“Ruby” is derived from rubeus, Latin for ‘red’. Glowing intensely red, the ruby suggests an inextinguishable flame and is the most sought-after red-coloured gemstones. Apart from its popular red version as a result of chromium found in the mineral, corundum, ruby can also come in other shades such as blue, yellow or pink. Other shades of corundum are usually classified as sapphires.

 

Corundum have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale, second to diamonds (10.0) in its hardiness. Red is a colour widely associated to power, desire, wealth and success. Early cultures saw similarity in the redness of ruby to our blood and believed that rubies held the power of life. Since ancient times, ruby has been worn to guarantee health, wealth and success in love. The amazing qualities attained from the innate characteristics of ruby makes it a beloved gemstone to be handed down through generations.

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Pigeon’s blood

“Pigeon’s blood” is a term for the most superior shade of red amongst rubies. The term originates from Burma, where locals believe that a perfect ruby carries the same colour as the first two drops of blood from the nose of a killed pigeon.

 

Star Ruby

Star rubies are rubies with rutile inclusions. When viewed under a single light source, a star ruby displays a celestial six-rayed star across its surface. This optical phenomenon is known as “asterism”.

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Other information:

• Zodiac birthstone for Aries, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius

• Stone for 40th anniversary