Ruby Gemstone Guide

Q: Where does the name Ruby derive from?

The name Ruby is derived from the Latin word 'Rubens” meaning 'red” A.K.A. the “King of Gemstones” - Sanskrit language Ruby is called 'Ratnaraj”, which translates to 'King of Gemstones”.

The Ruby is an imperial corundum treasure that has served as the ultimate symbol of passion, luxury and deep physical majesty for millennia. At Tivon, we select only the top 5% of loose gemstones to ensure every selection commands immediate attention with intensely rich crimson shades, exceptional transparency and an abundance of internal life, including the highly coveted, legendary pigeon's blood red hues. Derived from the ancient Sanskrit word Ratnaraj meaning literally the king of gemstones, this exceptionally hard and robust mineral variety is celebrated globally for its enduring strength and unmatched romantic prestige.

Read below to explore the famous Burmese and East African geography, historic British colonial specimens and essential value factors of this magnificent stone in our comprehensive Ruby Gemstone Guide. Alternatively, explore our luxury Ruby jewellery collection to discover breathtaking statement pieces including luxury Ruby rings, exquisite Ruby earrings, bold Ruby pendants and stunning Ruby bracelets, each designed to stand as a personal family legacy.

Love & Power!

About Ruby

What colour is Ruby?

The colour of Ruby is red and represents colour of love, passion & power.

Where does the name Ruby derive from?

The name Ruby is derived from the Latin word "Rubens” meaning "red” A.K.A. the “King of Gemstones” - Sanskrit language Ruby is called "Ratnaraj”, which translates to "King of Gemstones”.

What is the symbolism of Ruby?

Ruby inspires passion & love.

What gemstone family does Ruby belong to?

Ruby belongs to the Corundum gemstone family.

Is Ruby a birthstone?

Yes, Ruby is a birthstone and it represents July.

What anniversary does Ruby represent?

Ruby represent the 40th wedding anniversary.

What is a ''Pigeon's Blood'' Ruby and why is it so highly coveted?

''Pigeon's Blood'' represents the ultimate pinnacle of colour classification a Ruby can achieve. Rather than an origin label, it is a strict gemmological grading term reserved exclusively for specimens displaying an intensely saturated, vivid crimson red with a subtle, electric hint of violet or pink. True Pigeon's Blood Rubies exhibit a deep, glowing fire that remains completely brilliant under any lighting condition, resisting the dark brown or black shadows that dull lesser stones. This unique optical brilliance is driven by a remarkably high natural chromium content coupled with exceptionally low iron levels. Historically born in the legendary Mogok mines of Burma (Myanmar), this exquisite combination of intense saturation and natural fluorescence makes investment-grade Pigeon's Blood Rubies the rarest and most sought-after treasures in the corundum family.

Is Ruby an investment-grade gemstone?

Yes, unheated Rubies represent the absolute pinnacle of alternative physical assets, with legendary "Pigeon’s Blood" specimens commanding the highest premiums and being the most highly sought-after by global connoisseurs. Prized for their intense, vivid red saturation and rapidly diminishing global supply, fine Rubies offer exceptional historical value retention. For discerning collectors looking to diversify a luxury portfolio, it stands alongside a selective tier of elite treasures. Please note - like all investments, values fluctuate with market conditions.

What is the hardness of Ruby?

Ruby is 9.0 on Moh’s Scale and therefore considered a very robust structure.

Where is Topaz geographically Ruby?

The most revered Rubies come from Burma / Myanmar while equally fine rubies have been recently discovered in Tanzania and Mozambique.

Are there any interesting facts regarding Ruby?

One of interesting fact is that 167 carat Edwardes Ruby - in honour of Maj.-Gen. Sir Herbert Benjamin Edwardes (1819-68) who served for the British in India.

Does Ruby have any inclusions?

Fine Rubies are quite scarce in sizes above 3 karats. Inclusions don’t affect the quality of a Ruby unless they decrease transparency or “life” i.e. vibrancy of the stone.

What is the cleaning procedure for Ruby?

Ruby is very durable due to its high hardness, making it easy to clean.

What are the value factors of Ruby?

The value factors of Ruby are its rarity, intensity of colour as well as its brilliance and the "life" of the stone. Size of the Ruby is also a value factor.

The Corundum Family Spectrum

Ruby belongs to the prestigious Corundum mineral family, sharing the exact same ultra-resilient structural DNA and world-class hardness with a legendary sibling gemstone. While trace chromium gives Ruby its signature fiery red color, this elite lineage encompasses a magnificent spectrum of natural character. Expand your gemological knowledge and explore its direct mineral twin:

Sapphire: Discover the remarkable crystal durability, velvety blue hues and vibrant fancy spectrum of the corundum family in our Sapphire Gemstone Guide.

The Investment Gemstone Set

Renowned globally for their extraordinary market stability, historical prestige and enduring liquidity, Ruby is one of a group of elite gems that represent the pinnacle of fine jewellery portfolio building. Discover the distinctive histories, geological origins and market profiles of other investment-grade gemstones:

Emerald: Explore the legendary, intense green fires of history’s most revered beryl in our Emerald Gemstone Guide.
Natural Coloured Diamonds: Uncover the absolute pinnacle of natural diamond rarity and saturated color in our Natural Coloured Diamonds Gemstone Guide.
Sapphire: Discover the timeless oceanic prestige and ultra-resilient strength of royal blue corundum in our Sapphire Gemstone Guide.
Tanzanite: Learn about the thousand-fold rarity and vibrant trichroic brilliance of Africa’s single-source treasure in our Tanzanite Gemstone Guide.