Ruby Gem Jewelry.

Ruby Jewelry Ruby has accumulated a rich legacy of legends throughout the centuries. In Sanskrit, the ancient sacred language of India, one of the terms for ruby is Ratnaraj, meaning king of gems. People in India believed that rubies granted their owners the power to live in peace with their enemies. In Burma, now known as Myanmar, a major ruby source since at least 600 AD, warriors wore rubies as talismans to make themselves invincible in battle. In medieval Europe, rubies were worn as powerful talismans believed to bring health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love. As the birthstone for July and world's most iconic and beloved red gemstone, ruby continues to enchant gem professionals and consumers alike with its timeless allure and vibrant symbolism. Though large, high-quality rubies remain exceptionally rare and valuable, advancements in global mining and a wide range of treatment techniques have made rubies more accessible than ever, bringing their beauty within reach for a broader range of customers. Popular cutting styles for rubies include mixed cuts, oval shapes, and antique cushions for transparent stones, while cabochons and beads are often used for translucent to opaque material. As a variety of corundum, ruby boasts exceptional toughness, second only to diamond in hardness, making it an ideal choice not only for rings but for a wide range of fine jewelry. The word ruby is derived from the Latin meaning red. The most prized rubies exhibit a deep, vivid, and pure red hue, while stones with pinkish, purplish, or orangey red tones are also classified as rubies. Gemologists and jewelry professionals carefully distinguish these from pink, purple, or orange sapphires since both ruby and sapphire are varieties of corundum. In general, the classification of rubies versus sapphires depends on a combination of hue, tone, and saturation. However, market culture and regional practices also play a significant role. For example, gems that would be identified as pink or purple sapphire in the United States are often labeled and sold as rubies in some Asian countries. It is essential to be aware of these regional trade variations, especially when working across different markets or with an international clientele. Rubies are sourced from several countries around the world, including Afghanistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Myanmar, Burma, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, and Vietnam. Among these, Myanmar is renowned for producing some of the finest quality rubies, while Sri Lankan rubies are typically lighter in tone compared to those from Myanmar or Thailand. Although Thailand's ruby mine production declined in the 1990s, the country remains a global hub for ruby treatment and wholesale trade. In terms of durability, ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the hardest natural gemstones after diamond. It generally exhibits excellent toughness. However, stones that have undergone certain treatments or contain significant fractures or inclusions may be less durable. Rubies are generally stable gemstones, but their durability can be affected by environmental factors. Exposure to high heat may alter a ruby's color or clarity and can potentially damage or destroy any fracture or cavity fillings within the stone. While rubies typically remain stable under light, prolonged exposure to intense lighting can cause any oil present to dry out or leak. Additionally, certain chemicals can pose risks. Substances such as soldering flux containing boron or fire coats made with boric acid powder can etch and damage even untreated ruby surfaces and may also remove fillings or protective treatments. There are four common treatments used to enhance ruby gemstones. Heat treatment, lattice diffusion, fracture filling, and cavity filling. Heat treatment is widely practiced to improve a ruby's color and or clarity appearance. It is considered very stable unless the stone is subjected to extremely high temperatures. This method is extremely prevalent. Experts estimate that up to 95% of rubies undergo some form of heat treatment. Detection may be possible by a trained gemologist or gemological laboratory, although it can also be undetectable and often assumed due to its prevalence. Lattice diffusion involves heating ruby to very high temperatures in the presence of a coloring agent to create a red color in corundum. This treatment is fairly common and generally stable under normal conditions, though the red color might be removed if the stone is repolished or recut. Fracture filling with oil or epoxy resin is used to improve the clarity appearance by hiding fractures. In some cases, colored oil or resin is also applied to enhance color. Its stability is rated fair as heat and chemicals can damage or destroy the filling and oil may eventually dry out or discolor. This treatment is occasional. Cavity filling with epoxy resin or glass is a common practice used to improve clarity by filling cavities and may also add weight if the cavities are large. Like fracture filling, its stability is fair due to the vulnerability of the filling to heat and chemicals. Lattice diffusion, fracture filling, and cavity filling are all detectable by a trained gemologist or gemological laboratory. If there is any doubt, the gem should be sent to a laboratory for verification. Rubies are sourced from several regions around the world, each contributing its own unique qualities to the gemstone. Myanmar, Burma, is widely regarded as the source of the finest quality rubies. Thailand remains a global hub for ruby treatment and trade despite a decline in local mine production since the 1990s. Madagascar, Kenya, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Vietnam also produce rubies with Sri Lankan stones often appearing lighter in tone than those from Myanmar or Thailand. In terms of durability, ruby is one of the hardest gemstones, rating nine on the Mohs scale. Its toughness is usually excellent, but certain treatments or the presence of large fractures or inclusions can affect its durability. As with all fine gems, proper care and handling help maintain both beauty and structural integrity over time. Rubies are generally stable under normal conditions, but their response to environmental factors should be considered. High heat can alter a ruby's color or clarity and may damage any fracture or cavity fillings. While rubies are stable under light, excessive heat from strong lights can cause any applied oil to dry out or leak. Chemicals pose a particular risk, especially to treated stones. Some substances can remove fillings or etch the stone surface, even if it is untreated. For this reason, we always recommend avoiding harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures when caring for your ruby jewelry. Welcome to Sesame Gallery's Etsy store, your destination for exceptional gemstone jewelry. We're always online and happy to share our knowledge and passion for fine jewelry. Thank you for visiting and taking the time to explore our collection. If you enjoy what you see, don't forget to favorite our shop and subscribe for updates.