The Gemstone Ruby
A ruby is composed of the mineral aluminium oxide (Al2O3) which is prevalently recognized by the name of corundum. Hints of metallic impurities (that of chromium) in the crystal framework of the corundum gives the gorgeous red tint to this enchanting gemstone. Quite rightly called ‘Ratnaraj’ or the king of gems in Sanskrit, rubies are always conspicuous by their majesty.
Its color is its most basic and discernible property and the name ruby itself is derived from the Latin word ruber which means red. The red of the ruby is very significant as on one hand red symbolizes vigor, willpower, anger and courage while on the other hand it signifies joy, sexuality, passion and love.
Gem quality corundum of any other color is called a sapphire.
The colors of a ruby include pinkish red, purplish red, orangish red and brownish red depending on the trace content of chromium and iron in the stone. The quantity and variety of trace mineral in a ruby differs with the geologic formation that created it. For this reason, the region of origin such as Burmese and Thai are often used to describe the color.
The Burmese stones have a propensity to be purplish red in color while the Thai stones are far more brownish red.
Rubies show pleochroism which means that the color varies with the direction of viewing.
Virtually all gems in the gem trade undergo some sort of treatment or other for improvement of clarity as well as the tone and saturation of color. Certain types of stones are treated with oils while the corundum range of gemstones namely the rubies and sapphires are commonly given heat treatment. Clarity & color of sapphires and rubies improve significantly with heat treatment.
If you want an all-natural untreated ruby you should insist on a testimony from a recognized gem testing laboratory like the AGTA Gemological Testing Center certifying that the stone displays no evidence of heat alteration. But you have to pay a premium for the privilege. Besides, basic heat treatment of rubies is an established practice in the gem trade so long as it is openly disclosed. The value of the gem does not get drastically lowered by the treatment. .
Like a diamond, the value of a ruby is decided by the four Cs, namely color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Above all, the true worth of a ruby is determined by its color. The brightest pigeon blood-red rubies command the maximum value over the other rubies of comparable quality. Color is followed by clarity and a clear ruby will command a premium. But a completely clear ruby devoid of any needle-like rutile inclusions makes it suspect. It might indicate that the stone has been treated or it might even be an synthetic lab cultivated ruby. Cut and carat weight also influence the price of a ruby.
Occasionally, the inclusions in a ruby (which diminishes its clarity) can in fact increase its value. The silk, which is so common in corundum, can, if adequately abundant, and correctly arranged, lead to asterism. With suitable cutting (only seen in cabochon cuts) this generates star rubies.
Rubies exhibiting asterism are known as “Star Rubies”, and if transparent are highly prized. Typically star rubies display six ray stars. But in unusual cases twelve ray stars can also occur.
The plentiful tiny rutile needles in a star ruby are exactly arranged in such a way that they are aligned perpendicular to the rays of the star. These magnificent gems show a sharp six-rayed star which slides along majestically across the surface of the gem as the light moves or the stone is rotated. The star is best perceptible when seen in a solitary light source such as sunlight.
A wide variety of shapes and cutting styles are used for crafting the raw ruby into a gemstone .
Oval cushion is the most common cut but rounds are also seen along with other shapes, like the heart or emerald cut. Slight premiums are paid for round stones, while slight discounts apply for pears and marquises. Stones that are overly deep or shallow should normally be avoided.
Cabochon-cut rubies are also common. This cut is used for star stones, or those not clean enough to facet. The best cabochons are fairly transparent, with smooth domes and good symmetry.
Generally rubies occur only in small carat sizes which range from 1 carat to 15 carats. Fine rubies of large sizes are extremely rare and cost a lot of money.
The Hue, Tone, Color-Purity, Clarity, Transparency and Cut together determine the overall grade of a ruby .
Overall grade scores: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, Exceptional (Best).
Rubies have an excellent hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness which means that only diamond and moissanite are harder then rubies. This makes it an outstanding jewelry stone. For reasonably clean stones, no particular wear or care safeguards are needed though a heavily included or fractured stone will be less stable.
There is some thing innately regal about rubies. The rich red color of this beautifu gemstone has for centuries, besotted humans.
In ancient times rubies were deemed to be more precious than even diamonds and till date they continue to be one of the most sought after gemstones. Rubies have always remained the favored stone for emperors and rulers across the world. There is hardly any royalty who has not worn the immaculate ruby .
Quite a few mystical metaphysical qualities have also been attributed to rubies and these beliefs have been handed over from generation to generation. The ruby is believed to impart clarity, wisdom and motivation. Ruby was thought to protect the wearer from psychic and physical attacks. Soldiers in ancient Burma inserted rubies into their skin that they believed would save them from fatal wounds in the battlefields.
It is believed that lucid dreams can be brought on by sleeping with a ruby .
The Romans and Greeks used rubies for their healing abilities. Warriors used rubies to heal their wounds and reduce the pain. It was believed that the healing power of rubies could decrease their suffering. It is also supposed that rubies can promote healthy blood circulation and protect from infection. Rubies are thought to cleanse the blood of toxins.
Rubies are also said to induce fertility. A prevalent belief talks about rubies to be the drop of blood that comes straight from the heart of Mother Earth.
The color red in itself brings about feelings that are strong and deep and rubies are a true reflection of this very fact. Symbolizing the very spirit of life and love, rubies make wonderful jewelry pieces. These radiant gemstones are especially regarded as highly romantic gifts. Rubies make exquisite pieces of jewelry, like ruby rings, ruby earrings or ruby pendants. While more inticrate pieces with diamonds thrown in make great accessories for special evenings, more understated ruby jewelry proves to be ideally suited for every day wear by adding a splash of color to any attire.
How To Value Jewelry From Home or Work
Jewelry Appraisal EBook(R) Home Study Course has been designed by a qualified Gemologist and Former Member of the Valuers Council, to step anybody through worksheets and examples using an antique Sapphire and Diamond Ring on How To Value Jewelry
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