History of Rubies

The use of rubies goes back thousands of years. With the subcontinent being the major source of this variant of corundum gemstones. Recognized for their rarity and distinct colour, rubies soon become a source of fascination among the higher classes, noted for their beauty and strength. Rubies, for a considerable time, was the dominant red variety of gemstones and remains so today. The recognition of rubies as valuable gemstones has not only been limited to one particular part of the world, as cultures across the world, from Asia to Europe and beyond have valued this precious gemstone.

Ancient Usage of Rubies

Long recognized for their special value, rubies were recognised by ancient civilisations for their value. The Sanskrit, the ancient language, whose word for ruby, “Ratnaraj”, translates to “King of Precious Stones”, which indicates the status that was rendered to it. Rubies despite being predominant in the subcontinent, and in later times in parts of Africa, rubies were also in vogue in the Levant. The Bible itself makes references to this precious gemstone, with specific references to its durability, colour. The famous reference in Isaiah: “I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones”. An indication that rubies were understood as gemstones of value and hardness. What is interesting is that rubies are not sourced from that part of the world, which indicates the gemstones were traded by countries, with gemstones most likely being imported from Africa. As the centuries passed, with new sources of rubies being uncovered around the world, the type of importance that is attached to this gemstone varied. For example in the South East Asian nation of Myanmar (Burma), a popular source of rubies, this red variety of the corundum gemstone was believed to imbue wearers with powers that were believed to aid them in combat. In India, where the mystical sensibility is strong, rubies were believed to grant special protections to their wearers, beliefs which continue to this day.

Modern Popularity of Rubies

Rubies today are among the most popular gemstones in the world. That along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds and possibly amethysts that make up the top four or five gemstone types on the planet. Rubies, like other gemstones, are sought after for their rarity and beauty. Built on deeper characteristics of the gemstone such as its excellent hardness: ranking 8.5 (10) in the Mohs hardness scale, making it resistant to everyday cuts and scratches. Permitting greater freedom for the wearer, and that it can be worn daily without the fear of damage. In addition to the general pure red rubies that are measured according to industry standards on gemstones, there are a number of popular ruby variants in the market: such as the star ruby and rubies which carry a distinct red colour, notable here is the pigeon blood ruby, a gemstone that is strong in its red hue, with a shade of crimson. A key factor driving the modern popularity of rubies are many of the factors that drove their popularity in the past. Their distinct colour, and durability of ruby based jewellery, and inspiring beauty, a product of the gemstone’s ability to interact with ultraviolet light, which is due to the presence of chromium trace elements in the stone. The captivation with this red gemstone today extends beyond the arena of gemstones and jewellery, with the ruby stone inspiring artists and other types of creatives, and as we shall see, it is also captured the attention of modern celebrities.

Top Rubies in History

Whilst rubies have been used throughout history, and today is being sourced from a number of countries, with even nations like the United States now entering the mix. However, when we speak about top rubies in the world in the history of their use, a number of red corundum gemstones do stand out. Notable here is the

Jubilee Ruby

The Mogok ruby is a gemstone that is named after the town in northern Myanmar (Burma), and a key region for mining gemstones that it comes from. For this gemstone exporting nation the quality of rubies have been from time to time, strengthened with exceptional types, with Jubilee ruby being one of them, which is 15.99-carat gemstone, which is massive in the world of gemstones. In 2016, the Jubilee Ruby become the most expensive gemstone to be sold at a gem auction in the United States. This particular ruby which is hailed from the aforementioned Mogok valley eventually sold for over $14 million dollars.

Carmen Lúcia Ruby

Arguably the largest faceted (cut) ruby in the world, the Carmen Lúcia Ruby is also from the ruby stronghold of Myanmar and is over 23 carats. Besides its massive size, this gemstone is noted for its rich colour, which is considered a singular crimson hue. This red gemstone is also from the famous Mogok region and was mined all the way back in the 1930s. This gemstone found its home in a glowing platinum band and rests as a ring, and today is held in the Gem Gallery at the National Museum of Natural History.

De Long Star Ruby

Right, now getting into the subject of freaks of nature, we have the De Long Star Ruby, which is a mammoth 100.32-carat red corundum gemstone. The Cabochon (uncut) star ruby was unearthed in the 1930s in, you guessed it, Myanmar. Given its size it today rests, rightfully as a museum piece in the Natural History Museum in New York.

Famous Ruby Jewellery

Ruby jewellery, like ruby gemstones, has been an age-old fascination in human societies. From kings and queens to the rich and powerful rubies have topped the list of gemstones in making fine jewellery. The massive ruby on the imperial crown of Russia, who ruled the then Russian empire. In more recent times, we have the famous Elizabeth Taylor diamond and ruby necklace. To the august Danish Ruby Parure (a set of matching jewellery items) consisting of diamonds and rubies, in a dazzling array of necklaces, brooches, bracelets, and a ring, all set with rubies and diamonds. Modern jewellery should try beating that!