Ruby is an extremely rare and one of the most precious gemstones in nature. It offers a breathtaking color – from brownish-red to bright red, similar to ripe raspberries – excellent hardness, second only to diamond, and irresistible brilliance. In ancient Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, meaning “king of gemstones,” while in Oriental countries it is described as “a drop of blood from the heart of Mother Earth.”
Origin of rubies
The name “ruby” comes from the Latin word rubeus, which means “red”. Red is the color of our most intense emotions – love and anger, passion and desire. Early cultures believed that the ruby embodied all of these emotions.
Ruby is actually very closely related to sapphire – both belong to the corundum family, but although ruby has a long, millennia-old history, it was not recognized as a variety of corundum until 1800. Previously, red spinel, tourmaline, and garnet were also considered rubies. Even the Black Ruby, one of the most famous crown jewels of England, was considered one of the largest cut rubies until it was classified as a spinel.Rubies are most commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as – as a mineral – in some marbles.
Ruby in history, traditions, and legends
Symbolizing passion, protection, and prosperity, the ruby has been revered since ancient times and over the centuries has become surrounded by many legends. Ancient Hindus believed that those who offered precious rubies to the god Krishna were reborn as emperors, and they also believed that a person possessing a ruby was guaranteed perfect security. In the 1st century AD, the Roman scholar Pliny included rubies in his Natural History, describing their hardness and density, which differs little from the exceptional hardness of diamonds. Some ancient cultures also believed that rubies—as well as other gemstones—grew on trees, similar to fruits. Rubies would begin to bud as small white jewels, slowly grow, and mature, changing color to red in the sunlight. When the ruby was saturated with red, it was ready to be picked.
Occurrence of rubies
Traditionally, India has been considered the source of all rubies, as evidenced by a rich literature dating back over two thousand years. The highest quality rubies, the most transparent and of the best color, come from the Mogok region in British Burma, although the classic Burmese mines were quickly exhausted. Many beautiful rubies also come from Thailand, which is currently the main source of these crystals.Thai rubies have a slightly darker shade, and their red is so deep that it is almost purple. The island of Ceylon (located southeast of the coast of India), which is called the “island of jewels,” has also long been famous for its beautiful rubies, which have a bright, pinkish hue. Marco Polo once said that no other place on earth has rubies as beautiful as those from Ceylon.Rubies are also found in Tanzania, Madagascar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Kenya, Mexico, Afghanistan, North Carolina in the United States, and Pakistan; the latter country provides rubies of excellent, deep color, but they are very rare.
The mystical powers of the ruby
Rubies have been attributed with many positive effects and mystical properties for centuries. They are associated with the sun, which led to the belief that owning this stone helps maintain mental and physical health, as ruby gives energy to its owner. Rubies stimulate the heart chakra and awaken a passion for life, but never in a self-destructive way. They overcome exhaustion and calm hyperactivity. Emotionally, rubies are believed to improve motivation and goal-setting.They promote positive dreams, clear visualization, and dynamic leadership, and they also help in maintaining wealth and passion. They bring a positive and courageous state of mind – one that is sharp, highly aware, and focused. Ruby is also said to be a peacemaker in disputes and has the power to reconcile conflicts.
Your ruby jewelry
For thousands of years, ruby has been considered a stone of love, energy, passion, power, and joy of life. Unlike any other gemstone in the world, ruby is the perfect symbol of strong feelings, making it an excellent choice for engagement or Valentine’s jewelry.On the occasion of the upcoming Valentine’s Day, we encourage you to gift your loved one a unique token of love – jewelry specially designed for him/her with a ruby – as a symbol of passion, ruby is the perfect romantic gift – or with other gemstones. Our custom-made gold jewelry is created with passion and love for craftsmanship, and we approach each project individually.