What makes rubies red?
Rubies are red due to the presence of chromium in the mineral corundum.
How can you tell if a ruby is real?
Real rubies have unique inclusions and a vibrant red glow under light. A professional jeweler's loupe can help spot these features.
Who owns the biggest ruby in the world?
The Liberty Bell Ruby, the largest mined ruby, was stolen in a heist in 2011 and it has never been recovered.
Do rubies have any special powers?
Traditionally, rubies are believed to bring love, energy, passion, and power to their wearers.
What’s the best way to clean ruby jewelry?
Clean ruby jewelry with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh chemicals.
What settings make rubies look their best?
Rubies look stunning in both simple and elaborate settings; yellow and rose gold settings particularly highlight their red color.
Are rubies more expensive than diamonds?
High-quality rubies can be more expensive per carat than diamonds due to their rarity.
Can rubies easily get scratched?
Rubies are quite hard (9 on the Mohs scale), second only to diamonds, making them resistant to scratches.
Where do the best rubies come from?
The most prized rubies typically come from Myanmar (formerly Burma), known for their vibrant ,pigeon's blood, red color.
How does a ruby’s color affect its value?
The more intense and vivid the red, the more valuable the ruby.
Why do some rubies appear cloudy?
Cloudiness in rubies can be due to high levels of inclusions or poor cutting techniques.
How are rubies typically treated?
Rubies are often heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity.
What’s the most famous ruby of all time?
The Sunrise Ruby is the most famous, known for its size and the record price of $30 million dollars USD it fetched at auction.
Can wearing rubies bring you good luck?
Many cultures believe that rubies can bring good fortune and prosperity.
How are rubies graded?
Rubies are graded based on their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, with color being the most important factor.
What's a great occasion to gift a ruby?
Rubies make perfect gifts for 40th wedding anniversaries and for anyone born in July, as it's their birthstone.
What to look for when buying a ruby?
Focus on the color, clarity, cut, and carat size. Also, inquire about any treatments the ruby may have undergone.
Why are some rubies super dark?
Some rubies can appear dark if they have excessive inclusions or if the color saturation is too high, which can reduce their transparency and brilliance.
Do rubies hold any historical significance?
Historically, rubies have been revered as symbols of wealth and power, often worn by royalty and high-ranking officials.
What myths are associated with rubies?
Rubies are often associated with life force and vitality due to their blood-red color. They're believed to protect warriors in battle.
How does the cut of a ruby affect its value?
A well-cut ruby maximizes the stone's color and luster, making it appear more vibrant and thus more valuable.
What metals look best with rubies?
Rubies are versatile and look stunning set in white, yellow, and rose gold, as well as platinum.
How are rubies used in modern jewelry?
Rubies are popular in everything from vintage designs to modern, minimalistic pieces, often paired with diamonds.
What’s the difference between Burmese and African rubies?
Burmese rubies are typically more valued due to their rich, deep red color, while African rubies can vary more in color and usually have more inclusions.
Is it okay to wear ruby jewelry every day?
Yes, rubies are durable enough for daily wear, but it's best to take them off during heavy physical activity to avoid damage.
How should I store my ruby jewelry?
Keep your ruby jewelry in a separate compartment in your jewelry box or in a soft pouch to prevent scratches.
Why do rubies have inclusions?
Inclusions are natural characteristics of rubies, often referred to as ,silk,, which can indicate the gemstone's authenticity.
Which celebrities are known for wearing rubies?
Celebrities like Jessica Chastain and Rihanna have been spotted wearing stunning ruby jewelry at red carpet events.
Are there different shades of red in rubies?
Yes, rubies can range from pinkish-red to deep crimson, with the most valuable being a vivid pigeon's blood red.
How does light affect a ruby’s color?
Light can enhance a ruby's color, making it appear brighter and more vivid, especially under sunlight.
What is the rarest type of ruby?
The rarest type of ruby is the ,pigeon's blood, colored ruby, known for its deep red color with a slight bluish hue.
Can rubies be reshaped or recut?
Yes, rubies can be reshaped or recut to improve their appearance or to fit different jewelry settings, but this should be done by a skilled gem cutter.
How much does a good ruby cost?
The cost of a good ruby can vary greatly depending on its color, clarity, size, and origin, with top-quality stones fetching significantly high prices.
How do rubies compare to other red gemstones?
Rubies are generally more valuable than other red gemstones like garnets due to their hardness, vibrant color, and rarity.
Can rubies be artificially enhanced?
Yes, rubies can be treated with heat to improve color and clarity, and some are filled with lead glass to fix fractures.
How do inclusions affect a ruby's value?
While minor inclusions are common and can authenticate a stone as natural, excessive inclusions can lower a ruby's value by affecting its clarity and brilliance.
What are the latest trends in ruby jewelry?
Contemporary designs that mix rubies with other gemstones, minimalist settings, and rubies in unconventional colors like pinkish-red are trending.
Do rubies fade over time?
Rubies are stable and do not fade with time, making them excellent for heirloom jewelry.
What are star rubies?
Star rubies exhibit a phenomenon known as asterism, which is a six-pointed star pattern that appears on the surface when light is shone on them.
Which zodiac signs are associated with rubies?
Rubies are associated with Capricorn, and they are also the traditional birthstone for those born in July.
Are rubies considered a good investment?
High-quality rubies have held their value well and can be a good investment, especially rarer stones like untreated pigeon's blood rubies.
How are rubies mined?
Rubies are mined using methods such as open pit mining, tunnel mining, and, occasionally, river panning.
Is there an etiquette for wearing rubies?
No specific etiquette—rubies can be worn on any occasion, adding a touch of luxury and color to any outfit.
Can rubies be part of an engagement ring?
Absolutely! A ruby engagement ring is a vibrant and distinctive choice, symbolizing passion and love.
How has the popularity of rubies changed over time?
Rubies have always been highly valued for their beauty and rarity. Their popularity continues to grow as they are celebrated both in traditional and modern jewelry settings.
What is the first step in purchasing a quality ruby gemstone?
Begin by researching the characteristics of high-quality rubies, such as color intensity and clarity, and learn about reputable gemstone dealers.
What certifications should I look for when buying a ruby?
Look for certifications from reputable organizations like ICA GemLab (International Colored Gemstone Association Laboratory) or AIG (American International GemLab) which confirm the gemstone’s authenticity and any treatments.
How can I tell the difference between a natural and a synthetic ruby?
Natural rubies have natural inclusions and a more varied color distribution, while synthetic ones often appear too perfect and have uniform coloration.
What are the key factors that determine the price of a ruby?
Color, clarity, cut, and carat weight are the primary factors, with color being the most significant determinant.
How do treatments affect the value of a ruby?
Treated rubies are generally less valuable than untreated ones. Common treatments include heat treatment to improve color and clarity.
