Ruby

Ruby is one of the most valuable gemstones in the jewellery industry. They are an incredibly durable (9.0 on Mohs scale) variety of the mineral corundum, varying in colour from a pinkish-red to deep crimson. Ruby is in fact the same mineral as sapphire, and sometimes a very light ruby will be called a sapphire.

Ruby is no doubt one of the more brilliant gemstones with its deep red glow and it was in fact known to the Romans as carbunculus, meaning red-hot coal because of its resemblance to fire according to Pliny the Elder. Philippe de Valois wrote in “Lapidaire”, that “the beautiful clear and fine ruby is the lord of stones; it is the gem of gems, and surpasses all other precious stones in virtue” and in Sanskrit ruby is known as ratnaraj, translated as “king of precious stones”, and ratnanâyaka which means “leader of precious stones”.

As for its properties, in a 14th century treatise attributed to Sir John Mandeville it is claimed that the owner of a brilliant Ruby could be assured of a life of peace and tranquillity and they would not have their land, position and reputation taken from them. He also wrote that the wearer of a ruby would be guarded against all perils. To ensure the maximum effect of the ruby the wearer should be set in a ring, bracelet or brooch and be worn on the left side.

The Burmese believed that by embedding a ruby in one’s flesh it would grant invulnerability, thus making soldiers invincible in battle.

The ruby has also been believed to be able to forewarn the bearer of pending danger by changes in its colour, such as commented by Wolfgang Gabelchover in his translation of Andreas Baccii’s “De gemmis et lapidibus pretiosis” from 1603, where he witnessed the ruby in a ring given by his wife change colour, whereupon within a few days unfortunately his wife died from sudden illness. After the danger had passed the ruby would then regain its colour.

It was believed ruby would aide the mental health of the wearer, by removing evil thoughts and resolving disputes.

Ruby is also the birthstone of July, the zodiacal birthstone for Leo, and the 40th wedding anniversary gem.

Historically worn for: peace, tranquillity and protection from peril.