Ruby is derived from the Latin word “rubber,” meaning “red” – the color of passion. Rubies have been esteemed since ancient times and are mentioned in the Bible as one of the gems used to represent one of the 12 tribes of Israel, during Exodus. Kings and Queens have long enjoyed this rare gem, and rubies are amply represented in royal regalia. Rubies remain one of the most popular gems in history.

Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July, but those born in other months also take pleasure from its beauty.

Ruby Facts:

• Ruby belongs to the mineral species corundum and is related to sapphire.
• Ruby sources include Afghanistan, Cambodia, Greenland, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Vietnam. Burma (Myanmar) is known to produce some of the world’s finest quality rubies.
• Ruby is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
• Rubies are cut in round, pear, oval, cushion and emerald shapes. Rubies may also be carved or cut as cabochons or beads.

Ruby Treatment:

• Rubies are sometimes heat treated to increase their transparency and clarity. A more recent type of treatment uses leaded glass to fill pits and cracks in the stones. Oil and dyes may also be used, but these treatments are not considered durable. Information about any stone known to be treated should be disclosed to the buyer.

Synthetic Ruby:

• Ruby can be man-made, meaning it is manufactured in a lab rather than mined, and this should be understood by the seller and clearly disclosed to the buyer.

Ruby Care and Cleaning:

• To minimize scratching and wear, store each piece of fine jewelry separately in a soft cloth or padded container.
• Ruby jewelry is best cleaned with warm, sudsy water and a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth.
• Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on fractured or filled gemstones.
• Take all your fine jewelry to a professional jeweler at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.