At The Bench Jewellery Co., we pride ourselves on crafting exquisite custom jewellery that captures the essence of each unique gemstone. In July, we celebrate the radiant ruby, a gemstone revered for its deep red hues and rich history. Join us in exploring the birthstones, as we delve into the world of rubies, exploring their discovery, historical significance, unique properties, sources, interesting trivia, and their special significance as the birthstone for July.
Discovery
Rubies, a variety of the mineral corundum, were first discovered in Myanmar (formerly Burma) over 2,000 years ago. These early finds quickly captivated the ancient cultures of Southeast Asia, where the stones were believed to possess magical powers. Today, Myanmar remains one of the most important sources of rubies, along with other notable locations such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique.
Historical Significance
Throughout history, rubies have been cherished by royalty and warriors alike. In ancient India, they were known as “ratnaraj,” meaning “king of precious stones,” and were believed to protect their wearer from evil and harm. Medieval Europeans wore rubies to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love. These striking gemstones also adorned the crowns and regalia of kings and emperors, symbolizing power and protection.
Unique Properties
Rubies owe their vibrant red colour to the presence of chromium within the corundum structure. This rich hue can vary from a soft pinkish-red to a deep, intense crimson, often referred to as “pigeon’s blood” red. Beyond their stunning appearance, rubies are incredibly durable, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, just below diamonds. This makes them an excellent choice for everyday wear in jewellery.
Another unique property of rubies is their fluorescence, which can enhance their colour even further when exposed to ultraviolet light. This characteristic, combined with their rarity and beauty, makes rubies one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.
Ruby Sources
While Myanmar remains a key player in the ruby market, significant deposits are also found in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique. In recent years, Mozambique has gained prominence for producing high-quality rubies with excellent colour and clarity. Other notable sources include Afghanistan, Vietnam, and Tanzania. Each location brings unique qualities to the rubies it produces, adding to the gemstone’s allure.
Interesting Facts
- The world’s most expensive ruby is the “Sunrise Ruby,” a 25.59-carat gem that sold for over $30 million at auction in 2015.
- Rubies and sapphires are essentially the same mineral (corundum), with their colour being the primary distinguishing factor. Red corundum is classified as ruby, while all other colours are considered sapphires.
- In ancient Burma, warriors believed that inserting rubies into their flesh would make them invincible in battle.
- The “Burmese Ruby Tiara,” owned by Queen Elizabeth II, features a stunning collection of rubies and diamonds set in a floral design.
- The name “ruby” is derived from the Latin word “ruber,” meaning red.
- Rubies have been used in watchmaking and other precision instruments because of their hardness and durability.
- The Mogok Valley in Myanmar, known as the “Valley of Rubies,” has been a significant source of high-quality rubies for centuries.
- Some rubies exhibit a phenomenon called asterism, where a star-shaped pattern appears on the surface of the stone when it is cut into a cabochon.
- The largest ruby ever mined is the “Liberty Bell Ruby,” weighing over 8,500 carats, which was unfortunately stolen in a heist in 2011 and remains missing.
Significance as a Birthstone
As the birthstone for July, rubies are often associated with qualities such as good fortune, vitality, and passion. Traditionally, they symbolize love, energy, and strength, making them a popular gift choice for expressing deep emotions and enduring affection. Rubies are also valued for their rich colour and durability, making them a timeless addition to any jewellery collection.
Embrace the Ruby Glow
At The Bench Jewellery Co., we are dedicated to creating bespoke pieces that highlight the timeless beauty of rubies. Whether you’re celebrating a July birthday or simply drawn to the allure of this radiant gemstone, our expert jewellery designers can design the perfect piece to capture your unique style and story. Visit us today in Kamloops, Chilliwack, or Kelowna to discover how you can include the magic of rubies in your new jewellery.