Did you know that Rubies belong to the Corundum mineral family, making them one of the hardest gemstones behind a Diamond AND one of the most highly valued and sought-after gemstones in the world?
For centuries, Rubies have been capturing the hearts of jewelry enthusiasts. With their intense red color, rubies have long been associated with passion, love, and vitality. Throughout time, people have believed that rubies bring good fortune and protect against misfortune. They also hold a special place in the realm of love and romance, making them an excellent choice for engagement rings and anniversary gifts!
But what makes Rubies truly irresistible is their vibrant red hues. Ranging from deep crimson to bright pinkish-red, rubies owe their color to the presence of chromium in their crystal structure.
These gemstones dazzle with their brilliance, fire, and exceptional clarity. The most sought-after rubies showcase a deep red shade with a hint of blue undertones, commonly referred to as "pigeon's blood" rubies.
How to Recognize a Valuable Ruby
When it comes the quality of rubies, several factors come into play:
- Color: The color of a ruby is of paramount importance, as it determines its value. The finest rubies feature a pure, intense red color without any distracting undertones.
- Clarity: Natural inclusions, often referred to as "silk," may be present in rubies. Interestingly, these fine needle-like inclusions can create a fascinating phenomenon called asterism, where the gemstone displays a star-like pattern known as a "star ruby."
- Cut: A well-executed cut maximizes a ruby's brilliance, enhances its color, and ensures a balanced proportion and facet arrangement.
- Carat Weight: Rubies come in various sizes, and larger rubies are rarer and more valuable. However, remember that a ruby's quality isn't solely determined by its size.
- Clarity: Natural inclusions, often referred to as "silk," may be present in rubies. Interestingly, these fine needle-like inclusions can create a fascinating phenomenon called asterism, where the gemstone displays a star-like pattern known as a "star ruby."
- Cut: A well-executed cut maximizes a ruby's brilliance, enhances its color, and ensures a balanced proportion and facet arrangement.
- Carat Weight: Rubies come in various sizes, and larger rubies are rarer and more valuable. However, remember that a ruby's quality isn't solely determined by its size.
Although Natural and Lab Grown Rubies have the same chemical composition, Natural Rubies mined from the earth are more valuable than Lab Grown Rubies mined in a Lab.
Natural Vs. Lab Grown Rubies
What's the difference? The main difference between natural and lab-grown rubies lies in their origin. Natural rubies are formed over millions of years within the Earth's crust, while lab-grown rubies are created through a controlled process in a laboratory environment. While both types of rubies possess similar physical and chemical properties, natural rubies are highly valued for their rarity and historical significance, while lab-grown rubies offer a more accessible and sustainable alternative at a more affordable price.
Durability and Caring for Your Ruby Gemstones:
Ruby gemstones, Natural and Lab Grown, boast exceptional durability. As a member of the corundum family, they rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamonds. This hardness ensures that rubies can withstand everyday wear and continue to radiate beauty for generations.
Nevertheless, it's always wise to care for your ruby jewelry by avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and physical impact.
How to Clean Your Ruby Jewelry
With any fine jewelry, it is important to know how to properly clean your piece so that no damaged may occur. You should never put your Ruby jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner. Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create small bubbles that agitate and remove dirt and debris from jewelry. However, these vibrations can potentially cause damage to gemstones with existing fractures or internal inclusions.
Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to clean your ruby jewelry:
1. Prepare a gentle cleaning solution: Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or a jewelry-specific cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the gemstone or the metal setting.
2. Soak the jewelry: Place your ruby jewelry in the bowl and let it soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt, oils, or debris accumulated on the surface.
3. Gently clean with a soft brush: After soaking, take a soft-bristle toothbrush or a jewelry cleaning brush and gently scrub the ruby gemstone and the surrounding metal setting. Pay attention to areas where dirt may be trapped, such as behind the gemstone or in crevices.
4. Rinse with clean water: Once you've finished brushing, rinse the jewelry under lukewarm running water to remove any remaining soap or residue.
5. Pat dry with a soft cloth: Use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently pat dry your ruby jewelry.
Additional Tips:
- If your ruby jewelry has stubborn dirt or grime, you can repeat the soaking and gentle scrubbing process. However, if the jewelry is particularly delicate or features other gemstones or intricate settings, it's advisable to consult a professional jeweler for cleaning.
- Avoid exposing your ruby jewelry to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or chlorine, as they can damage the gemstone and metal setting. Remove your jewelry before swimming, cleaning with chemicals, or engaging in activities that may expose it to harsh substances.
- Store your ruby jewelry in a separate compartment or pouch to prevent scratching and minimize contact with other jewelry pieces. Consider keeping them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations to preserve their color and clarity.
Regular cleaning and proper care will help keep your ruby jewelry looking its best and ensure that it continues to shine with its vibrant red brilliance.