The Ruby
The Red Stone From Burma
Ruby is one of the most precious gems. Often small in size, stones over 4 carats are very expensive.
It belongs to the corundum family (same as sapphires). Its red color is due to the presence of chromium. Known since Antiquity, it has long been used to treat all kind of pains. It was thought to have these virtues because of its blood-like color.
Chaumet necklace, Dior ring
It has been confused with spinel or garnet, which can be found in the same mines.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, the ruby can be set in a ring, bracelet, necklace or earrings.
Camélia necklace and bracelet, Rubies, Diamonds and Gold, Chanel
Like emeralds, rubies are generally included stones. These are not flaws, however the purer a stone, the more valuable it will be.
Color is the most important criterion when appraising a ruby. Quite dark and deep reds are highly sought after, unlike light or milky colors.
Ruby Ring, Diamonds, Or Gris
The first synthesis (stone created entirely in a laboratory) of a ruby was created in 1902 by August Verneuil. As with sapphires, this fusion method is recognizable by curved growth zones. These zones exist in natural stone, but they are straight.
These synthetic stones are widely used in watchmaking.
Watch mecanism
DEPOSITS
For centuries, rubies came from Burma. The most beautiful, called “pigeon blood” were extracted mines in the Mogok valley. Of magmatic or metamorphic origin, we also find rubies in Thailand, Mozambique, Tanzania or Kenya.
Today, African rubies, particularly those from Mozambique and Tanzania, are in vogue, as their prices are more attractive and they represent a good investment.
To find out more, see our article "Burmese or African rubies".
Mogok Valley
Ruby is july's birthstone. In France, a ruby wedding is attained at 35 years of marriage.
If you are interested in rubies, don’t hesitate to discover what les Pierres de Julie have to offer in the store…
We are also available for any free expertise of your ruby jewelry, for that you can send an email with your photos to contact@lespierresdejulie.com.
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