Ruby, one of the better known gemstones. The birthstone for July but there is no danger when it comes to Rubies and jewels!
Upcycled ruby, gold and diamond ring, old diamonds swapped out and some gorgeous bigger ones added
LESSER KNOWN FACTS
Occurring in a myriad of colours, all Corundum is called Sapphire, with the exception of the red Ruby, and the extremely rare orange-pink padparadscha. It is traces of chromium that colour this mineral its rich red.
Ranging from deep to pale rose red, sometimes with a purple tinge, the most valued is the deepest red, known as 'pigeon's blood'.
Normally small stones, over 10 carats are incredibly rare as the presence of chromium has an inhibiting effect on crystal growth.
HISTORY IN A NUTSHELL
Mined in Sri Lanka since the 8th Century BC, ancient Hindu and Burmese miners believed that colourless or pale pink sapphires were rubies which were yet to ripen.
Rubies are an important symbol for Islam, as on his expulsion from paradise and arrival in mecca, Adam was shown a ruby canopy, over which he built the Ka'bah – now a main Muslim shrine.
The Black Prince's Ruby, now in the Imperial State Crown of England, and part of the crown jewels since 1367, was discovered to be a spinel in the 19th century.
LEGEND HAS IT
In classical antiquity rubies were thought to banish sorrow, restrain lust, and resist poison. Due to its colour association with blood, it was often used in the preparation of medicines to staunch bleeding.
WHERE IN THE WORLD
Myanmar
Thailand
Sri Lanka
MOHS HARDNESS
9
COLOUR
Red
A work in progress of the above ring
The finished gorgeous ruby and diamond ring