Ruby Rings

Rubies, with their blood-red appearance, are believed to have offered the most extraordinary abilities over the centuries. In Burma (now Myanmar), where rubies have been found since at least 600 A.D., warriors wore these gems because they thought they would make them invincible in battle. Hindis also believed that those offering rubies to the god Krishna would be reborn as emperors. In Sanskrit, one of the words for rubies is "Ratnaraj," which means "king of precious stones."

Quality & Color

Rubies are part of what is referred to as the "Big Three." Together, with emeralds and sapphires, they form the most highly regarded colored gemstones with prices that, for good quality stones, can even rival that of diamonds.

The highest quality rubies are a deep, vibrant red. A ruby is a type of corundum, just like sapphires, and the difference in color is the only actual distinction between rubies and sapphires. Stones that show more pink or purple are therefore not sold as rubies, but as pink or purple sapphires.

Quick Facts

• Rubies are the birthstone for July in the U.S.
• The finest rubies are still found in Myanmar
• Second to diamonds, rubies are one of the hardest gemstones available, making ruby rings, bracelets, and other types of ruby jewelry more ideal