from a synthetic ruby using a simple loupe. Natural rubies typically have imperfections, called inclusions, which are marks or impurities inside the stone. These inclusions are actually a sign of the ruby’s authenticity, as they are the result of natural processes in the formation of the stone. They can also contribute to the beauty and brilliance of the ruby, creating unique reflections and plays of light.
On the other hand, synthetic rubies, which are created in a laboratory, are often nearly perfect, without visible inclusions. This is due to the controlled manufacturing process, which allows for the elimination of inclusions and the production of stones of high purity.

History, legends and beliefs about the ruby

Due to the historical confusion between rubies and other red gemstones, it is often difficult to precisely trace the history of this fascinating gem. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, used general terms to describe red stones, making it difficult to distinguish between rubies and other red gemstones, such as spinel, garnet, and tourmaline.

In India, the ruby is particularly appreciated and recognized for its exceptional qualities. It is often referred to by the Sanskrit name "ratnaraj," which means "king of gemstones," or "Ratnanayaka," which means "chief of gemstones." These names illustrate the high esteem in which the ruby is held in Indian culture, where it is considered a gemstone of great value and power.
The deep red color of the ruby is often interpreted as a reflection of an unquenchable inner fire, symbolizing passion, vitality, and strength.

In Burma, warriors were reputed to wear rubies believed to confer invincibility in combat. According to popular belief, for the ruby to exert its protective power, it had to be inserted under the warrior’s skin. This practice reflects the deep reverence accorded to the ruby in Burmese culture, where it was considered more than just a precious stone but as a powerful talisman capable of ensuring safety and success on the battlefield.
In many cultures around the world, the intense red color of the ruby was associated with blood, a symbol of courage and bravery. Thus, wearing a ruby was perceived as a physical manifestation of the warrior’s courage and determination, thereby reinforcing his confidence in battle.

The Hindus also considered the ruby as a stone of protection and prestige. According to their beliefs, if a ruby was offered to the god Krishna, it would guarantee a high social position in their next life, sometimes even that of an emperor. This belief reflects the great value placed on the ruby in Hindu culture, where it was considered a symbol of power, wealth, and social status.
The Mani Mala, a Hindu sacred text, describes the sacred tree named Kalpa, which is an offering made to the Hindu gods. This tree is composed of precious stones such as sapphires, diamonds, topazes, emeralds, and rubies, which are depicted as fruits. This description illustrates the important place that the ruby occupied in Hindu religious rituals, where it was considered a sacred gemstone, capable of attracting the blessings of the gods.
The ruby is also associated with several Hindu deities, such as the god of war, Kartikeya, and the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. It is often used in religious ceremonies and rituals to attract the blessings of the gods and ensure prosperity and happiness.
The Hindus also believed that the ruby emitted intense heat, so much so that it could boil the liquid in which it was immersed. This belief reflects the power and energy associated with the ruby in Hindu culture, where it was considered a living gemstone, capable of transmitting its heat and strength to those who possessed it.

Rubies have played an important role in the history of ancient China, where they were considered sacred gemstones, capable of protecting and prospering those who possessed them.
Chinese warriors often adorned their swords with rubies, believing that this would give them additional protection in battles. Rubies were also placed in the foundations of buildings, such as temples and palaces, to ensure prosperity and good fortune for the family that owned them.
A famous story tells that Emperor Kublai Khan, founder of the Yuan dynasty in China, offered an entire city in exchange for a ruby. This anecdote illustrates the great value placed on rubies in Chinese culture, where they were considered symbols of power, wealth, and prestige.
Rubies were also exchanged on the Silk Road, an ancient trade route that connected China to Europe, as early as 200 BCE. This route was an important commercial corridor for gemstones, spices, silk, and other luxury goods, and rubies were among the most precious commodities traded along this route.

The ruby was introduced to Europe by the Greeks and Etruscans around 500 BCE. These ancient Mediterranean civilizations were among the first to recognize the value and beauty of the ruby, and they often used it in the crafting of jewelry and art objects.

The ancient Greeks believed that when a ruby was carved to create a seal, it possessed magical properties that allowed it to melt the wax used to seal documents. This belief was based on the intense red color of the ruby, which was associated with heat and fire, and the hardness of the stone, which was considered strong enough to withstand heat.
Ruby seals were often used by kings and nobles to seal official documents, such as decrees and contracts, and they were considered symbols of power and authority. The Greeks believed that the ruby, as a sacred gemstone, could provide additional protection to sealed documents, making them inviolable and ensuring their authenticity.

The Romans, like the Greeks, used the term "carbunculus" to refer to red and brilliant gemstones, including the ruby. The word "carbunculus" literally means "small glowing coal" or "small glowing ember," and it was often used to describe red gemstones, such as ruby, spinel, and garnet.
However, the Romans used rubies less frequently for engraved seals. This was due to the hardness and rarity of rubies, which made them expensive and difficult to work with. Instead, the Romans preferred to use spinel, a similar red gemstone to ruby but less expensive and easier to engrave.

In the Middle Ages in Europe, the ruby was considered a symbol of courage and passion, associated with the colors of blood and fire. It was often used as a royal emblem on the crowns or helmets of knights, symbolizing their bravery and determination on the battlefield. It was believed that the ruby could protect the knight from injuries and diseases, and it was often worn as a protective talisman.
The ruby was also known by the terms "carboncle," "charboncle," or "escarboucle," which were general terms used to refer to red and brilliant gemstones.
In the Middle Ages, and even today, it was believed that if the ruby changed color, it was a sign of great misfortune. This belief was based on the idea that the ruby was a protective talisman, and any change in its color was a sign of imminent danger.
Dragons and chimeras were often depicted with a ruby on their forehead, which was believed to allow them to light up and find their way at night. This belief was based on the idea that the ruby was a magical gemstone, capable of conferring supernatural powers to those who possessed it.

For Christians, the ruby is a symbol of the blood of Christ, representing Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for humanity. It is often associated with passion and religious devotion, and it is considered a sacred gemstone that embodies divine power and protection.
The ruby was also a symbol of power and prestige in the Catholic Church, where it adorned the ring of cardinals until the Second Vatican Council.
According to Christian tradition, the ruby was one of the twelve precious stones created by God, and it was placed on the breastplate of Aaron, the high priest of ancient Israel, at the level of the neck. This tradition is based on the description of Aaron’s breastplate in the book of Exodus, where it is described as being adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

The ruby is the gemstone that symbolizes the 35th wedding anniversary, making it a symbol of longevity, passion, and devotion in marriage. It is also the birthstone for the month of July, making it a popular birthstone gift for babies born in July.

The ruby holds a special place in Islamic religion, where it is often associated with the creation of man. According to the Quran, God sent a house made of rubies to Adam, the first man, so that he could live there with his wife, Eve. This ruby house was a symbol of God’s kindness and generosity towards humanity, and it was considered a place of refuge and protection for Adam and Eve.
The ruby is also mentioned in several hadiths, or prophetic traditions, where it is described as a sacred gemstone capable of conferring magical and protective powers to those who possess it. It was believed that the ruby could protect its wearer from diseases and evil spirits, and that it could bring prosperity and good fortune to those who possessed it.

The rulers of the East were often adorned with rubies, symbols of their power and wealth. Marco Polo, the famous Venetian explorer of the 13th century, described in his accounts the rubies of the kings of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and Siam (now Thailand), which were renowned for their size and brilliance.
Another example of the importance of rubies in ancient East is that of the caliph of Baghdad, Mostanser Billah, who, in the 13th century, is said to have paid a huge tribute to the victorious Turks. This treasure included a golden peacock adorned with precious stones, including rubies for the eyes, a rooster with ruby eyes, and even a ruby egg.

Mines: Cambodia, the USA, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam.

The most famous rubies

The largest ruby discovered to date weighs 3421 carats and was found in 1961. This extraordinary discovery immediately sparked great interest in the world of gemology. The rough stone was quickly sent to be cut, but it did not even receive a name, which is unusual for a stone of this size and rarity. The largest cut piece of this ruby weighs 750 carats, making it one of the largest cut rubies in the world.

The ring of Madame de Montespan, dating from the early 18th century, is a remarkable example of the use of ruby in the jewelry of the time. This ring was adorned with a carved ruby representing Madame de Montespan herself, making it an object of great value and historical importance.
Madame de Montespan was an influential figure at the court of Louis XIV, and she was often depicted in the art and jewelry of the time. The carved ruby of her ring was a tribute to her beauty and charm, and it was considered a symbol of her status and power at court.

The Saint Wenceslas Crown is an iconic piece of the Bohemian Crown Jewels, made in 1347. It was commissioned in 1346 by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV to adorn the reliquary of the skull of the saintly King Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czechs. This crown is a masterpiece of medieval goldsmithing, composed of 19 sapphires, 30 emeralds, 20 pearls, 44 spinels, and an uncut ruby in the central piece, with an impressive size of approximately 250 carats.
The uncut ruby, of such size, is a rarity in the world of medieval jewelry. Its presence at the center of the Saint Wenceslas Crown makes it a symbol of power and prestige, and it is considered one of the most precious gemstones in the crown.
The Saint Wenceslas Crown is a national treasure of the Czech Republic and is exhibited at Prague Castle, where it is admired by thousands of visitors each year. It is a symbol of Czech history and culture, and it is considered one of the finest examples of medieval goldsmithing in Europe.

The Carmen Lucia Ruby, weighing 23.10 carats, is a ruby of intense red color, often described as "pigeon blood red." This ruby was purchased in 2000 by an American doctor for his wife, who was suffering from an incurable disease. Unfortunately, she never had the opportunity to wear this platinum and diamond ring, as she passed away shortly after the purchase.

The Peace Ruby, discovered in Burma in 1919, gets its name from the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I. This ruby is a remarkable example of the symbolic value that gemstones can have in history and politics. It is round in shape and weighs 43 carats, making it a large and valuable gemstone.

The Edwardes Ruby, named after Sir H.B. Edwardes, is a gemstone of exceptional translucency. It weighs 167 carats, making it one of the largest rubies ever discovered.

The Gnaga Boh Ruby, also known as the "Dragon Lord," is a raw ruby of an impressive size of 44 carats, which was reduced to 20 carats by its cut. This gemstone was offered to the Burmese king Tharawadis, who was known for his passion for gemstones and jewelry.

The Graff Ruby is a ruby of exceptional purity, with a pigeon blood red color. It weighs 8.62 carats and is mounted on a platinum ring, set with diamonds. This ring is a remarkable example of the art of jewelry, and it was sold at auction in 2014 for the impressive sum of 6.8 million euros.

The Hixon Ruby is a raw ruby of an impressive size of 196 carats, originating from Burma. It is considered one of the most perfect rubies in the world, due to its bright red color and natural brilliance.

The Maung Lin Ruby, originating from Burma, was an impressive 400-carat gemstone. This gemstone was cut into three parts, one of which remained raw, while the other two parts weighed 70 and 45 carats respectively.

The Nixon Ruby, an impressive 196.1-carat gemstone, originates from Burma.

The Sunrise Ruby is an exceptionally rare gemstone, with its 25.60 carats and pigeon blood red color. It was sold in 2015 for the impressive sum of 30 million US dollars, making it the most expensive ruby in the world. Originating from Burma, this ruby is named after a poem written in the 13th century, which gives it additional historical and cultural value.
The Sunrise Ruby is mounted on a platinum ring, set with diamonds, by the house of Cartier, one of the most prestigious jewelry houses in the world.

The portrait seal of Alexander the Great, a 15-carat ruby, has now disappeared, but its history is fascinating. This ruby served as a seal to Augustus, the Roman emperor who reigned from 63 BC to 14 AD. It was then used by the Roman emperors until Vespasian, before returning to the hands of the kings of France.

Healing properties and benefits of the ruby

The ruby, a red sapphire, possesses virtues that can be beneficial for health. Taking into account the virtues of sapphire, here are some of the virtues traditionally associated more particularly with ruby:

• Ruby is considered a regulator of the blood system, especially the heart, and can help combat fatigue.
• It is also believed to regulate menstrual cycles and relieve symptoms related to fever, infections, and respiratory problems.
• Some believe that ruby can relieve intestinal disorders, diarrhea, and arthritis.
• Ruby promotes wound healing.
• Ruby should be avoided by anxious or hypertensive people, as it would add an excess of energy.
• It is also reputed to stimulate the kidneys and adrenal glands, and can help reduce cholesterol levels.
• Finally, due to its intense red color and inner fire, ruby is often considered a symbol of love and an aphrodisiac. It is said that wearing it during sexual intercourse can increase passion, performance, and the chances of conceiving a child.

 

Ruby jewelry samples