Ruby-July Birthstone

I have just returned from back to back conferences and realized I never made my July birthstone post! So here it is - better late than never.

Ruby-July Birthstone

The crimson red of a fine ruby is like that of an inextinguishable fire. The ancients believed that the rich glowing red of Ruby was an inner fire that could never be put out.
From the dawn of recorded history Rubies have been considered the most valuable of gems. Even today a large fine ruby can be more valuable than a comparable sized diamond. Job is quoted in the bible as saying “The price of wisdom is above rubies”. The desire for rubies has no geographical or social borders, and over the centuries many attributes have been given to rubies. Rubies have been a symbol of passion, freedom, dignity and the power of the divine. The Burmese believed that a Ruby ripened like a piece of fruit. The deeper and richer the red, the riper the ruby was. A flawed ruby was thought to be overripe.

Ruby and sapphire are like fraternal twins. They are both varieties of the mineral species corundum. Corundum occurs in wide range of colors. The red variety of corundum is called ruby, the blue variety is sapphire and all other colors of corundum are known as fancy sapphires. The ideal color of a ruby is a pure red to a slightly purplish red. At what point a ruby becomes to purple (plum sapphire) or pink (pink sapphire) to be classified as a ruby has been an unending controversy. Since both pink and plum sapphire, no matter how beautiful, are worth less than a ruby it is in the interest of gem dealers to have a gem classified as a ruby. The name alone can increase the value of the gem. Both ruby and sapphire are exceptionally hard. Only diamonds hardness exceeds that of ruby and sapphire.

Burma is not only a major source for ruby today it is also know to produce fine quality gems of a clear rich vibrant red. Thailand is also a source though; the rubies are darker and tend to be more brownish than Burmese rubies. Other sources are Sri Lanka, Cambodia, India, Africa and South Carolina.

Rubies are most always heat treated to improve their color. This treatment is very stable. It is possible for a glass like residue (from the heating process) to be left in inclusions that reach to the surface of the gem. This material is not stable, and care should be taken with the gem. Although it is not yet very common it also important to mention a newer enhancement process that artificially improves the surface color of paler rubies by diffusion of beryllium. This process helps make the rich red of ruby more affordable. Because it is a surface treatment however, should the ruby ever need re cutting or polishing the color could change.

Rubies are very durable gems and with a little care their deep red inner fire will glow for years. Rubies are safe for steam and ultrasonic cleaners, they can be cleaned with commercial jewelry cleaner or a mild soap and water along with an old toothbrush to clean the setting as well. Always rinse and dry your jewelry after cleaning.  

David West Nytch CGA  www.westandcompany.com  

Comments

[Goddess Findings]

hi Dave,
Just discovered your blog and really really like it. Many thanks fo rthe great info and links. Speaking of ethically challenged, what do you think about the legislation regarding the importation of rubies from Burma?
Janice

[Eve]

Flux healing is a stable enhancement according to Richard Hughes, former director of AGTA. It's flux-filling that's not stable. Two different process.

Hi Eve,
You are right - thanks for pointing out my oversight. I went back and re read my article and no differentiation was made between flux healing and flux filling.
Dave