How are Rubies Used in Jewelry?

Ruby is a unique, valuable gemstone.

A ruby is a brilliant red gemstone that is the birthstone for July. A ruby may exceed all other gems in value, other than the colored "fancy" diamond, depending upon color and size. Rubies are commonly found in jewelry and are also known as a red corundum.

Properties of a Ruby

Not all rubies are created equal.

Rubies are in the same family of gems as the sapphire. While sapphires are found in many different colors, rubies are only found in red. However, there are many shades of ruby which vary in value.

A ruby is a nine on the Moh's scale of hardness, meaning that they are tough stones which are not easily cracked or chipped. Rubies are 3.9 to 4.1 on the SG scale which refers to specific gravity, and are 1.76 to 1.77 on the refractive index. This means they are durable, attractive stones which are preferred for their shine and transparency.

There are several cuts of the ruby, but brilliant and step cut are the most popular cuts for jewelry.

Historic Significance of the Ruby

Rubies mean health and happiness in history.

Rubies have had a historic significance. In some cultures, rubies were placed on the foundations of construction projects for good luck and good fortune.

Some believe rubies possess healing powers for the heart, due to the red color of the stone. It is believed that rubies enhance passion in relationships and can heal a broken heart. Additionally, rubies were carried by soldiers in war to protect them and bring them back to their loved ones safely.

Synthetic Rubies

Synthetic rubies are common in today's fashion jewelry.

Synthetic rubies were first created in 1902. Treated rubies are created with heat, which improves color. These rubies, though not as valuable as natural rubies, are virtually indistinguishable in appearance except to an expert. Because natural rubies are becoming harder to find, synthetic rubies are commonly found in today's fashion jewelry that are less expensive pieces.

Use of Rubies in Jewelry

Rubies can be used in a variety of designs.

Rubies can be used in any type of jewelery including earrings, rings and bracelets. They can be set amongst other stones in a design. Rubies can also be set individually, as in a pendant necklace or as stud earrings.

Rubies of lesser quality, either due to flaws or poor color, can be improved before placing them into jewelery. A treatment commonly used for these types of rubies is lead glass filing, which fills cracks or voids within the ruby. This treatment strengthens and improves the ruby so it can be placed in a setting and worn as jewelery without concern for chipping or cracking the stone.

Ruby Value

Value of a ruby depends on several factors.

The value of a ruby is based upon its color and size. The most valuable rubies are from Burma, and feature a deep red color with a slight blue or purple hue. They are a brilliant color. Rubies from Burma that are many carats in size are worth millions of dollars due to their rarity. Generally, rubies from Burma are smaller in size. Larger rubies are often from Thailand, and are brownish in color. They also have great value, though the Burma rubies are worth more on today's market.

Rubies must be transparent to possess value. An opaque ruby, while attractive and usable in jewelry, is less valuable.

References

• Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom
• Ruby Jewelry
• International Colored Gemstone Association