Description

Ruby is a pink to blood red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide). Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called sapphires. The color Ruby ranges from bright red to dark reddish-brown. The color is due to the presence of the element chromium. The name Ruby comes from Ruber, Latin for red. The most preferred color is a deep blood red with a slightly bluish hue. This ruby is known as “Burmese Ruby” or “Pigeons’ Blood Ruby”. Ruby has been regarded as a symbol of freedom, charity, dignity, and divine power. It was once believed that gemstones ripened like fruit. The redder the color, the riper the ruby. A flawed ruby was considered over ripe. Some rubies display a “silky” shine, this is caused by very fine rutile inclusions. The light effect known as asterism found in star ruby is caused by this type of inclusion. Ruby is the July birthstone.

25mm x 27mm carved Ruby set in sterling silver. Microfacet necklace sold separately.