Gemstone of the Week: Ruby

Ruby, with its radiant red hue, has long been coveted by individuals throughout history. The deep and lustrous red color of rubies evokes feelings of desire and passion, rendering it one of the most romantic gemstones. As the most valuable variety of corundum, ruby obtains its vibrant color from the presence of trace amounts of chromium.

The concept of birthstones can be traced back to ancient times, where the practice of assigning a specific gemstone to each birth month holds its roots. This tradition is believed to have originated from the Breastplate of Aaron, a sacred garment worn by the High Priest of the Israelites. Over the course of history, different cultures developed their own unique lists of birthstones. The modern standardized list, established in 1912, designates ruby as the birthstone for July. This selection stems from ruby's association with passion, love, and energy, further adding to its allure and significance.

Notably, Burma, now known as Myanmar, has been renowned as the primary source of the world's most prestigious rubies. However, in recent years, sources such as Mozambique and Madagascar have also gained significance in the production of exceptional rubies. These locations have contributed to the availability of exquisite rubies that continue to captivate gem enthusiasts worldwide