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A talisman of passion, protection, courage and prosperity.
The fiery birthstone for July and chosen gem for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
Ruby Red
Few gems, if any, rival to the Ruby. Its burning red color, regal essence and historic past seems an undeniable expression of our most intense emotions - love and passion.
Being discovered more than 2,000 years ago, rubies were once believed to hold the power of life itself and treasured for its likeness to the blood flowing through our veins. The beliefs from early cultures around the Ruby's metaphysical properties spans from protection and courage, power and peace, to happiness and love, and still coveted for the same today.
Isn't Ruby in the (Sapphire) Corundum Family?
It is! A ruby’s chemical properties are identical to sapphires except in its color. The red color comes from the presence of chromium, the element that also causes its red fluorescence. This fluorescence is like looking into a glowing fire from within. It can be seen under direct ultraviolet lights - even the UV light in sunlight.
The finest color is a deep red with a hint of purple, called “pigeon’s blood”, so the more chromium the more red we see.
And just like a Sapphire, Ruby measures a 9 on the Mohs scale just behind the diamond. A tough and durable gemstone for any type of jewelry and to be worn daily.
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The Ruby Ring
Alchemy Jeweler + Anza Gems + Temple St Clair Collaboration
This one of a kind Ruby ring holds a beautiful story supporting East African mining communities, an amazing jewelry designer and our expert jeweler here at Alchemy.
At center stage of this ring is an unheated 1.17ct brilliant, rose cut Ruby from Anza Gems that we set into a spectacular pave bezel design by Temple St Clair. The dazzling diamonds is the perfect way to honor such a special Ruby. If you'd like to learn more about this ring, get in touch with us!
Where are Rubies found?
A search for a Ruby would land you in the western portion of Southeast Asia, specifically in the country called Myanmar, formerly known as Burma -- hence the name Burmese Ruby.
For over five centuries, the Mogok area in Myanmar has produced some of the most sought-after rubies – vibrant reds softened by light-scattering inclusions and a glowing red fluorescence.
Vietnam and Mozambique are other vital sources. The Luc Yen region in northern Vietnam produces rubies of red to purplish-red color. In Mozambique, the rubies found have been compared to the famed gems of Mogok.
Smaller sources: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar.
✨ The Star Ruby : Let Your Light Shine
Star Rubies are one of the rarest types of ruby and nothing short of pure magic. This is a custom ring we made for a very special lady and doesn't it look beautiful on her finger! When the light hits at just the right angle we see its six rayed star shine across its surface. These rays are created by tiny needle-like inclusions that are polished and give the gem a silky sheen allowing it to shimmer as it moves in the light.
photo: GemRock Auctions, 2015
Where is the Most Expensive Ruby in the World?
The most expensive ruby (and colored gemstone) ever sold was the Sunrise Ruby, a Burmese ruby from the private collection of Cartier weighing an extraordinary 25.59 carats. Its exceptional size, proportionate cut, and vivid color - poetically referred to as pigeon blood red, makes it extremely rare and deemed a true treasure of nature.
When it was put up for auction in Geneva, Switzerland by Sotheby's, on May 12th, 2015 an anonymous bidder scooped it up for a record breaking $30.42 million. But where is it now? No one knows and no one is telling - making it the most mysterious and expensive jewel in the world!
🧼 Caring For Your Ruby
Cleaning your Ruby with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush is always safe for a little sprucing up. Many rubies may be fracture-filled, cavity- filled, heat treated, or have dyed material. These can be tricky to identify without a trained eye and a trusty microscope so we recommend visiting our studio for a deep cleaning and to check in on its condition.
Fun Fact
The first laser was created in 1960 using the red fluorescence light emitted by ruby.
Custom is our expertise and we would love to begin the design process with you whether that be with a ruby or something completely different! We work entirely from scratch or with heirloom gems and jewelry to recreate and bring new life to your meaningful pieces. Contact info@alchemyjeweler.com or call/text us (503)-227-8373 to inquire about your custom design.