Ruby - The King of Gems
Ruby is a blood-red colored gem that belongs to the corundum family of gemstones. Its captivating red color and exceptional beauty place it at the forefront of luxury and lore. As one of the four precious gemstones, alongside sapphire, emerald, and diamond, the ruby holds profound significance in the world of fine jewelry and gemology.
The name "ruby" originates from the Latin word ‘ruber’, meaning ‘red’. In Sanskrit, Ruby is referred to as ‘ratnaraj’, which translates to ‘the king of gems’, and later as ‘ratnanayaka’, meaning ‘leader of all precious stones’.
Radiating with a pure and vibrant red, unmatched by any other gemstone, the ruby exhibits a strong red fluorescence when exposed to sunlight. This intensifies the stone's color, giving it a glowing red appearance.
Uses
Rubies rank among the rarest and most valuable gemstones available in the market. They find extensive use in jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, engagement rings, and earrings. Their versatility is remarkable, allowing them to shine as pendants' centerpieces, as well as in wedding rings, either as the primary gem or in conjunction with other stones like diamonds, adding depth and contrast to the composition.
History and Legends
Throughout history, various cultures have attributed symbolic significance to the fiery red hue of the ruby. In ancient cultures, the ruby's red color was seen as a representation of heat and sunlight, often making it a protective charm to enhance wearers' peace of mind. Today, the ruby is commonly associated with love, passion, and romance due to its bright red hue, making it an ideal choice for anniversary gifts symbolizing everlasting love.
Furthermore, Ruby is often associated with wisdom and knowledge, earning it the moniker "stone of nobility." Thus, ruby is perfect for both couple rings and engagement rings. Its fiery brilliance ignites feelings of ardor and desire, particularly popular among young women. A ruby in a wedding ring symbolizes eternal love.
Quality and Durability
Rubies' quality is evaluated using the same four criteria as diamonds. However, the gemstone's color is its most significant quality factor, with Burmese rubies often considered of the highest quality.
Ruby ranks at 9 on the Mohs Hardness scale, second only to diamonds. This exceptional hardness makes ruby extremely durable and suitable for everyday wear.
Summary
In conclusion, the title "The King of Gems" bestowed upon the ruby is not only due to its exceptional color and beauty but also a testament to its historical significance and the legends that envelop it. From its origins in ancient cultures to its modern embodiment of love and passion, the ruby has always been a gemstone that captivates hearts. Its vibrant red hues and radiant fluorescence ensure that the ruby will forever hold its place as a gemstone of unparalleled majesty and allure.
