Ruby, the July birthstone, is a mysterious gemstone that has been prized by cultures around the world for centuries. Its deep red color and sparkling clarity have made it a favorite among jewelers and collectors alike. But what is it about rubies that makes them so special? In this blog post, we'll explore the mysteries and allure of this fascinating gemstone.
First, let's start with the basics. Rubies are a type of corundum, which is a mineral that also forms sapphires. What makes rubies unique is their deep red color, which is caused by the presence of the element chromium. The most valuable rubies have a pure, vivid red color, often referred to as "pigeon's blood" red.
But it's not just the color that makes rubies special. Throughout history, rubies have been associated with mystery and magic. In ancient India, rubies were believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits and were often worn by royalty. In medieval Europe, rubies were associated with love and passion and were believed to enhance the wearer's beauty and charisma.
Today, rubies continue to hold a special place in the world of jewelry. They are often used in high-end pieces, including engagement rings and other fine jewelry. But their mystical qualities have not been forgotten. Some people believe that wearing a ruby can bring good luck and prosperity, while others believe that rubies have healing properties and can promote vitality and longevity.
Rubies are also shrouded in mystery when it comes to their origins. The most valuable rubies are mined in Myanmar (formerly Burma), but they can also be found in other countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. However, the exact location of many famous rubies is unknown, adding to their mystique and allure.
Another mysterious aspect of rubies is their durability. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are second only to diamonds in hardness. This means that they are extremely resistant to scratches and wear, making them ideal for use in jewelry that will be worn for generations.
Rubies have been treasured throughout history, and many famous rubies have been discovered over the years. Here are just a few examples:
1. The Sunrise Ruby: This stunning ruby is a 25.59-carat stone that was mined in Myanmar. It was sold at auction in 2015 for a record-breaking $30 million, making it the most expensive ruby ever sold at auction.
2. The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby: This famous ruby is a 138.7-carat stone that was discovered in Sri Lanka in the 1950s. It is named after its former owner, Rosser Reeves, who was an advertising executive and collector of rare gems.
3. The DeLong Star Ruby: This ruby is a 100.32-carat stone that was discovered in Myanmar in the early 1900s. It is named after its former owner, Edith Haggin DeLong, who donated it to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
4. The Black Prince's Ruby: This famous ruby is actually not a ruby at all, but a spinel. It is a 170-carat stone that is set in the Imperial State Crown of England. According to legend, it was worn by Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
5. The Liberty Bell Ruby: This ruby is a 8.5-carat stone that was discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s. It is named after its former owner, the philanthropist and gem collector Alan Caplan, who donated it to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The Liberty Bell was stolen November 1st 2011 and while there was an arrest made in 2014 it is unlikely the famous Ruby will ever be recovered.
Rubies are a mysterious and fascinating gemstone that have captured the imaginations of people for centuries. Whether you believe in their mystical properties or simply appreciate their beauty, there's no denying that rubies are truly special. So the next time you see a ruby, take a moment to appreciate the mystery and allure that surrounds this incredible gemstone.
First, let's start with the basics. Rubies are a type of corundum, which is a mineral that also forms sapphires. What makes rubies unique is their deep red color, which is caused by the presence of the element chromium. The most valuable rubies have a pure, vivid red color, often referred to as "pigeon's blood" red.
But it's not just the color that makes rubies special. Throughout history, rubies have been associated with mystery and magic. In ancient India, rubies were believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits and were often worn by royalty. In medieval Europe, rubies were associated with love and passion and were believed to enhance the wearer's beauty and charisma.
Today, rubies continue to hold a special place in the world of jewelry. They are often used in high-end pieces, including engagement rings and other fine jewelry. But their mystical qualities have not been forgotten. Some people believe that wearing a ruby can bring good luck and prosperity, while others believe that rubies have healing properties and can promote vitality and longevity.
Rubies are also shrouded in mystery when it comes to their origins. The most valuable rubies are mined in Myanmar (formerly Burma), but they can also be found in other countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. However, the exact location of many famous rubies is unknown, adding to their mystique and allure.
Another mysterious aspect of rubies is their durability. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are second only to diamonds in hardness. This means that they are extremely resistant to scratches and wear, making them ideal for use in jewelry that will be worn for generations.
Rubies have been treasured throughout history, and many famous rubies have been discovered over the years. Here are just a few examples:
1. The Sunrise Ruby: This stunning ruby is a 25.59-carat stone that was mined in Myanmar. It was sold at auction in 2015 for a record-breaking $30 million, making it the most expensive ruby ever sold at auction.
2. The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby: This famous ruby is a 138.7-carat stone that was discovered in Sri Lanka in the 1950s. It is named after its former owner, Rosser Reeves, who was an advertising executive and collector of rare gems.
3. The DeLong Star Ruby: This ruby is a 100.32-carat stone that was discovered in Myanmar in the early 1900s. It is named after its former owner, Edith Haggin DeLong, who donated it to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
4. The Black Prince's Ruby: This famous ruby is actually not a ruby at all, but a spinel. It is a 170-carat stone that is set in the Imperial State Crown of England. According to legend, it was worn by Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
5. The Liberty Bell Ruby: This ruby is a 8.5-carat stone that was discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s. It is named after its former owner, the philanthropist and gem collector Alan Caplan, who donated it to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The Liberty Bell was stolen November 1st 2011 and while there was an arrest made in 2014 it is unlikely the famous Ruby will ever be recovered.
Rubies are a mysterious and fascinating gemstone that have captured the imaginations of people for centuries. Whether you believe in their mystical properties or simply appreciate their beauty, there's no denying that rubies are truly special. So the next time you see a ruby, take a moment to appreciate the mystery and allure that surrounds this incredible gemstone.