Wednesday 27 July 2011

Our Comprenhensive Guide To Ruby And Ruby Jewellery

In our belief it is important that buying and selling Jewellery with Rubies, such as Ruby Rings, Ruby Earrings and Ruby Pendants, should be only done in the knowledge that they have only been mined under conflict free and ethical conditions.


Introduction


Giving a piece of jewellery containing a birthstone gem will offer the wearer good luck and protection. Monthly Birthstones symbolize the month of birth according to the Gregorian Calendar. Ruby is the birthstone of July and Rubies are the traditional wedding anniversary gift for a couple's 15th and 40th year.


To most ancient cultures the ruby was known to be "The King of Gemstones" and originated from the Latin word for red. Thoughout out the passage of time its rich crimson colour has caused many civilizations to associate it with love, romance and passion. Because of these believes it has become so popular for many ruby engagement rings and ruby eternity rings.


The Ruby legend and Lore


legends that have emerged out of India suggest that ruby rings that are worn on the left hand fingers, would be given mysterious and magical powers. Gamblers and lovers have also been thought to have much better luck from the wearing of the ruby.


Many thought the ruby represented such as devotion, integrity, healing, courage, romance, inspiration, generosity and prosperity, as well as happiness, love and romance. Some ancient warriors before entering into battle actually place rubies and ruby jewellery about their person to help in courage and strength, as well as guarding against danger and death from their counterparts. Some civilizations actually ate powdered form ruby to help cure blood disorders and stop bleeding, and help in digestion and stomach disorders. It was also thought to bring peace.


Around 200 years before the birth of Christ was when the very first possible recorded trade of ruby was established on the great North Silk Road, westward from China.


In the country of England, it has been consistently used as a coronation ring among Royals, and the Duchess of York was given an exquisite example by her fiance Prince Andrew. The red colour of ruby makes it appear to actually look bigger than it is which has obvious advantages, with their average size being generally smaller than some other gemstones. Rubies are one of the scarcest of all precious gems and this means that they can always command higher prices.


Modern day means that rubies have other applications such as tiny bearings in watches, components made into rod form for the lazer, and for styluses in record turntables.


What is a Ruby?


Ruby is one of the hardest natural gemstones - with only Diamond and Moissanite being harder. It belongs to the class of minerals called Corundum - second only to diamond in its hardness. When it is any colour other than red, it is called sapphire. Unlike diamond, which is made of carbon, ruby is a combination of aluminum and oxygen.


Chemical Properties of Rubies


The formulae for ruby is Al2o3:Cr


More Characteristics of Ruby


Crystal System: trigonal (hexagonal scalenohedral)


Mohs' Scale Hardness: 9.0


Specific Gravity: 4.0


Index of Refraction: 1.77-1.78


Source of Rubies


Through many centuries the most famous mining location for ruby was that known as Myanmar, situated in the Mogok Valley of Burma. This area consistently produced many of the best quality rubies, but recently these quality examples, especially in larger sizes have become increasingly scarce. Due to their superior clarity, hue and saturation, the Burmese ruby has been historically known as the most sought after.


Many fine rubies also can be found in mines from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Tanzania, Nepal, Pakistan, USA, Madagascar, Afghanistan and Vietnam. More recently new mines have opened in Greenland and Kenya.


Thank you for reading our article on the majestic Ruby.I sincerely hope this article helps you in some way.

J S Stewart © 2011 Globe Jewellery Limited. All Rights Reserved.