Ruby

The value of a ruby ​​(and many other gemstones) is determined by several different factors. These are: the gemstone's weight (carat), its color (color), its clarity (clarity), and its cut (cut). These four factors together are also called the "four Cs." This system is also used for other high-quality gemstones, such as diamonds. With rubies, the most intense red color has the highest value. Softer or duller reds, or more orange or brown hues, are less valuable. The most beautiful red in a ruby ​​is also called "pigeon blood" rubies. This color is extremely rare; the purest ruby ​​consists of only eighty percent pure red. In addition to the "four Cs," the gemstone's location also determines its value.

Red, the color of love and strength
Ruby has another name: Ratnaraj. This means "king of gemstones" in Sanskrit, the language spoken in India. For centuries, rubies have been considered one of the most powerful gemstones. Thanks to their red color, rubies symbolize love, passion, strength, and courage. Traditionally, people believed that rubies had strong healing or curative powers. This is one of the reasons why Greek and Roman soldiers, for example, incorporated rubies into their swords and shields. In the Middle Ages, people believed that a ruby's color darkened when disaster was approaching. In the Bible, rubies were associated with prosperity and ostentation. Therefore, various priests wore rubies on their clothing. Furthermore, rubies were considered the gemstone of the sun; they were said to ignite the fire in your heart. Indians believed this would ensure a long and happy life. Ruby is closely associated with the heart and is therefore very beneficial for good circulation. In addition, a ruby ​​can enhance libido and promote fertility and happiness. For adornment, some belly dancers wear rubies in their navels to evoke feelings of lust and enthusiasm. In Burma, where most rubies originate, rubies were widely worn because people believed they protected against illness and injury. Rubies are drops of blood from the heart of Mother Earth and therefore have a very powerful effect. For people who are easily overstimulated, this effect can even be perceived as too intense.

Modern royals naturally have a vast array of jewelry, passed down through their families for centuries. A large portion of these royal pieces incorporate rubies. Queen Elizabeth II, in particular, is a lover of jewelry featuring beautiful red stones. In 1964, her parents gave her a rather elaborate ruby-studded necklace as a wedding gift. Given its size, it wasn't a necklace she wore very often. That's why she added a necklace to her collection a few years later. You may have heard of the baring ruby ​​necklace. This beautiful necklace consists of 28 individual rubies, all smoothly cut. The three largest pendants were likely originally intended as earrings. Queen Elizabeth wore this necklace several times with various tiaras featuring the same gemstone, such as the Burmese ruby ​​tiara or the Oriental circlet.

Besides the Queen of England, the Queen of Belgium also has a special bond with rubies. This beautiful stone was set in the engagement ring she received from her husband, Prince Philippe, in 1999.

Last but not least, our own Queen Máxima even has jewelry sets in which all the accompanying jewels contain at least one ruby. This set is called the mellerio parure (parure means set) and consists of a tiara, a necklace, a bracelet, a brooch, earrings, and a fan. The set was made in 1889 and was for Queen Emma. It was designed by Oscar Masin. Another set is the peacocktail parure. This set was designed in 1887 by jeweler Schurmann. It consists of a tiara, a necklace, and a brooch. The rubies in this set actually belonged to Princess Sophie. The jewelry from these sets has often been combined by previous princesses. Yet, the difference is clearly visible; the stones from the peacocktail parure have more pink tones, while the mellerio parure contains more deep red gemstones.

To make your ruby ​​sparkle, clean it best with lukewarm water and mild soap. Use a soft brush to gently clean. Then rinse thoroughly and dry gently with a lint-free cloth. Rubies are sturdy, but treat them with care.

Shop your favorite jewelry with ruby ​​gemstones here!