Choosing Your Perfect Gemstone: Ruby
Few gemstones capture attention quite like a ruby.
Known for its rich red colour and incredible durability, ruby has been treasured for centuries and remains one of the world's most sought-after gemstones. Whether you're celebrating a July birthday, marking a 40th wedding anniversary, or simply love its vibrant colour, a ruby makes a beautiful and meaningful choice.
Birthstone July
Anniversary 40th Wedding Anniversary
Colours Soft pink-red through to vivid pigeon blood red
Mineral Family Corundum (Aluminium Oxide)
Hardness 9 on the Mohs Scale
Why We Love Rubies
Ruby has long been associated with love, passion, courage and protection. Throughout history, it was believed to bring strength to its wearer and was often worn as a symbol of power and prosperity.
Today, we love rubies for their striking colour and exceptional durability. As one of the hardest gemstones available, they are an excellent choice for everyday jewellery, including engagement rings.
The most valuable rubies display a vivid red colour often referred to as pigeon blood red. However, beautiful rubies can be found in a wide range of shades, from vibrant pink-reds to deeper crimson tones. Ultimately, the best ruby is the one that speaks to you.
When selecting a ruby, we consider four key factors: colour, cut, clarity and carat weight. Together, these characteristics help determine both the beauty and value of the stone.
Is Ruby Right for Everyday Wear?
Absolutely.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is one of the most durable gemstones used in jewellery. It wears exceptionally well and is suitable for rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets.
Like any gemstone, however, it can still be damaged by a hard knock, so we always recommend removing jewellery before high-impact activities or heavy manual work.
Caring for Your Ruby
Many rubies on the market today have been enhanced to improve their appearance. Some may have fractures that have been filled or treated, making them more sensitive to heat and chemicals.
To keep your ruby looking its best, we recommend avoiding harsh cleaning products and removing your jewellery before using chemicals around the home. Even acidic substances such as lemon juice can affect certain treated stones.
A little care will help ensure your ruby remains beautiful for generations to come and of course always get a reputable jeweller to give your ruby jewellery a professional clean.
Finding Your Perfect Ruby
We usually hold a small selection of coloured gemstones in our showroom, but for something truly special we work closely with trusted gemstone specialists who can source additional stones for you.
Whether you're looking for a particular shape, size, colour or budget, we'll guide you through the options and help you find the perfect gemstone for your design.
And if you're not quite sure what you're looking for yet, don't worry—that's exactly what we're here for.
Enjoy a Design Experience with One of Our Experts
If you're considering a ruby for a bespoke piece of jewellery, we'd love to help you explore the possibilities.
Book a design appointment and discover how the perfect gemstone can become part of your story.
