Ruby
One of the four precious gemstones — alongside diamond, emerald, and sapphire — the ruby is celebrated for its rich red hue and extraordinary durability. Known as the “king of gems”, it has adorned royalty for centuries.
Gemstone Profile
At a Glance
Colour
The red colour is caused by the elemental mineral chromium — the higher the concentration of chromium, the richer and deeper the colour. The primary tone is red; secondary hues can include orange, pink, and violet.
The most prized rubies display a vivid, saturated red — sometimes described as “pigeon's blood” — with a slightly bluish hue. Stones from Myanmar (Burma) are historically considered the finest, though exceptional rubies are also found in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique.
Durability
Rubies are one of the most durable gemstones — second only to diamond, with a Mohs hardness rating of 9 out of 10. They are highly scratch-resistant and exceptionally suited to everyday jewellery including rings, which experience the most wear.
What to Look For
Ruby Buying Guide
Understanding the five key quality factors will help you select a ruby of exceptional beauty and lasting value.
01
Colour
The most significant quality factor. Seek a vivid, saturated red with minimal secondary hues. The finest stones display the coveted "pigeon's blood" colour.
02
Clarity
Most rubies contain some inclusions — known as "silk" — which are accepted in the trade. Eye-clean stones with minimal visible inclusions command higher value.
03
Cut
A well-proportioned cut maximises brilliance and colour saturation. Oval and cushion shapes are most popular, preserving the most rough material.
04
Size
Fine-quality rubies above 1 carat are rare. Prices increase exponentially with size, especially for stones exhibiting exceptional colour and clarity.
05
Enhancement
Heat treatment is standard practice and widely accepted. Unheated rubies of fine colour are exceptionally rare and command significant premiums.
Symbolism & Occasions
Ruby is the birthstone of July and is traditionally believed to signify inner strength, vitality, and passion. Known as the stone of nobles, rubies have been chosen for centuries to mark significant milestones — from coronation jewels to contemporary engagement and anniversary pieces.
Ruby is the traditional gemstone for 40th wedding anniversaries.
Continue Exploring
Other Precious Gemstones
Commission a Ruby Piece
Our gemstone specialists work with exceptional rubies for bespoke engagement rings, anniversary pieces, and heirloom designs. Every stone is hand-selected for colour, clarity, and character.