Ruby Rings and Jewelry

Ruby is a precious gem, a natural variation of corundum with chromium (that gives it his red colour) instead of aluminium. It is very similar to sapphire which is also corundum with chromium and other elements. The redder the ruby the more expensive and valuable it is. The best rubies in the world have come from what used to be Burma and it is not Myanmar, although there have not been many good rubies from the area in years. Other exporters of rubies are countries nearby such as Thailand and Cambodia and Pakistan and Afghanistan (they do not always have the bright red colour that characterizes the Burma's deposits). A large deposit has been found under the ice sheet in Greenland. Rubies are often called Oriental rubies to distinguish them from other red gems.

Most rubies like all gemstones are treated to improve their appearance. Some treatments are acceptable others not so much as they will change the appearance of a low quality ruby to make it look more valuable. Heat treatment for instance will improve the rubies' colour while glass filling means filling any gaps a ruby may have with glass lead, therefore rubies that could not be used in jewellery can become acceptable.

There are also synthetic rubies made often mixing purified ammonia alum with chrome alum which produces a synthetic ruby with a pigeon blood red colour which is considered to be the best colour in a ruby. There are other ways to make synthetic rubies, Imitation rubies are also widespread they might be garnets or worse just glass.

Ruby, the hardest gem after diamond, is still a very much valuable and sought after gem for any type of jewelry, accidentally it is the birthstone for someone born in the month of July, which is something to consider if you want to buy them a present that they will cherish forever. As good quality ruby with a good transparency is relatively rare expect to pay a considerable amount for it. 

Ruby rings are quite fashionable these days as engagement rings as the red colour represents passion, they might also have a combination of small diamonds and rubies. The problem of rings unlike other types of jewelry is that people tend to wear them on a daily basis and rubies, although they are hard gems, can get damaged by soaps, detergents and other chemicals that we use daily and we reckon to be safe.

Buying artificial rubies can be an option for rings that you intend to wear a lot, these rubies look very good and have the brightest red colour ever. If you are looking for something real and valuable always go to a reputable jeweller who deals and have expertise in precious gems.