You are worth far more than rubies

RUBY, THE GEM OF KINGS

My very first ring was one with a tiny little ruby. Ever since I can remember I had a fascination with rings so the little ruby was not the most important reason I wanted the ring. I saw it in the glass-counter of the "Koöperasie winkel" in Keimoes and I nagged my mom for the ring till she relented and bought it for me.

Unfortunately, it was too big for me and there was no jeweller in our town where I could have it sized and I am sorry to say I do not remember what happened to it. I love all gemstones and collected jewellery over the years, some with small rubies. The piece I treasure the most though, is the ruby ring my husband gifted me on our 40th wedding anniversary.

Rubies were traded along China’s silk route as early as 200 BC. Legend has it that the Chinese emperor Kublai Khan offered to exchange a whole city for one large ruby. Chinese noblemen adorned their armour with rubies, believing it would grant them protection. They would even bury rubies in building foundations to secure good fortune.

Ancient Hindus believed that if you offer a ruby to their god Krishna, you will be reborn as a king or an emperor, depending on the size of the ruby. Other myths about this magnificent stone tell of healing powers, that it has an inner fire that could boil water, emits its own light and even has clairvoyant power. So, if you want a gem to increase your wealth, impress your rivals and protect you from harm, the legends point to Ruby!

In Burma, a significant source of rubies since at least 600 AD, warriors believed that rubies made them invincible. This source is almost depleted because Burmese “Pigeon blood” rubies were the most sought-after. Today, rubies are mostly sourced from countries like Afghanistan, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the USA, and Vietnam.

Some antique ruby-jewellery styles

Some modern designs

Rubies are admired in many cultures as symbols of love, passion, commitment, power and courage. In the past, it was seen as the perfect wedding gift, and today it is the birthstone for July as well as the traditional gift for the 40th wedding anniversary.

Colour is the most significant factor affecting a ruby’s value. The finest ruby has a pure, vibrant red to a slightly purplish red colour, but ultimately, the most desirable is the ruby you prefer. Rubies are expected to have some inclusions and the value can also depend on how visible the inclusions are.

Rubies on the red carpet

Ruby was one of the stones on the gem-encrusted ceremonial breastplate of the high priest of Israel. It is mentioned several times in the Bible and was clearly a standard of measurement and comparison:

“… for the price of wisdom is above rubies.” Job 28:18

“She is more precious than rubies…” Proverbs 3:15;

“For wisdom is more precious than rubies…” Proverbs 8:11

“There is gold and rubies, but knowledge is a precious jewel.” Proverbs 20:15

“I will make your fortifications out of rubies, your gates of sparkling stones, and your walls out of precious stones.” Isaiah 54:12

“Her Nazarites were purer than snow … they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire.” Lamentations 4:7

“Aram was your trading partner because of your numerous products. They exchanged turquoise, purple and embroidered cloth, fine linen, coral and rubies for your merchandise.” Ezekiel 27:16

Philosopher Theophrastus (371-287 BC), Sir John Mandeville whose travel memoir circulated between 1357 and 1371 as well as famous gem explorer George Frederick Kunz (1856-1932) are among the earliest to write about the beliefs and myths surrounding rubies.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz” in 2018, famous jeweller Harry Winston created a pair of red slippers set with 4,600 rubies and 50 carats of diamonds. These slippers were sold in May 2000 to David Elkouby and his partners who own memorabilia shops in Hollywood, for 666,000 dollars.

The original red slippers worn by Judy Garland as Dorothy in the movie, were stolen in 2005 from a museum. It was found 13 years later, but nobody was ever arrested for the theft and the whole case is shrouded in mystery.

Rubies of one carat and more are very scarce and are therefore much more expensive, but a small one may just be affordable. Other options are lab-created or simulated rubies if you fancy a bigger stone. Many people are enchanted by this beautiful gem and would love to have one, big or small.

Loving-kindness till we chat again.

Shirley Rose

Sources: www.gemporia.com; www.gemsociety.org; www.gia.edu.org; www.americangemsociety.org; www.withclarity.com; www.thenaturalrubycompany.com; Wikipedia; Pinterest for pictures