The Essential Guide to Ruby Jewelry: Features and Care Tips

Table of Contents
  • The Characteristics of Ruby
    • Misunderstood Identity
    • Ruby’s Stunning Colours
    • Exceptional Hardness
    • Stability and Heat Resistance
  • How to Care for Your Ruby Jewelry
    • Daily Handling and Storage
    • Cleaning Ruby Jewelry
    • ★Preserving the Beauty of Ruby and Sapphire Jewelry

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Ruby is one of the world's five most precious gemstones, celebrated for its captivating, fiery red hue. Across centuries and cultures, it has been regarded as a symbol of love, vitality, and passion. Mentioned in the Bible as the most precious of all gemstones, rubies are believed to bring hope, courage, and the strength to achieve great success.

Legends say a ruby grants power and resilience to its owner, while for women, it is a symbol of beautiful love, wealth, and endless possibilities. This timeless gem continues to inspire and captivate, embodying the energy to overcome challenges and embrace a brighter future.

The Characteristics of Ruby

Misunderstood Identity

While many believe that any red gemstone qualifies as a ruby, this is far from the truth. In gemology, only red corundum can be called a ruby. Corundum is a mineral composed primarily of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃), and trace elements within it give rise to different colours—blue sapphires, pink sapphires, or colourless varieties. However, when corundum takes on a red hue, it becomes the gemstone we know as ruby.

Other red gemstones, such as spinel, garnet, and tourmaline, are often mistaken for rubies due to their similar appearance. However, these stones lack the unique combination of chemical composition, brilliance, and durability that defines a true ruby. It is this distinction that gives ruby its unmatched value and status as one of the world’s most precious gems.

Ruby’s Stunning Colours

Rubies are celebrated for their rich red hues, but the shades of red can vary dramatically. From soft pinkish tones to deep, vivid crimson, the colour of a ruby depends on the concentration of chromium within the stone. The more chromium present, the deeper and more intense the red becomes.

Among all shades, the most prized and sought-after is “pigeon blood red”. This vibrant, pure red with slight hints of blue reflects the ultimate beauty of a ruby and commands the highest value. Each ruby’s colour is unique, making it not just a gem but a one-of-a-kind treasure. It’s no surprise that this fiery spectrum of reds has come to symbolize passion, vitality, and strength throughout history.

Exceptional Hardness

Ruby’s exceptional durability makes it a gemstone built to last. Ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, rubies are second only to diamonds in terms of natural hardness. This resilience allows ruby jewelry to withstand scratches and daily wear without losing its brilliance.

However, despite their strength, rubies are not indestructible. Their crystalline structure, while hard, can still chip or crack when subjected to sharp impacts. For this reason, it’s important to handle ruby jewelry with care—ensuring its beauty and integrity are preserved for generations.

Stability and Heat Resistance

One of ruby’s most remarkable traits is its chemical stability. Unlike many gemstones, rubies resist oxidation, corrosion, and exposure to acidic or alkaline substances. This inherent stability means rubies maintain their brilliance over time, unaffected by environmental factors that can dull other stones.

Even under extreme heat, rubies remain unchanged. While diamonds begin to vaporize at temperatures around 800°C, rubies can endure temperatures as high as 2000°C without melting or losing their form. This extraordinary heat resistance highlights ruby’s enduring nature, symbolizing resilience and strength.


How to Care for Your Ruby Jewelry

Daily Handling and Storage

  • Avoid impact or scratches: Although rubies are hard, they are still brittle and can chip or crack upon forceful impact.
  • Store carefully: Keep ruby jewelry separate from diamonds or other hard gemstones to prevent surface scratches. Use soft pouches or individual compartments.
  • Avoid chemicals: Do not expose rubies to acidic or alkaline substances, as these can damage the metal settings.

Cleaning Ruby Jewelry

Hand Cleaning
  • Prepare a bowl of warm water with a mild detergent.
  • Use a soft brush or cloth to gently clean the ruby surface.
  • Rinse thoroughly, pat dry with a soft cloth, and let it air dry naturally.
  • Caution: Do not hand-clean dyed or bonded rubies, as the cleaning solution can dissolve the dyes or adhesives.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
  • This method uses high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt and oil.
  • While most rubies can handle ultrasonic cleaning, avoid it for rubies with significant internal fractures, as they may crack under pressure.

 

★Preserving the Beauty of Ruby and Sapphire Jewelry

  • Regularly inspect clasps, prongs, and stringing to ensure gemstones remain secure.
  • Remove ruby jewelry before exercising, swimming, or engaging in activities that could cause impact.
  • Clean ruby jewelry periodically to maintain its shine, as natural oils and dirt can dull its appearance over time.

 

Ruby is more than a gemstone; it is a symbol of hope, courage, and possibilities. With its unmatched beauty, enduring strength, and historical significance, ruby jewelry empowers the wearer to embrace their dreams and overcome challenges with grace.

"Wear the energy that resonates with you, and light up the world with your brilliance."

Minerva Jewelry

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