The ruby is known and loved for its vibrant red colour, but what else can we tell you about this popular stone?
First discovered in India, the ruby was originally known as “ratnaraj” which translates from Sanskrit to “king of precious stones”. Their current name came from the word “ruber” which is Latin for the colour red. Throughout history rubies have been highly valued as symbols of wisdom, beauty and passion.
The corundum family consists of both rubies and sapphires. Rubies are the red member of the corundum family, whereas all other variations of corundum stone, including clear, are known as sapphires. The red colour in rubies comes from chromium that is present in the stone, with higher levels of chromium equating to a stronger colour. Both varieties of corundum are highly valued as jewellery stones, mainly thanks to their density and durability – in fact, ruby scores a 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them second to diamond, making them a great choice for everyday wear.
Rubies are sourced from a variety of countries, one of the most recognised being Myanmar due to the high quality of their stones. The shade and characteristics of rubies can also vary by area due to different mineral levels, for example Thai rubies are often deep red due to traces of iron.
So why are rubies so popular for jewellery?
Firstly, red is a timeless colour that represents love, passion, beauty and protection. Unsurprisingly, this hue is extremely popular for engagement rings and eternity rings due to these connotations. Not to mention, their hardness and durability make them ideally suited to rings that will last a lifetime and eventually become a family heirloom. Rubies are also a traditional gift for both 15th and 40th anniversaries.
But rubies aren’t just about romance! They are also the designated July birthstone, which makes ruby jewellery the perfect choice of birthday gift for someone special.
At Bradley Hatch we offer a wide range of gorgeous ruby items, ranging from engagement and eternity rings, pendants, earrings, and even some beautiful preowned pieces.
View our current collection of Ruby jewellery here.
These are just a small collection of our favourites this month:
Looking after your ruby jewellery
As we mentioned, rubies are one of the most durable stones for jewellery. That being said, a little maintenance can help you to keep your gemstones looking stunning. It is always advisable to remove your jewellery when applying lotion, perfumes and sprays. If your rubies are looking a little dull, specialised cleaning products such as this Precious Jewellery Cleaner or Jewellery Foam Cleaner are guaranteed to spruce them up! Alternatively, our in-house jeweller offers an amazing clean and polish service, please ask a member of our team for further details.