Ruby Education

Ruby

Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July. It is a rarest and possibly the most expensive of all precious gemstones, it's a gem quality corundum and is a 9 hardness on the Moh's scale, making it one of the second hardest gems known after diamonds. Rubies may be found in many shades of red, ranging from purplish red to pink red and to orange red. The finest and most highly sought after color is an intense saturated, pure red with no overtones of other shades, also called pigeon blood red with good clarity and translucence. After color, there are two factors that influence the value of rubies which are size and clarity. Calibrated sizes are available from millimeter up to 3 carats. Larger sizes with high clarity are extremely rare and incredibly valuable especially sizes above 4 carats. Most of the rubies are mined in Southeast Asia and Africa but the finest quality rubies are from Burma, currently known as Myanmar. Ruby is one of the loveliest gems, preferably set in an exquisite diamond setting.

Most semi-precious and some precious stones you see today, everywhere are received some sort of enhancements such as irradiating, heating, or treating. These measures are considered safe and are endorsed by the American and International Association of Jewelers.

Birth Stones:

Month Gemstones Color
January: Garnet