Rubies are among the most treasured and luxurious gemstones in existence. It’s easy to ask what is the meaning behind ruby gemstones?, since they are so mysterious and beautiful. Pretty in pink and rich in reds, rubies cover a huge range of warm-toned gemstones.
Want to know more about their history and meaning? Keep reading.
Ruby Origins
The most expensive rubies largely originate from Burma, and Burmese rubies often cost more than others of similar qualities. Rubies have also been mined in Thailand, Brazil, Australia, and Scotland. Deposits of the ruby variety of corundum were also discovered in Madagascar, Vietnam, and Pakistan in the years following the Second World War.
A very interesting sub-category of rubies is the raspberry pink-red coloured ones only found in Macedonia. Not only do they have a unique colour, but they exemplify the only place in continental Europe where rubies naturally occur. Macedonia respects this unique element of its heritage by featuring rubies on the Republic of North Macedonia’s coat of arms.
How Rubies Are Formed
Rubies are a variant of corundum, the same mineral that creates sapphires. The origin of the word ‘ruby’ is Latin, coming from the word ‘ruber’ meaning red. Rubies and sapphires are different in colour because the chemical element chromium is present in rubies, giving them their luscious hues.
On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, rubies rank at a 9.0. With diamonds ranking at a 10.0, rubies are one of the hardest gemstones on the market. This makes them strong contenders for engagement rings as well as features on other pieces of jewellery like necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Most rubies contain various natural colour impurities and inclusions referred to as ‘silk’, which appear as dark-coloured needles within the gemstone. A marked absence of these impurities in a well-coloured, large gemstone suggest that it has been heat treated, for the express purpose of selling it at a higher price.
Examples sold with certificates from independent gemmologists or recognised organisations such as the International Coloured Gemstone Association [ICGA] are examined thoroughly to ensure that any traced of treatment have been noted, making the price of the gemstone relative to its value.
The Power of Rubies
Rubies have always been held in high esteem in a variety of Asian countries. Largely originating in Asia, rubies have a history of being set into armour, scabbards, and crowns across nations like China and India. In some Hindu circles, it was believed that rubies – when gifted to Krishna – would earn Krishna’s favour, and earn one the title of Emperor in the next life. A slew of ancient Indian buildings had rubies beneath the foundations, the belief being that building above them would guarantee wealth and good fortune for the future.
Perhaps due to their colouring, rubies are often linked to the sun. Through this link, they are associated with preserved health. Rubies have been good for the heart, beneficial to mental health, and foreboding prophetic signs in their long life. Anti-aging solutions also included rubies in the Middle Ages, with the belief being that rubbing them on the skin sparks regenerative properties.
The Symbolism of Rubies
In India, light rubies were symbols of femininity, frequently worn by women, and darker rubies were masculine, worn by men. Thankfully today, gender roles aren’t so strict and all-encompassing, and women can wear the most richly-toned rubies imaginable without repercussions, as men can also sport rubies of all shades.
In 1880s France, the popularity of rubies became directed towards those in love. Red being a colour that has always been related to passion and love, rubies allowed the symbol of love to take physical form. Ruby jewellery became intimately linked with romance, with no setting more perfect than France. Victorian jewellery referred to as REGARDS and DEAREST jewellery both featured rubies. Sometimes called acrostic jewellery, each letter was represented by gemstones with corresponding initial letters, both of the ‘r’s in ‘regards’ and the ‘r’ in ‘dearest’ were represented by rubies.
Rubies have had a long history, and they’re sure to have a long future as well. As well as being the birthstone for July, rubies are the perfect passionate gift, for friends, lovers, and everything in between.
