Ruby is one of the world’s most renowned and valuable gemstones, a prized variety of the mineral corundum known for its deep red color. For thousands of years, rubies have symbolized power and prestige, adorning royal regalia and treasures of monarchs. Historically significant rubies are featured in the British Imperial Crown and other legendary artifacts, reinforcing their status as one of the most revered gemstones.
A ruby’s origin plays a crucial role in determining its value. The most prized rubies historically come from Myanmar (Burma), where the rare and highly sought-after Pigeon’s Blood color category was first identified. However, Burma’s deposits are nearly exhausted, and high-quality rubies of significant size have become increasingly rare. Today, Mozambique has emerged as the primary source of exceptional rubies, producing stones that rival Burmese rubies in beauty and are highly valued in the global gemstone market.
The most desirable ruby color is the legendary Pigeon’s Blood—a deep, intense red with exceptional brilliance. This color category commands the highest prices due to its rarity and striking visual appeal. Most other rubies exhibit subtle variations, such as purplish or darker red hues, which influence their market value. In addition to color, factors such as cut and clarity significantly affect a ruby’s overall worth.
Most rubies undergo traditional heat treatment to enhance their color and clarity, a widely accepted industry practice. However, untreated rubies are far rarer and, therefore, significantly more valuable. In contrast, rubies that have been subjected to high-temperature lead-glass filling to improve clarity are of much lower quality. These glass-filled rubies, commonly found in mass-market jewelry, exhibit surface cracks and reduced durability, making them far less desirable.
Explore the designs in our section: Jewelry with rubies.
