RUBY
Knowledge:
Ruby is the name given to red corundum gemstones. The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means red. Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July. Rubies are also symbols of 15th and 40Th wedding anniversaries.
Corundum’s are one of the best gemstones for jewelry wear due to its durability. Rubies are rated 9 on the Moh’s scale of hardness, meaning they are exceptionally durable (second to diamonds). Rubies can vary in colour from pinkish to purplish red to brownish red dependent on the chromium and iron content of the stone.
Geographical Occurrence:
The finest stones come from Myanmar (formerly Burma). Brownish red stones are mostly found in Thailand. Bright red stones are found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Vietnam. Stones from India, USA, Russia, Australia and Norway are found to be mostly very dark in colour and used in commercial jewelry production.
Synthetic:
The first synthetic ruby was manufactured in 1902 by Auguste Verneuil of France.
Treatments:
Treatments are often done on rubies to enhance their natural beauty; it is suspected that 95% of rubies undergo some form of treatment.
Heat treatments are done to improve the colour and/or clarity or rubies. This treatment is effective but can be reversable if later heated to very high temperatures such as soldering when sizing rings. Heat treatments are very common with rubies.
Lattice diffusion is a fairly common treatment done to rubies to create more of a red colouration in corundum’s by heating stones to a very high temperature with the presence of a colouring agent. This treatment can be removed by re-polishing or re-cutting.
Fracture filling is occasionally done with rubies to improve the clarity. A coloured oil or resin is injected into the inclusions to reduce their appearance. This treatment is not stable and can be easily removed with high heats and/or chemicals. Also, when oil is used, it often dries out with time.
Value:
The colour is the most significant factor that dictates the value of the stone. The most valuable rubies are deep, pure, vivid reds. If corundum stones have more pinkish or purplish tones, they are often categorized as sapphires which are also corundum stones. Rubies are the most valuable of the corundum varieties and command the highest price of any coloured gemstone. Inclusion free rubies are practically nonexistent, so value is also placed on how visible the inclusions are.
Usage:
Rubies are cut in various ways such as step cuts, brilliant cuts, cabochon and mixed cuts. Due to their chemical structure and crystallization process, they are mostly cut into ovals and cushion shapes. Because they are very durable stones, they are suited to be used in all forms of jewelry including rings.
Symbolism:
Medieval Europeans wore rubies to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom and success in love. People in India believe that rubies enable their owners to live in peace with their enemies. In Burma (now Myanmar) warriors wore rubies to make themselves invincible in battle. In modern day the colour red is associated with power and desire, such as fast cars and red roses.
Care:
The safest method to clean your rubies are with a mild soap and warm water, or a specific jewelry cleaning solution suited for rubies. It is wise to avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam machines if your rubies have any form of treatments.