{"id":351749,"date":"2019-05-10T15:47:42","date_gmt":"2019-05-10T14:47:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/?p=351749"},"modified":"2022-02-05T11:06:25","modified_gmt":"2022-02-05T11:06:25","slug":"the-ajc-guide-to-rubies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.antiquejewellerycompany.com\/the-ajc-guide-to-rubies\/","title":{"rendered":"The AJC Guide to Rubies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Provenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many of the world\u2019s rubies are mined and produced in Thailand, followed closely by Madagascar, Sri Lanka and India. However, Myanmar (formerly Burma) produces some of the finest rubies available. In fact, many of the world\u2019s most spectacular stones come from Mogok, in Myanmar – a legendary \u2018valley of rubies\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"In
In 1886, the British annexed Upper Burma and effectively took control of the Mogok Stone Tract region. The mines were leased to a British firm (Burma Ruby Mines Ltd.) from 1889 to 1931, and they attempted to mechanise operations in order to increase gemstone yields and profitability. Source: Underwood & Underwood at the British Library<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Grading Rubies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

C\ufeffo\ufeffl\ufeffo\ufeffu\ufeffr<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most sought after ruby hue is a deep red with a hint of blue. This gives a purplish overtone, known as \u2018pigeon\u2019s blood\u2019 or \u2018blood red\u2019. A pure, vibrant red is also considered to be very desirable in a ruby.
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\"'Pigeon's
‘Pigeon’s blood’ colour on an Art Deco 18ct White Gold & Platinum, Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Clarity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like diamonds, a clear (or almost clear) ruby is extremely valuable. A lot of the time, a clear ruby is a warning sign that the stone has been treated as inclusions in rubies are common and well tolerated in terms of value. Where the inclusions are easily visible and impact the transparency and brilliance of the stone, the value decreases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A real ruby has clean, sharp cuts and facets. Normally the crown of a ruby is normally brilliant-cut and the pavilion step-cut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rubies over one carat in size are rare and the value shoots up as the size increases. High-quality rubies that weigh over 10 carats can sell for much more than a similar sized diamond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ruby
Ruby rings<\/a> come in a variety of designs<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n


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Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The colour and durability of most modern rubies is enhanced by treating them. Treatments include heat treatment, irradiation and fracture filling. There are strict guidelines in place for disclosing which treatments have been applied, to help identify the rare truly \u2018perfect\u2019 stones which are extremely valuable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Victoria
Victoria Beckham, 2009 in New York City, wearing one of her 14 engagement rings
Credit: Stephen Lovekin\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Synthetic Rubies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rubies that date back to the first half of the 19th century and earlier are the real deal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Garnet doubles – where a piece of garnet is fused with the pink\/red piece of glass to simulate rubies – have been used in jewellery since the 1850s. Look out for them in Victorian jewellery, where they were used to produce less expensive pieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the later part of the century, chemist, Auguste Verneuil, pioneered synthetic \u2018flame-fusion\u2019 rubies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Synthetic
Synthetic rubies were used to decorate this Art Deco Circle Brooch With Cross Motif<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Symbolism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The ruby is the traditional birthstone for July<\/strong>. It also represents a 40th wedding anniversary<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rubies are often said to symbolise power and protection. The bible associates them with beauty and wisdom. According to ancient folklore in India, rubies help the people be at peace with their enemies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whichever you choose to believe, rubies are undoubtedly good eggs!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ruby
Ruby earrings<\/a> make a bold statement<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to Spot a Fake Ruby<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A qualified gemmologist will be able to confirm whether a ruby is real or not, but here are a few tips for telling the real rubies from the fakes yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n