Rubies

The summer is here and the weather is getting hotter- July’s birthstone is Ruby. This blood red stone reminds us of stunning holiday sunsets.

Last year we looked at the folklore and mysteries behind Rubies (http://www.gatwardsofhitchin.co.uk/blog/) this year we thought that we would do something different- what to look for when you are buying a ruby.

Rubies are not like Diamonds that have an internationally accepted colour and clarity grading system. The colours are more personal – the best colour is a deep pigeon’s blood red. These are the stones that demand the highest prices. However, Rubies come in all shades of red from the very pale to very dark.

When viewing Rubies with a loupe there might be a few marks within the stone. Perfectly clean stones are very rare and very expensive. Try and go for the stone with the deepest and richest colour and fewer inclusions within it that you can. A good stone will hold its value and will always look stunning. A smaller ruby of better quality is often the better buy than something larger and more included or very pale.

Rubies, as with all gemstones have a mineral base, in the case of Rubies it is the mineral corundum and when found in gem stone quality it is referred to as Ruby or Sapphire (red corundum is always referred to as ruby). The various impurities within the corundum give the colour spectrum from a red-pink to a brownish red. Rubies that are very brown, in colour, have a higher iron content.

Rubies are also very well known as being the traditional gift for 40^th Wedding Anniversaries.  Stereotypically it is the lady who receives a Ruby set piece of jewellery, however we have a range of ruby set jewellery for men.

Have a look at our website (www.gatwardsofhitchin.co.uk)  or visit us in person!