Rubies, the birthstone of July, are among the rarest and most prized gemstones in the world. Their vibrant red coloring especially in the finest varieties makes them worth every cent.
Rubies are formed under extreme heat and pressure deep beneath the earth’s surface. When compressed, oxygen and aluminum atoms bond to form corundum—a mineral best known for producing both rubies and sapphires. When chromium is present during this process, the resulting gemstone takes on the iconic red hue that defines the ruby.
Today, a wide variety of rubies are available, categorized by their origin and unique visual characteristics. Of all these, Burmese rubies remain the most desirable.
Types of Rubies
When shopping for rubies, customers typically consider five main factors: price, shape, color, size, and luster.
The most prized rubies have a strong red hue, vivid saturation, and medium tone. High-quality rubies will exhibit deep, glowing color without appearing too dark or too light.
Consider rubies for your next purchase they’re perfect gift for a July birthday. Let your next piece shine with the intensity, elegance, and enduring beauty this gemstone has to offer.
Author: Sienna Zuccaro
https://www.americangemsociety.org/the-beauty-of-ruby-fun-facts-revealed
International Colored Gemstone Association – Science of Stones: Ruby
https://www.gemstone.org/science-of-stones-ruby
Diamondrensu – Types of Rubies: Everything You Need to Know
https://diamondrensu.com/blogs/gemstones/types-of-rubies
Robinson’s Jewelers – What Makes Burmese Rubies So Special?
https://robinsonsjewelers.com/blogs/news/what-makes-burmese-rubies-so-special
Diamond Buzz – Lab-Created Rubies vs. Natural Rubies
https://diamondbuzz.blog/lab-created-rubies-vs-natural-rubies/
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) – Ruby Quality Factor
https://www.gia.edu/ruby-quality-factor
With Clarity – Ruby Grading Guide
https://www.withclarity.com/blogs/gemstone/ruby-grading
Major Trading – Understanding Ruby Sizes and Weights
https://www.majortrading.com/blogs/journal/understanding-ruby-sizes-and-weights
Rubies are formed under extreme heat and pressure deep beneath the earth’s surface. When compressed, oxygen and aluminum atoms bond to form corundum—a mineral best known for producing both rubies and sapphires. When chromium is present during this process, the resulting gemstone takes on the iconic red hue that defines the ruby.
Today, a wide variety of rubies are available, categorized by their origin and unique visual characteristics. Of all these, Burmese rubies remain the most desirable.
Types of Rubies
Burmese Rubies
Originating from Myanmar (formerly Burma), Burmese rubies are famous for their exceptional red color and superior clarity. Their defining characteristic is the pigeon blood hue, which features a rich, vivid red with a subtle blue undertone. The combination of color, hue, saturation, and clarity makes these rubies the most valuable on the market.African Rubies
African rubies include those mined in Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya, and Madagascar. While each origin produces slightly different characteristics, African rubies are generally known for their diverse shapes, strong transparency, and visual appeal. They come in a variety of tones and clarities making them unique and appealing to collectors. Though they may not exhibit the exact pigeon blood hue found in Burmese rubies, they often showcase a striking beauty all their own.Thai Rubies
Mined in Thailand (historically known as Siam), Thai rubies are known for their deep red color and high saturation, which results from a naturally high iron content. While their hue tends to be less vibrant than Burmese and African rubies, consumers value Thai rubies for their depth of color and exceptional durability.Star Rubies
Star rubies are rare and visually captivating due to a natural optical effect called asterism, which creates a six-rayed star pattern on the surface of the stone when viewed under light. This phenomenon is caused by needle-like inclusions within the ruby that reflect light in a unique way. Found in Myanmar, Africa, and Sri Lanka, star rubies are highly sought after by collectors and gem enthusiasts.Synthetic Rubies
Synthetic rubies are lab-created versions of natural rubies. Developed to offer a more affordable alternative, they closely resemble natural rubies in both appearance and composition. With their impressive color and clarity, synthetic rubies are an excellent option for those who want the look and feel of a ruby without the high price tag.
Customer Preferences
When shopping for rubies, customers typically consider five main factors: price, shape, color, size, and luster.Price
At Lennon’s, ruby jewelry ranges from $50+, depending on the type, size, and number of rubies used. This wide range ensures that every customer can find ruby jewelry that suits both their style and budget.Color
Ruby color is defined by three elements:- Hue – the dominant color (usually red, with orange or purple undertones).
- Saturation – the intensity or vibrancy of the color.
- Tone – how light or dark the ruby appears.
The most prized rubies have a strong red hue, vivid saturation, and medium tone. High-quality rubies will exhibit deep, glowing color without appearing too dark or too light.
Size
There’s no “ideal” ruby size—it’s all about balance and preference. Some prefer a larger ruby with slightly lower clarity, while others choose smaller, high-quality stones with excellent color and luster. At Lennon’s, we offer options to match both approaches.Luster
Luster refers to how light reflects off the surface of the gemstone. High-quality rubies offer a brilliant, glassy luster that enhances their overall beauty. The rarest and most valuable rubies will have the brightest luster and the most captivating sparkle.Consider rubies for your next purchase they’re perfect gift for a July birthday. Let your next piece shine with the intensity, elegance, and enduring beauty this gemstone has to offer.
Author: Sienna Zuccaro
Sources:
American Gem Society – The Beauty of Ruby: Fun Facts Revealedhttps://www.americangemsociety.org/the-beauty-of-ruby-fun-facts-revealed
International Colored Gemstone Association – Science of Stones: Ruby
https://www.gemstone.org/science-of-stones-ruby
Diamondrensu – Types of Rubies: Everything You Need to Know
https://diamondrensu.com/blogs/gemstones/types-of-rubies
Robinson’s Jewelers – What Makes Burmese Rubies So Special?
https://robinsonsjewelers.com/blogs/news/what-makes-burmese-rubies-so-special
Diamond Buzz – Lab-Created Rubies vs. Natural Rubies
https://diamondbuzz.blog/lab-created-rubies-vs-natural-rubies/
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) – Ruby Quality Factor
https://www.gia.edu/ruby-quality-factor
With Clarity – Ruby Grading Guide
https://www.withclarity.com/blogs/gemstone/ruby-grading
Major Trading – Understanding Ruby Sizes and Weights
https://www.majortrading.com/blogs/journal/understanding-ruby-sizes-and-weights