Rubies are eye-catching gemstones that can be used for many different types of jewellery, and their colour is very appealing to many people. There are common questions that many jewellers are asked about rubies as it seems that many people do not know a lot about them.
Below are some of the common questions most jewellers get asked about rubies, along with their answers, so that you can educate yourself in these beautiful red-looking gemstones.
Where Do Rubies Come From?
Most of the rubies you find available to purchase will come from Asia, as most ruby deposits are found on this continent. Some of the places you will find natural rubies include:
- Myanmar (Formerly Burma)
- Thailand
- Sri Lanka
- Cambodia
- Afghanistan
- India
- Pakistan
- Nepal
However, around 90% of the rubies available to purchase openly on the jewellery market originate in Myanmar, and this former British colony is the ruby capital of the world. The rubies from Myanmar are highly sought after, and the natural ruby gemstone price can be significantly higher when the rubies come from this Asian country.
What Makes A Ruby Red?
When a ruby has a rich and deep red colour, it can be mesmerising to look at for the observer. The red colour in rubies comes from the chemical element chromium, and the more chromium, the deeper the colour of the gem.
What Makes A Ruby Valuable?
As with most gemstones, the 4 Cs help determine the value of a ruby, and they are the same principles that determine the value of diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. The 4 Cs are as follows:
- The Cut – the way and shape the gem is cut, such as, princess cut, cushion cut, brilliant cut, among others.
- The Clarity – the clarity of the gem also boosts its value and affects how it interacts with light.
- The Colour – the deeper and darker the colour of a ruby, the more valuable it is, so the colour is also an essential factor.
- The Carat Weight – the physical size of the ruby will also help determine its value, with the bigger rubies being worth more.
What Do Rubies Symbolise?
Almost all semi-precious and precious gemstones are said to symbolise something, and rubies are no different. If you were born in the month of July, the ruby is your birthstone, and they are also said to represent love and courage. Rubies are also the official gemstone to represent both 15 and 40 years of marriage.
Can You Wear Rubies Daily?
Another common question people ask is whether they can wear their ruby gemstone jewellery every day, and the answer is yes. Rubies are hard, and although not as hard as diamonds, they score a nine on the Mohs scale, so they are a durable gem.
Can You Get Rubies In Other Colours?
Rubies are a part of the corundum mineral group of gems, and sapphires are also in this group. However, rubies only come in a shade of red, and anything else other than red would make it a sapphire.
These are a few of the most popular questions people ask about rubies, but there are more besides. If you are interested in buying ruby jewellery, visit a local reputable jewellery store and see what they have available with these beautiful red gems.
