Red is the color of love and rubies have been a staple of jewelry with their fascinating red hues. The name ‘ruby’ was derived from the Latin word ‘rubens,’ meaning ‘red. A variety of the mineral corundum, ruby is the ‘king of gemstones.’

Some rubies have a silky shine, which is a result of fine needles of rutiles. Ceylon rubies are a prized possession and not abundantly found these days, which is why most of these gems are sourced from Northern Pakistan in the Hunza Valley, Kashmir, Tadjhikistan, Laos, Nepal, Afghanistan, India and East Africa. Occasionally, star rubies are discovered while mining and these are quite rare and precious.

Notably, the Mogok mines in Burma are home to some of the world’s best rubies in ‘pigeon blood’ color, which display a slightly bluish hint. “Pigeon blood’ is a coveted color for rubies sourced from this region, though not all gems mined here are always of the highest quality. African rubies from Gemfields’ Mozambican mines have resulted in some splendid jewelry. The gems vary in color ranging from brownish-red to orangey-red, and purplish-red to pinkish red.

An important factor to note is the richness of color and transparency that add to the value of the stone. Additionally, a perfect cut is key to bringing out the beauty of the ruby.

Fai Dee is famed for its Burmese rubies and has some exceptional pieces in store. Cartier and Graff have exemplary collections set in rubies and often those with provenance can be bought at auctions, while Bayco, David Morris, Chaumet, Chopard, Dior, G London, Harry Winston, Orlov, Piaget and Omi Privé, among others, set them into stunning jewelry just waiting to be worn.

Smitha Sadanandan