Ruby

Published: June 20, 2007

Types: The hardest gemstone after diamond, ruby belongs to the corundum species and is identified by its red color. It's available in shades of orangey, brownish, or purplish red; the most highly prized color is "pigeon's blood" (deep red with a hint of blue). Ruby may resemble gemstones such as garnet, rubellite, or spinel but differs structurally.

History: Set in crowns and royal insignia, ruby was prized by kings and emperors. Ancients believed its color derived from inner fire. Associated with passion, love, courage, and power, ruby is the traditional birthstone for July and for fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.

Origins: Sources include Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya, and Tanzania. Top-quality stones, regardless of origin, are still referred to as Burmese rubies.

Treatments: To deepen color and improve clarity, heating is the most common treatment. Occasionally, fissures are filled with a by-product of the heating process.

Availability: Natural rubies may start around $200 per carat. Cabochons, unfaceted stones, and beads usually cost less but may have inclusions and may be pink rather than pure red.

Care: Ruby can handle steam or ultrasonic cleaning. Clean with warm, soapy water when stones have inclusions or when the jewelry is fragile.

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