Post on 15-Aug-2015
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Ranging from pink to blood-red colour, rubies are one of the most precious of all the gemstones & just like any other gemstone, rubies too are infused with a
couple of myths and lores. As legends may have it, rubies can provide those born in July, strength and bring them good fortune and even love. Rubies can also be
gifted to celebrate 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
True to their name, Rubies derive their name from the latin word, ruber, meaning red.
Recorded in various books, from
ancient Sanskrit to the writings of Marco Polo, the crystal is deeply embedded into culture, making it one of the most historically significant stone.
It is believed that the wearer of a ruby
will be blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in “matters of the heart”.
As history has it…
Facts & Figures
Rubies come in many shades of red. The finest of the lot is the one with a
vibrant, red hue. Rubies are considered to be the most
expensive member of the corundum family (sapphires being second)
Though corundum is actually colourless
the stones get their fiery colour from an impurity called chromium.
Chromium may give rubies their ravishing red colour, but it is also the reason why ruby crystals are created with a multitude of fissures within them.
For this very reason, a ruby purer
than 3 carat is hard to find. In fact, rubies with hardly any inclusions command even higher prices that diamonds of the same size and quality.
Wear & Care
Warm, soapy water is safe, but no strong detergents or scrubbing oiled stones
Fracture-filled and even treated rubies should only be cleaned with a
damp cloth. As with most gemstones, avoid using ultrasonic cleaners and steamers to
clean rubies as they can cause the rubies to weaken its structure and possibly crack.
Rubies are rated 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, but they are still vulnerable to chipping if they aren’t handled carefully.
In essence, the fiery & captivating rubies are one of the most prized crystals that
one would ever come across. As a piece of jewellery they add charm & ethereal
beauty to the wearer.