Ruby, often called the "king of precious stones," fascinates with its vivid color and rarity. Its intense red hue, often associated with passion and power, makes it a highly prized stone in fine jewelry. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about this precious stone, from its shades of color to its price and its unique properties. You will also discover its fascinating history, its main characteristics and tips on caring for it.
Name, Origin and History
The name ruby
The word "ruby" comes from the Latin "rubeus," meaning "red." The name highlights the characteristic color of this precious stone.
Geographic origin
The oldest and most renowned ruby deposits are in Burma, in the Mogok region. Other important sources include Mozambique, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
A stone through the ages
Used for thousands of years, ruby was prized by kings and nobles for its protective virtues and its brilliance. In India, it was considered the "king of precious stones" and was often used in royal jewelry.
The Color of Ruby: A Unique Hue
What defines the color of a ruby?
The color of ruby comes mainly from chromium oxide in corundum, the mineral it is made of. The stone is known for its red hues, ranging from pink to deep red. Pigeon's blood red, considered the rarest and most sought-after color, is especially prized by lovers of precious stones.
The different shades of red in rubies
- Bright red ruby: A symbol of purity and rarity.
- Pink ruby: Softer and more romantic.
- Garnet ruby: Darker, with a hue close to brown.
- Violet ruby: A rare variation blending red with violet tones.
How does color affect a ruby's value?
The depth and evenness of the color play a crucial role in evaluating a ruby. The more vivid and uniform the color, the higher the price of the ruby. Pigeon's blood rubies, for example, can reach exorbitant prices.
Characteristics
Chemical composition
Ruby is a variety of corundum, composed mainly of aluminum oxide with traces of chromium that give it its red color.
Hardness
Rated 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is extremely durable and perfectly suited to jewelry meant for everyday wear.
Clarity and inclusions
Rubies often contain natural inclusions called "silk." When well placed, these inclusions can even increase the value of the stone.
Varieties
Pigeon's blood ruby
This is the most sought-after variety, characterized by a vivid red color with a slight bluish tint.
Star ruby
These rubies display an asterism effect, creating a star visible on the surface of the stone.
Pink ruby
A lighter variation of ruby, ideal for modern, romantic jewelry.
The Price of Rubies: Influencing Factors
How much does a ruby cost?
The price of a ruby varies according to several factors, including its color, clarity, carat weight and origin.
- Average price per carat: Standard-quality rubies cost between 100 and 15,000 euros per carat.
- Pigeon's blood rubies: These gems can reach up to 1 million euros per carat.
Origin and price
Some of the most prized rubies come from Burma, but deposits also exist in Sri Lanka, Mozambique and Thailand. Burmese rubies, particularly those from Mogok, are considered the finest in the world.
Natural ruby vs. lab-grown ruby
Natural rubies, mined from the earth, are generally more expensive than lab-grown rubies, which are created in a laboratory. Lab-grown rubies offer an ethical, eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing quality or beauty.
The Properties of Ruby
Symbolism and virtues of ruby
Ruby is associated with positive energy. It symbolizes passion, courage and prosperity. In some cultures, it is considered a stone that protects against negative energy.
Hardness and durability
Ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the most durable precious stones. This makes it an ideal choice for everyday jewelry such as rings or bracelets.
Ruby in history
For centuries, ruby was a stone reserved for kings and queens. It was often used to adorn crowns, scepters and other royal jewels.
Treatments and Care
Common treatments
Most rubies on the market undergo treatments to improve their color or clarity. These treatments include heating and, in some cases, fracture filling.
Care tips
- Clean your rubies with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and knocks.
- Store your ruby jewelry in a separate pouch to avoid scratches.
Ethical Alternatives: Laveran Paris Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
At Laveran Paris, we offer ethical lab-grown diamond jewelry. These stones are created with respect for the environment while offering incomparable quality and brilliance. Although we do not offer rubies, our collections include diamond jewelry with an elegant, modern aesthetic, perfect for lovers of precious stones.
DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS DIAMOND WEDDING BANDS DIAMOND EARRINGS DIAMOND BRACELETS
Conclusion
Ruby, with its vivid color and rich symbolism, remains a fascinating and sought-after precious stone. If you are looking for ethical alternatives, explore our lab-grown diamond jewelry collections at Laveran Paris. Each piece reflects our commitment to ethics and sustainability.
Elevate your style with jewelry that respects your ethical values. Visit Laveran Paris today!
