The
price of wisdom is above rubies, says Job in the Bible, implying that rubies
were highly prized in his time. Indeed, the respect and appreciation for
rubies has always transcended all geographical boundaries and social class.
The gold coronation ring of the
English kings contains a large, tablet-cut ruby on which the figure of St.
George's cross is engraved. Around the ruby are set 26 diamonds. Rubies are
generously represented in crowns and scepters in the royal jewels of many
nations.
Ruby has acquired special attributes
from its admirers over the centuries. It has been regarded as a symbol of
freedom, charity, dignity and divine power. The Burmese believed that gemstones
ripened like fruit. The redder the color, the riper the ruby. A flawed ruby
was considered over mature.
Large, gem quality rubies have
always been very rare. The huge gems described in medieval romances and oriental
literature were most likely exaggerated by the imaginations of ruby admirers
and creative authors or were actually garnets or spinels.
Ruby
and sapphire are the two varieties of the mineral corundum. Their exceptional
hardness is surpassed only by diamonds. Red corundum is called ruby, and all
other colors are called sapphire. The cut-off between ruby and pink sapphire
on one end and plum sapphire on the other has long been a subject of controversy.
Of course, gem dealers want the gem they're selling to be classified as a
ruby because the name alone increases its value.
A
few rubies have distinguished themselves because of their size or extraordinary
beauty and are being guarded for posterity The Louvre in Paris houses the
Anne of Brittany Ruby, a 105-carat polished but irregular gem. The 167-carat
Edwardes Ruby was donated to the British Museum of Natural History in 1887
by John Ruskin. This 167-carat gem was named in honor of Major-General Sir
Herbert Benjamin Edwardes (1819-68) who saved British rule in India during
the years of the Indian Mutiny. Two star rubies are displayed in American
museums. The Smithsonian displays the 137-carat Rosser Reeves Ruby, and The
American Museum of Natural History has the 100-carat Edith Haggin de Long
Ruby.
The
different geographical sources of ruby are known for characteristic colors and
qualities, although they all produce a variety of gem material. Burma is famous
for producing the greatest amount of top quality ruby-a fine, clear, deep red.
Thailand is known for dark red to brownish-red stones. Typical Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
rubies are medium light in tone. And Africa is known for small, sheet-like,
purplish-red material.
Burma is the most important source
of ruby today. Other producers are the island of Sri Lanka-(formerly Ceylon),
the countries of Thailand, Kampuchea (Cambodia), India and Australia, various
localities in Africa and our own state of North Carolina.
A
synthetic ruby is nearly identical to the natural gem in physical appearance,
chemical composition and optical properties and can easily be confused with
genuine ruby by unknowledgeable buyers. Only a trained geologist can tell the
difference by locating telltale inclusions in the stone.
Some
rubies display a luminous star when viewed in the right light. This is caused
by the orientation of intersecting needles within the stone. The light reflecting
off them forms a star. Stars may be seen on certain translucent stones that
have been cut in a dome shape.
Ruby's
dramatic color and regal heritage make it the choice of the most discriminating
jewelry lovers. Fine, large rubies may be worth more than diamonds of comparable
size. They make elegant rings and pendants. Smaller stones are also set in these
pieces as well as brooches, bracelets, and earrings. Small rubies are popular
for use in anniversary rings to wear alone or in the company, of diamonds. Rubies
are stunning against a backdrop of white, black, royal blue or emerald green.
Since
subtle differences in quality can make large differences in beauty (and price),
it is important to select your jewelry from a professional who can guide you
honestly and ethically in your purchase.
