Rubies

What is a Ruby?

Ruby is a precious gemstone, one of the four considered in the highest category, and is a subclass of the parent mineral, corundum. While corundum comes in a wide range of colors, it is only classified as a ruby if the dominant color is red — all other shades are considered sapphires.
Because rubies exist in shades ranging from pink to deep red, gemologists have long debated where to draw the line between ruby and pink sapphire. Although still occasionally disputed today, most major gemology laboratories now have clearer criteria to separate the two.
Known as Ratnaraj or the "King of Precious Stones" in ancient Sanskrit, ruby has been treasured since antiquity and can command the highest per-carat prices among all gemstones.

Where are Rubies from?

Natural rubies are mined from deposits across the world, including Thailand, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, India, Namibia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Myanmar (Burma), among others.

Each source delivers a wide range of ruby quality, and origin alone is not a guarantee of excellence. For instance, the famed "Burmese Pigeon Blood Ruby" label refers to only a small, elite fraction of rubies from Myanmar. In reality, very few fine rubies have been uncovered from Burma in recent years.

Today, Mozambique has become the largest and most important source for gem-quality rubies, producing stones that rival even historic Burmese material.

Rough rubies

What's in a Name?
The word ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning red — the color most closely associated with love, courage, and vitality throughout history.

different hue rubies

Two rubies with the same hue but different tones

Ruby Color Components

Rubies are celebrated for their rich, translucent color. At Golden Eiffel, we meticulously inspect every ruby to ensure an even, vibrant appearance with minimal color zoning, spotting, or banding. In our evaluations, we focus on three core elements: hue, tone, and saturation.

Hue
Hue defines the dominant color of the ruby — which must be red — and any noticeable secondary colors. For example, rubies may appear pink-red, orange-red, or brownish-red. In gemology, the secondary color is mentioned first, followed by the primary color (e.g., "pinkish-red").

Tone
Tone describes the lightness or darkness of the color. For instance, two rubies might both have a red hue, but one could be a bright, lively red while the other a deeper "pigeon’s blood" red. The difference in depth is tone.

Saturation
Saturation measures the purity and vividness of the color. A highly saturated ruby will have a rich, intense red without brown, gray, or muted tones. "Vivid" is the highest grade of saturation, reserved for rubies with the purest and most vibrant color.

At Golden Eiffel, our standards ensure we offer rubies with hues ranging from pinkish-red to orangish-red, strong to vivid saturation, and medium to dark tones.

A Stone of Legends
Ancient Burmese warriors believed rubies made them invincible in battle. Some even inserted rubies under their skin to harness their supposed magical powers!

Unlocking Ruby's Brilliance

Clarity

Clarity in rubies is evaluated quite differently compared to diamonds. Since corundum forms in mineral-rich environments, rubies — more so than sapphires — often contain naturally occurring inclusions such as needles, crystals, and naturals. The intense color of rubies can help conceal minor inclusions, but flawless rubies essentially do not exist.

As a result, gemologists and jewelers expect rubies to have some inclusions. Rubies that appear free of inclusions to the naked eye, termed "eye-clean," are highly prized and command significant premiums. In contrast, rubies with visible inclusions, especially those affecting transparency or durability, are valued much lower.

At Golden Eiffel, we hand-select rubies that are free from prominent flaws, prioritizing stones that are close to eye-clean for maximum beauty and value.

Cut

Cut plays a vital role in revealing a ruby’s true beauty. Unlike diamonds, there is no standardized "ideal cut" for rubies, as each stone's color components, clarity characteristics, and transparency levels are unique.

A skilled cutter evaluates each ruby individually, tailoring the cut to enhance its best attributes. For example, lighter-colored rubies may be cut deeper to intensify their tone, while darker stones may be cut shallower to brighten their appearance.

Cutters also aim to minimize visible clarity characteristics, improve transparency, and orient the gemstone to showcase the most even, vivid color face-up. A well-cut ruby should exhibit a rich, even color and a lively brilliance, while preserving as much carat weight as possible to retain value.

Transparency

Transparency measures how easily light can pass through a ruby.

Gemologists often assess transparency by shining a light through the pavilion of the gemstone; highly transparent rubies will appear luminous and clear, while less transparent ones may seem cloudy and hinder light transmission.

Excellent transparency is a hallmark of an exceptional ruby, significantly enhancing its salience and visual appeal.

A Rarity Beyond Diamonds
Fine-quality rubies are actually rarer than diamonds, especially in sizes over one carat. This rarity, combined with their fiery glow, has made rubies a symbol of wealth and power across civilizations.

Why Rubies?

Value

Rubies are often a more attainable alternative to red diamonds, which are extremely rare and costly. This relative affordability allows for larger center stones without sacrificing quality. Furthermore, high-quality rubies over one carat have shown consistent price growth over the years, driven by their rarity, beauty, and strong market demand.

Individuality

Known as the "king of precious stones," ruby is revered for its fiery red color symbolizing love, passion, courage, and power. Its strong emotional resonance makes ruby jewelry deeply personal and unique, helping the wearer stand out with distinction.

Additionally, as the birthstone for July, rubies hold further sentimental significance, making them an exceptional and meaningful alternative for engagement rings.

Durability

Rubies are among the most durable gemstones, rated 9 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, just below diamonds. This exceptional hardness makes rubies highly resistant to scratching, chipping, and breaking, allowing for confident everyday wear.

They are also resilient against heat, light, and common chemicals like perfumes, making them a practical yet luxurious choice for frequent use.

Are rubies a good choice for engagement rings?

Absolutely! Rubies are a fantastic alternative to diamonds for engagement rings. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are exceptionally durable for daily wear. Their rich red color symbolizes love, passion, and vitality — making them a meaningful and striking choice for couples who want something both timeless and unique.

What is a "Pigeon Blood" ruby?

"Pigeon Blood" refers to a specific, highly prized ruby color — a deep, vibrant red with a hint of blue. It’s the most sought-after ruby shade, historically associated with stones from Myanmar (Burma), although exceptional examples can also be found from other regions like Mozambique.

Where do the best rubies come from?

Traditionally, the finest rubies came from Myanmar (Burma). However, today Mozambique has become a major source of world-class rubies. It's important to remember that the origin is secondary to the gemstone's actual beauty — a stunning ruby can come from many parts of the world.

Are rubies treated?

Most rubies on the market today are heat-treated to improve their color and clarity — a practice accepted by the gemstone industry. Untreated rubies with beautiful natural color are extremely rare and often command much higher prices. At Golden Eiffel, we clearly disclose any treatments and carefully curate our rubies for natural beauty and quality.

How should i care for for ruby jewelry?

Rubies are relatively low-maintenance. You can clean them at home with mild soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, and when not wearing your ruby jewelry, store it separately to prevent scratches from harder materials like diamonds.

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