IS RUBY A GOOD GEMSTONE?

What is a ruby? Is it an excellent gemstone to buy? These are questions that people often ask, and the answer is yes, Ruby is a beautiful gemstone cherished by people long throughout history. It is considered a precious stone and has been used for jewelry for centuries- even dating back to 400 A.D.

Rubies are prized for their rich red color, which can vary in intensity depending on the source of the stone. They are also relatively rare, and they can be expensive. But if you’re looking for a beautiful and unique piece of jewelry, a ruby may be just what you’re looking for. Below we’ll answer some popular questions about July’s birthstone- the Ruby.

WHAT DOES A RUBY SYMBOLIZE?

The Ruby is a powerful stone used throughout history for protection and success. It is said to bring good fortune, and many cultures believe rubies can ward off bad luck. The gemstone is also associated with strength, passion, and courage- making it the perfect gift for a loved one who needs a little extra motivation or encouragement.

It was a popular stone for soldiers to wear into battle, as the ruby stone symbolized strength and protection from foes. Burmese soldiers often wore rubies on their left hand, believing it would give them supernatural strength. Some would even go as far as to implant a ruby gemstone underneath their skin to keep them safe from being wounded in battle.

Have you ever seen a historical crown with a dazzling Ruby stone or two? Rubies were often synonymous with wealth and prosperity, so it was only natural that the kings and queens of history loved to bedazzle themselves with this prized gemstone. A ruby’s value still holds to this day as they are one of the rarest and most expensive colored gemstones.

WHY IS RUBY THE JULY BIRTHSTONE?

The tradition of assigning a birthstone to each month dates back to the Bible, and Ruby was one of the first gemstones mentioned. It is also one of the few stones in the Bible- specifically in the book of Genesis. The word “ruby” comes from the Latin term “red.”

THE HARDNESS OF A RUBY

One of the hallmarks of a Ruby is its hardness of 9 on the Mohl’s Scale. This makes it one of the toughest natural gemstones, second only to the diamond. The Ruby is also unique in that it is one of the few stones that can retain its color and lustrousness when exposed to sunlight, making it a popular choice for signet rings, alternative engagement rings, and ruby jewelry for everyday wear.

THE VARIOUS COLORS OF A RUBY

Rubies are found in a variety of colors, from the traditional deep red hue to a pinkish-red, orange-red, or purplish-red. The presence of chromium determines the color of a ruby, and the stone gets its red hue when there is a relatively high concentration of this element.

The red fluorescence potential of Ruby was instrumental in creating the first functional laser in 1960. Natural and artificial Rubies are still utilized to make lasers, timepieces, medical equipment, and other goods.

40TH ANNIVERSARY STONE- THE RUBY

The Ruby is also the traditional gift for a 40th anniversary. So, if you’re looking for a special way to celebrate your 40 years together, consider giving your spouse or partner a ruby ring, ruby necklace, or ruby earrings.

WHY ARE RUBIES SO RARE?

One of the things that make rubies so unique is their rarity. Natural rubies are pretty rare, which contributes to their high value. Rubies are even rarer than diamonds. Most of the rubies on the market today come from Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.

HOW MUCH IS A RUBY WORTH?

The rarity of this gemstone is the reason for the high price of rubies. A Ruby’s value can range from a few hundred dollars per carat to several thousand, depending on the stone’s quality. Some consumers choose lab-grown rubies since they are more prevalent and often cut the cost of a ruby jewelry item.

HOW TO TELL IF A RUBY IS REAL

Because of their high value, rubies are often imitated with cheaper materials like red glass or even red plastic. It can be challenging to tell if a ruby is real or fake, but testing the hardness is a surefire way to know if the gemstone is genuinely a ruby. Your trusted jeweler can test your gem with a piece of equipment called a hardness tester. This test uses a conical diamond point to press into the stone. If the stone is a genuine ruby, there will be no visible mark left behind on the surface.

Another tool used is a refractometer. This device measures the amount of light bent when it passes through the stone. The more significant the difference in bending, the higher the refractive index; therefore, it is more likely that your Ruby is genuine.

The specific gravity test is another way to tell if your Ruby is the real deal. This test measures the weight of the stone compared to an equal volume of water. A natural ruby will be denser than water, while a fake ruby will be lighter.

If you suspect your Ruby may be fake, your best bet is to take it to your local family jewelry shop, who can test it onsite for you.

RUBY VS GARNET

Garnet is often confused with Ruby, but the two gemstones have some key differences. Rubies and garnets are both red, but rubies tend to be a deeper, richer red than garnets. Garnets also come in various colors, including orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, and pink.

RUBY VS SAPPHIRE

Sapphires and rubies are often confused because they are both red gemstones. Sapphires, however, come in many colors, not just red. The only way to tell a ruby apart from sapphire is by its color, as both gemstones test 9 on the hardness scale. Rubies are always a hue of red, while sapphires can be any color ranging from blues to pink.

DO RUBIES MAKE A GOOD GIFT?

Rubies make an excellent gift for several occasions. Because rubies are the traditional gift for a 40th anniversary, they are a great way to celebrate this milestone in your relationship. Rubies also make an excellent gift for a July birthday, as Ruby is this month’s birthstone.

No matter the occasion, Rubies are a crowd favorite and are often sought out by jewelry savants. Adding a ruby to your jewelry collection may be quite an investment, but it can also help the user radiate confidence and beauty. The show-stopping Ruby Stones garner many compliments and are often great ice breakers for conversations.

At Arnold Jewelers, we have a wide range of rubies. From ruby rings, ruby necklaces, to ruby bracelets, our ruby selection shines!