A symbol of passion, courage and vitality.
Rubies are one of the most precious and rare gems in the world, with a rich history and lore that spans across cultures and civilizations. In this blog post, we will explore some of the fascinating facts and myths about rubies, as well as some tips on how to choose and care for your ruby jewelry. We will also answer a common question that many ruby lovers have: how do I know if my ruby is real?

Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, which is composed of aluminum and oxygen. The red color of rubies comes from traces of chromium, which replace some of the aluminum atoms in the crystal structure. The more chromium, the more intense the red hue. Rubies can range from pink to blood-red, depending on the amount and distribution of chromium.

The word ruby comes from the Latin ruber, meaning red. However, different languages have different names for rubies, often reflecting their cultural associations. For example, in Sanskrit, rubies are called ratnaraj, meaning king of gems, or ratnanayaka, meaning leader of gems. In Arabic, rubies are called yāqūt, meaning essence or quintessence. In Chinese, rubies are called zhūshā, meaning vermilion sand.

Rubies have been revered for their beauty and power since ancient times. They were believed to protect their wearers from evil, disease and misfortune, as well as to enhance their courage, wisdom and love. Some cultures also associated rubies with royalty, nobility and divine authority. For example, in India, rubies were worn by kings and emperors as a sign of their wealth and status. In Europe, rubies were used to adorn crowns, scepters and swords of rulers and warriors. In China, rubies were considered to be the stone of dragons, the supreme symbol of power and fortune.

Rubies are also known for their durability and hardness. They rank 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, second only to diamonds. This makes them ideal for jewelry making, as they can withstand wear and tear and resist scratches. However, rubies are not indestructible. They can still be damaged by heat, chemicals or sudden impacts. Therefore, it is important to take proper care of your ruby jewelry to preserve its beauty and value.

Here are some tips on how to choose and care for your Ruby jewelry:

– When buying a ruby, look for its color, clarity, cut and carat weight. These are the four Cs that determine the quality and price of a gemstone. Color is the most important factor for rubies, as it affects their rarity and appeal. Look for a ruby that has a vivid and saturated red color with no brown or purple tones. Clarity refers to the presence or absence of flaws or inclusions in a ruby. A flawless ruby is very rare and expensive, but some inclusions can add character and uniqueness to a ruby. Cut refers to the shape and proportions of a ruby. A well-cut ruby will reflect light evenly and display its color and brilliance to the best advantage. Carat weight refers to the size or weight of a ruby. Larger rubies are more scarce and valuable than smaller ones.
– When cleaning your ruby jewelry, use warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage your ruby or its setting. Rinse your jewelry thoroughly and dry it with a lint-free cloth. You can also use a professional jewelry cleaner that is safe for rubies.
– When storing your ruby jewelry, keep it in a separate pouch or box to prevent it from scratching other jewelry or being scratched by them. Avoid exposing your ruby to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight that could fade its color or cause cracks.
– When wearing your ruby jewelry, avoid contact with substances that could harm your ruby or its setting, such as perfume, hairspray, chlorine or salt water. Remove your jewelry before engaging in activities that could cause physical damage or dirt accumulation, such as sports, gardening or cooking.
– When in doubt, consult a reputable jeweler or gemologist who can help you with any questions or issues regarding your ruby jewelry.

How do I know if my ruby is real?

This is a common question that many people have when they buy or receive a ruby jewelry piece. There are several ways to test if your ruby is real or not:

– Look at its color. A real ruby will have a deep red color with no brown or purple tones. A fake ruby may have a dull or washed-out color or an unnatural hue.
– Look at its clarity. A real ruby will have some inclusions or flaws that are visible under magnification or even to the naked eye. These inclusions are natural and unique to each ruby. A fake ruby may have no inclusions or have artificial ones that look too perfect or uniform.
– Look at its cut. A real ruby will have a symmetrical and proportional cut that enhances its color and sparkle. A fake ruby may have a poor or uneven cut that dulls its appearance or reveals its artificial nature.
– Look at its setting. A real ruby will be set in a high-quality metal, such as gold, silver or platinum, that matches its value and style. A fake ruby may be set in a cheap or mismatched metal, such as brass, copper or iron, that tarnishes or corrodes easily.
– Use a loupe or a microscope. A real ruby will have a hexagonal crystal structure that can be seen under high magnification. A fake ruby may have a cubic or amorphous structure that differs from the natural one.
– Use a UV light. A real ruby will fluoresce red or pink under UV light, due to the presence of chromium. A fake ruby may not fluoresce at all or have a different color, such as green or blue, under UV light.
– Use a thermal conductivity tester. A real ruby will have a high thermal conductivity, meaning it will feel cold to the touch and warm up slowly when heated. A fake ruby will have a low thermal conductivity, meaning it will feel warm to the touch and cool down quickly when heated.

These are some of the methods that you can use to test if your ruby is real or not. However, these methods are not foolproof and may require some expertise and equipment. The best way to ensure that your ruby is real is to buy it from a reputable and certified source that can provide you with a certificate of authenticity and a warranty.

Rubies are truly remarkable gems that deserve your admiration and attention. By following these tips, you can enjoy your ruby jewelry for years to come.