Ruby: “King of Precious Stones”

Throughout most of recorded history, Ruby has been the world’s most valued gemstone.  Even diamond was considered common in comparison to the supreme beauty and value of this glowing red gem. 

Named from the Latin word for its hue, ruber, ruby is the epitome of the boldest of colors: the gem of desire, passion, courage, and emotion.

In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or “king of precious stones.”

In the Bible, only wisdom and virtuous women are “more precious than rubies.”   

Early in the eleventh century, Persian sage al-Biruni was only conveying the popular wisdom of the time when he wrote that ruby has “the first place in color, beauty and rank” among all gems.

Those born in July are lucky to have such a powerful gemstone as its birthstone.  Rubies are prized for their color, durability and rarity.  A member of the mineral family Corundum, which also includes sapphires, Ruby has a hardness of 9 second only to diamonds.  Ruby is also extremely tough. As a result, rubies are the most durable of gems. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.