Top 5 Things to Know about Rubies

Rubies have captivated people for centuries with their rich history, vibrant color, and exceptional rarity. Whether you’re considering a ruby for an engagement ring or simply curious about the gemstone, here are the top five things you should know.

1. Historical Significance and Symbolism
Rubies have been sought after for centuries across various cultures for their intense red color, symbolizing passion, power, and desire. In ancient India and China, rubies were revered, often used to adorn royal armor and crowns. They were also believed to bring good fortune when placed under buildings or worn during significant events. Today, their rich symbolism makes rubies ideal for bridal jewelry and special milestones, as the red hue represents both love and success.

2. Formation and Rarity
Rubies are formed deep within the Earth's crust under extreme heat and pressure, with their signature red hue coming from trace amounts of chromium. What makes rubies particularly rare is the specific combination of geological conditions needed to produce the best colors. This rarity, combined with the allure of their vibrant color, often makes rubies more valuable than diamonds of similar size.

3. Quality Certification
When purchasing a ruby, it's essential to ensure you're getting a high-quality stone. Reputable rubies often come with certifications from laboratories such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America), GRS (GemResearch Swisslab), or the Gübelin Report. These certificates verify the stone’s origin, whether it has been treated, and its overall quality, giving you confidence in your purchase.

4. Durability and Versatility
Rubies make excellent choices for a wide range of jewelry pieces, from engagement rings to pendants and earrings. With a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale, rubies are incredibly durable, second only to diamonds and moissanite. This toughness makes them well-suited for daily wear, ensuring that your ruby jewelry will maintain its beauty for years to come.

5. Major Ruby Sources
While rubies can be found in several regions across the globe, the highest-quality stones come from countries like Mozambique, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, and Cambodia. Each source has its unique characteristics, with Burmese rubies being particularly prized for their “pigeon blood” color. If you're interested in learning more about the mining process, be sure to check out additional resources on our website.

With their remarkable history, exceptional beauty, and lasting durability, rubies are truly one of the most treasured gemstones in the world. ILA designs with rubies in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. See our selection of jewelry with rubies here.