RUBY JEWELRY WITH INTENTION AND CONNECTION

Why is RUBY JEWELRY special?

First, rubies are among the most valuable of gemstones with a riveting history and some seriously beautiful science! Second, ruby has gorgeous doppelgängers in garnet, spinel, and tourmaline and is the same mineral species as sapphire. 

Get the skinny on ruby and shop a curation of ruby jewelry that will amplify your personal brand and align with your values.

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DESIGNER RUBY JEWELRY

What are the metaphysical properties of ruby?

This gemstone attracts vitality, abundance, wisdom, wealth, and creativity.

Just as our ancient ancestors believed gemstones were imbued with special properties, such as protection, wisdom, or courage, today we are empowered by the metaphysical properties of gemstones to manifest what we wish to create.

You may be interested in our guide to manifest your intentions with gemstones and jewelry!

Responsibly Sourced Ruby Jewelry

ALL ABOUT RUBIES!

Ruby was significant to our ancient ancestors, least not because its hue resembles the blood flowing through our bodies, bringing us life.

Its legend as a “protector” evolved across civilizations in a variety of ways. Rubies made Burmese warriors invincible (if embedded into their skin). Some cultures believed it could heal wounds and ease inflammation. In India, it brought about peace between enemies.

Several historical sources claim dreaming of ruby is an omen of happiness and success.

Whatever ruby jewelry may symbolize for you today, we’ve outlined points to help you understand value and what to ask about ruby jewelry.

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Ruby Jewelry Buying Guide

What makes a ruby valuable?

The most prized natural rubies have a vivid, vibrant red color (not too dark or too light) with slight purplish hints. There is an historical term “pigeon’s blood” that describes this. Swing too far purple, or shift into more orange territory, the less valuable it is.

Both rubies and sapphires are of the mineral “species” corundum. Chromium in the mineral is what gives the ruby its red color. If the hue is not saturated enough and appears more pink, it may be classified as a pink sapphire.

Apart from colored diamonds, ruby commands the highest price point per carat than any other gemstone in the market - and fine quality rubies over one carat are rare.

As is the case for most gemstones when it comes to clarity, gemstones with fewer inclusions command a premium.

Any stone can be manmade, but natural, untreated rubies will always be more valuable.

Ethically Sourced Ruby Jewelry

Where is ruby found?

The most prized rubies are from the Mogok Valley in Myanmar (of Burmese ruby legend). To name just a few other countries quality rubies are found: Mozambique, Tanzania, Greenland, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Madagascar, Thailand, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even the Republic of Macedonia.

Traceable, Ethically Sourced Rubies

The origin of gemstones: TRACEABILITY

I believe in humanizing supply chains as much as possible to ensure you have certainty your jewelry investment aligns with your values. Just as we know where our food comes from and who made our clothes, why not jewelry?

All The Brilliants is a proud member of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle network, aiming to accelerate solutions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by engaging the fashion and lifestyle sectors, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainability.

What does ethically and sustainably sourced jewelry mean?

Women and men at the forefront of this global conversation will have slightly different perspectives, but there is a shared ethos: responsible sourcing.

This encompasses traceability, conflict-free, protecting people, their skills, and the environment - be it land or sea.

Ruby Gemstone Treatments

Sometimes natural gemstones have been “treated” to enhance the stone. This is commonplace, but it is an important question to ask, as this impacts the value. Any stone that has been heat treated will cost less than a stone whose color is natural. 

Specific to ruby, surface fractures can be filled with (molten lead) glass to improve the transparency of the stone. They can also be subject to dyeing. Again, knowledge is power, as this impacts value and should always be disclosed.

DO YOU KNOW THAT RUBY HAS GORGEOUS DOPPELGÄNGERS?

As a precious stone, ruby is among the most valuable gemstones. Rubellite tourmaline, garnet, and spinel can be more attainable options that are (obviously) equally gorgeous!

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RUBY HUED JEWELRY

INTENTIONAL RUBY JEWELRY THAT REFLECTS YOUR STORY

Our concierge service supports your jewelry wardrobe needs:

  • engagement and cocktail rings

  • statement and stud earrings

  • pendants and layering necklaces

  • bangles and bracelets

  • responsibly sourced rubies

Ready for intentional jewelry that brings what’s inside out? Let’s Connect!

Ruby and the Mohs Scale

Are rubies good options as engagement rings?

Yes!

The Mohs scale of hardness is important to consider when choosing a particular stone for a particular kind of wear. 

It is the degree of mineral “hardness”, measured by the resistance which a smooth surface offers to abrasion: 1 (soft) to 10 (hard). For example, an 8 will scratch a gemstone that is a 7 or below. Simply put, the softer the stone, the more careful you need to be about wearing that stone in jewelry that may be exposed to more wear.

Does ruby scratch easily?

This is a question you’re most likely to ask when buying gemstones and jewelry. Knowing how hard it is (or any other stone) will help you to determine whether it is an everyday gemstone or an occasional piece.

Ruby (and sapphire) do not scratch easily. They are among the hardest of gemstones at 9 - only diamond is harder. A diamond would leave a scratch on a ruby, but not the other way around. This means it is a gorgeous candidate for everyday rings, versus softer gemstones that can be more susceptible to everyday scratches and damage with accidental bumps.


The MOHS SCALE
What is the hardness of RUBY?

How Hard is Ruby

rubies can scratch any other gemstone, but diamond and sapphire (which is the same mineral species)


How to Care for Ruby Jewelry

How to care for ruby jewelry

A few jewelry care basics can keep your pieces looking their best, avoid damage and loss of gemstones.

WEAR: When dressing for day or night, jewelry should be the last thing on and the first thing off. Contact with chemicals such as fragrance, hairspray, nail polish remover, household cleaners, and chlorine can harm jewelry.

Remove jewelry when cleaning, gardening, swimming, or playing sports, as contact with hard surfaces can scratch, damage, or loosen stones in prongs.

CHECK SETTINGS AND STONES: Inspect jewelry before wearing it to check if the stones are chipped, loose, or rattle in settings.

CLEANING: All precious metals, gemstones, and pearls should be cleaned regularly, but require different care. For example, ultrasonic cleaners can crack opals, shatter pearls or diminish their appearance. Avoid using steam and ultrasonic cleaners.

● For gemstones on the Mohs scale at 7 or above, a simple cleaning solution is warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. For those at 6 or below, replace the toothbrush with a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth.

• A soft polishing cloth will keep any precious metal looking its best. 

● Take any investment pieces to a trustworthy professional jeweler once a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.

● See our full guide to How To Clean Fine Jewelry.

STORAGE: Keep jewelry individually stored in a pouch or box to avoid scratches and abrasions from other gemstones and metal, as well as general tangles and dents.

INSURANCE: For any jewelry of significant value, be sure to have it appraised, file any provenance and gemstone report in a secure place, and be sure to have it insured.

All The Brilliants - Expert Jewelry Concierge

SEEKING PERSONALIZED SHOPPING SUPPORT?

As your fine jewelry guide, I help you invest in jewelry that tells your story and ensures you feel confident, seen, and connected with your inner power.

If you are seeking a luxury gift for someone you love, discover how I helped a client find the perfect layering necklace for his wife… read the story here.

Beyond the hand-selected ruby jewelry from coveted designers, my personalized styling services can help you reconnect with your current jewelry collection and identify wardrobe needs.

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