Ruby ... The Gem Of Power, Love, Passion And Desire!

The Mogok Valley in the Upper Myanmar (formerly called Burma) has been the main source of high-quality rubies for centuries. Some historical and most valuable stones were mined in this region. These rubies display a richer and more appealing red color than rubies found elsewhere. The most desirable ruby shade is called Pigeon Blood and Pigeon Blood Rubies are often Burmese Rubies. The most famous 23.1-carat Burmese Ruby, set in a platinum ring with diamonds, is housed in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. It is one of the world’s largest and finest rubies, featuring vivid red color as well as unparalled clarity. Like Argyle Diamonds and Colombian Emeralds ruby’s origin has a huge effect on the item’s marketing although the name alone does not always guarantee top quality. 

Even though Burma has long been considered to be one of the biggest repositories of the best quality rubies, concentrated mines are also found in Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, India, Afghanistan, Japan, Pakistan), Australia, Namibia, Colombia, Scotland and Brazil, with large deposits discovered recently under the ice shelf of Greenland.

Unlike diamonds, inclusion-free rubies are extremely rare and their value depends greatly on how visible those inclusions are. Placed directly under the gem’s table, they might significantly reduce transparency, impacting the brightness and, as a result, its final value. What’s more, inclusions can also negatively impact the stone’s durability. Characteristic features of ruby ​​clarity include the inclusion of fine minerals called needles. When the included mineral is rutile and the needles form an intersecting group, the inclusion is called silk.

Sometimes inclusions can actually enhance the appearance of a ruby. The presence of rutile silk causes light to spread to all sides of the stone, which may otherwise be too dark. This adds softness to the color distributing it evenly. If the stone is cut with a curved surface in the so-called cabochon style, the intersecting needles may cause a “star effect” (also known as  asterism). Such magnificent rubies display a sharp six-rayed star, which seems to glide magically across the surface of the gem when the latter is moved. Star rubies often fetch much higher prices than their faceted counterparts.

Ruby can be cut into various shapes but because they are so rare and expensive, cutters usually tend to go for ovals or cushions which retain maximum from the rough. Round rubies are also popular, but for the reason described above they are usually more expensive than ovals and cushions. When it comes to cut, the brilliant, mixed and cabochon are the most popular.

Elizabeth Taylor was one of the most beautiful actresses of the 20th century. She also adored jewelry. Among the many pieces in her spectacular collection was a magnificent Cartier set of rubies and diamonds. It was given to her by her husband Mike Todd when she was pregnant with their daughter Liza. What follows is her own recollection of one happy moment in her life:

‘When Mike gave me the rubies I was pregnant with Liza.  We had rented a villa... about three months into our marriage.  The most beautiful house you’ve ever seen... I was in the pool, swimming laps at our home, and Mike came outside to keep me company.  I got out of the pool and put my arms around him, and he said ‘’Wait a minute, don’t joggle your tiara’’.  Because I was wearing my tiara in the pool! He was holding a red leather box and inside was a ruby necklace, which glittered in the warm light.  It was like the sun, lit up and made of red fire.  First, Mike put it round my neck and smiled.  Then he bent down and put matching earrings on me.  Next came the bracelet.  Since there was no mirror I had to look in the water.  The jewelry was so glorious, rippling red and blue like a painting.  I just shrieked with joy... It was a perfect Summer day and a perfect day of love.