Introduction
One of the oldest and highly demanded gemstones are rubies. The deep hue of the blood-red ruby, as well as its scintillating relationship with love, light and fortune have won over the heart and soul of women everywhere. Representing passion, power and wealth, dark red ruby gemstones have been desired across time, from ancient civilizations to modern high society.
The Beginnings and Background of Rubies
Rubies into which chromium impurities have been incorporated are a corundum and this produces the vivid red color in them. For approximately the past 1,000 years, these most colorful of all gems have come from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). Pigeon’s blood is a rich crimson bordering on violet and considered to be mineable only in Myanmar.
Other ruby sources have emerged, such as Madagascar, and Thailand, Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, dark red ruby gemstone is still the king when it comes to the color and value. Historically, rubies have been worn by kings, queens, and emperors for their believed protection and healing qualities.
Features of Dark Red Ruby Gemstones
Color and Clarity
The color of a ruby is the most important to its value. The perfect dark red ruby gemstone should have a vivid deep red color, but not be so dark that the gem lacks sparkle. Color should be consistent in saturation and intensity throughout the stone.
Ruby clarity is also an important factor that affects the gemstone’s quality. Most rubies do have inclusions, but if they are fewer and less visible the ruby is worth more. Nonetheless, dark red ruby gemstone containing inclusions can often be very valuable in particular simply because of its color.
Cut and Carat Weight
A ruby is cut crown-down, and this ultimately determines the brilliance of the ruby. A cut ruby, when well-crafted, will show off brilliant play of light throughout the gemstone. These are the most common cuts for ruby (the oval, cushion and round), but in larger stones emerald cuts are also very popular.
Ruby carat weight affects how much they cost bigger dark red ruby gemstones are highly unusual with the value taking off quickly as size upswings. Since larger rubies are rarer, a 2-carat ruby of equal cut quality and color is going to be much more valuable than smaller stones.
Hardness and Durability
They are extremely hardy, and come up to a 9/10 on the Mohs scale of hardness which is one of the toughest gemstones. This makes it a safe inclusion for designing everyday adornments like rings and necklaces. This resilience is also why they have been highly regarded for millennia, often collecting in the courts of royalty.
How to Care for your Dark Red Ruby Gemstones
Cleaning and Maintenance
There are a couple of factors to consider when you want to maintain the glister and glossiness of your deep red ruby gemstone for generations. The ruby should be cleaned only by brushing it gently with a mild soap solution to remove any dirt and contaminants. Never use chemicals or scrubbing pads as this will harm the gemstone and setting. If cleaned the first time, thoroughly rinse with clear water and dry your stone carefully using a soft cloth.
Storing Rubies
Rubies should be stored separately because they can easily scratch other gemstones. Rubies are a 9 on the scale, but they can still be scratched by diamonds, like with all stones! Try and keep your ruby jewelry in a soft bag or in an empty compartment of your jewelry box where it won’t touch other things that can scratch it.
Investment Potential of Dark Red Rubies
High quality dark red ruby gemstones, particularly of Burmese origin, have shown consistent price appreciation over the decades. High-quality rubies are even more unique and desirable, making them an attractive option as a collector investment. Depending on their quality, color and clarity, some rubies above 5 carats can be sold at very high prices in auctions or private sales. While rubies may be popular with investors looking to add some diversification to their portfolios, the stones should also be considered as a real asset instead of financial derivative.
Ethical Sourcing of Dark Red Rubies
Ruby ethical implications Ruby mining has long been a subject of heated debate and with the rising tide of ethical practice in supply chains, customers are increasingly seeking responsibly sourced rubies. You can now shop for rubies from many jewelers that are guaranteed to be conflict-free, meaning they were sourced using ethical mining practices and respect for human rights and the environment.
Conclusion
The solid, dark red ruby gemstone to this day holds its undeniable and iconic status as the stone of romance and the wealthy. No matter what shape in which they are cut; whether used as a centerpiece on an engagement ring or showcased in necklaces, rubies are arrested with their rich history; fulgurous color and versatility. Knowing the special characteristics of these gemstones, from the locations where they come from to their symbolism eases buyers ability to appreciate that beautiful and valuable piece forever.