Rubies

Rubies are one of two varieties of the mineral corundum, the other variety being sapphires. The ruby is July’s birthstone and ranges in color from pink to “pigeon blood red,” which is the most valuable.

Like sapphires, rubies are the second-hardest natural mineral in the world, coming in behind diamonds. All natural rubies contain imperfections, such as rutile needle inclusions (called “silk”), and color impurities. Jewelers and gemologists can use the silk to determine whether a ruby is genuine or synthetic. Most rubies available today have been heat-treated to offset naturally-occurring cracks and other inclusions caused by chrome during the rubies’ formative years within the Earth’s core. Yet if chrome had not been present, rubies would not have received their beautiful color.

Rubies with silk that shows a three- or six-point asterism can be cabochon cut to provide a star-shaped effect. When this effect is present, the silk actually increases the value of the stone. Star rubies are extremely rare and should be transparent.

Buying Your Ruby

Natural stones rarely contain pure hues, so primary, secondary, and occasionally tertiary hues are referred to in connection with colored gemstones. “Pigeon blood red” (also described as “a vivid medium-dark toned red”) should be the primary hue of the ruby. Typical secondary hues include pink, orange, and purple. Of these three, purple is preferable because it reinforces the red, giving it a richer appearance, and it occurs halfway between red and blue on the color wheel. If this type of ruby is set in yellow gold, the yellow will neutralize the blue in the stone, causing the ruby to appear pure red.

While garnets and red spinels can greatly resemble the ruby, a genuine ruby is much harder than these substitutes. In fact, many famous stones previously thought to be rubies have later been discovered to be garnets or spinels. When you purchase a genuine ruby, it is important to get a certificate, especially if it is expensive. And if you purchase your gem over the Internet, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable jeweler.

Because of their vibrant color, rubies have long been associated with passion and love, and they are a popular Valentine’s Day gift. Whether you prefer a pendant, earrings, or a ring, Jeweler.com can help you choose a ruby you’ll be proud to own.