Throughout history, rubies have occupied a revered status, celebrated for their captivating deep red hue and scarcity. These gemstones have been held in high regard across various ancient civilizations, symbolizing power, wealth, and intense emotion. In cultures from India to Burma (now Myanmar), rubies were seen as the most esteemed of gems, attributed with protective qualities and the essence of life and vigor, thanks to their vibrant, blood-like color. Royalty and the upper echelons wore rubies as emblems of unbeatable might and robustness. In medieval Europe, the nobility cherished rubies, incorporating them into the regalia and crowns of monarchs as emblems of bravery and allure. Moreover, rubies marked a milestone in the scientific exploration of gemstones, being among the initial gems synthesized in labs, which propelled forward the field of gemology. Beyond their opulence and prestige, rubies have weaved through various cultural and historical narratives, securing their status as one of the most pivotal gemstones in history.
The signature red of a ruby, a corundum gem, comes from chromium integration. The intensity of its redness correlates with the amount of chromium present, while occasional traces of manganese and iron can give it an orangish tint. In the realm of gemology, rubies are exclusively recognized for their red color. Yet, in the context of laser technology, "laser ruby" refers specifically to pink chromium-infused corundum, distinguishing it from pink titanium-infused sapphire.
Our assortment boasts an extensive selection of ruby items, encompassing historic gems like the early 20th-century Djeva flame fusion rubies, the "Star Wars" Laser Ruby by Union Carbide, rubies crafted using the Kyropoulos technique, and a choice of Chatham flux-grown ruby varieties.
A remarkable feature shared by all rubies is their uniform red fluorescence when exposed to UV and blue light, a testament to their unique chemical makeup.