Ruby

The name ruby comes from Latin ‘Ruber’ meaning red. Ruby has many names in Sanskrit, and the most significant of them are ‘ratnaraj’ meaning ‘king of precious gemstones’, and ‘padmaraga’ that means ‘red as a lotus’. 

In the 19th century French book “Lapidaire en Vers” it says “by Christ’s command the ruby was placed on Aaron’s neck, the ruby, called the lord of gems; the highly prized, the dearly loved ruby, so fair with its gay color.” Pliny, Roman military chief and philosopher, thought that ruby was of igneous origin and that they were created by a fire from heaven or, in other words, lightning strikes. Even in Germany the stone was called ‘Donnerkeil’ meaning ‘thunderbolt’.

Ruby is a variety of corundum mineral. In other words, it is a variety of sapphire though in the US this gem can be called a ruby if a certain color saturation is achieved.

In ancient times Burma was the primary supplier of rubies and large gemstones were a monopoly of the Burmese Crown. The king was called ‘Lord of the Rubies’ and he made it compulsory for the miners to surrender large gems to the crown.

It has been long believed that, if worn as a birthstone, ruby has influence to reconcile disagreements for separated friends or lovers and strengthen ties between them. Ruby was regarded as a gem bringing health to the wearer and improving their mental state. The birthstone ruby was also expected to bring safety and luck.

In ancient China it was used as a cure from grief, evil thoughts and conflicts. Egyptians highly regarded the gem and used rubies to represent Uraeus, the serpent in the scepters of the Pharoahs.

Ruby was also considered to be the symbol of devotion and thus permitted in the rings of bishops. The devotion it was fostering was the one that made it possible to approach god with head up and not like a slave.

Persians regarded ruby birthstone as a symbol of dignity, charity and divine power. In Burma ruby represented the last reincarnation stage that preceded divinity. The bithstone signified life and happiness. In the Hindu culture ruby was one of the gems in the magical necklace of Vishnu, one of the most important holy gods and the member of holy trinity in Hinduism.

Dreams of rubies were believed to have indicated success in business ventures and professional development.

Ruby birthstone was considered more fortunate if worn on the left side of the body. Star ruby was accepted as a symbol of love, friendship and constancy.

English king Henry VIII wore the ‘Régale of France’ ruby to achieve victory, remove obstacles and reveal hidden places of stolen treasure. The gemstone is emblematic of material love, power, passion, affection, and majesty.

The great explorer Marco Polo wrote about a magnificent ruby that was in possession of the king of Ceylon,” The finest and biggest in the world. It is about a palm in length and as thick as a man’s arm: to look at, it is the most resplendent object upon earth: it is quite free from flaw and is as red as fire. Its value is so great that a price for it in money could not be named”.

Historically, Burma and Sri Lanka have been the center of Ruby mining. Nowadays this gem is found in various parts of the world like Scotland, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Tanzania and other countries.

Just like any other major birthstone, there are famous ruby stones that have their own names. Sunrise Ruby being the most expensive of those fetching $30 million at an auction in 2015. Discovered in East Africa, Liberty Bell was the largest mined ruby to date, and it was stolen in a heist in 2011. 

Elizabeth Taylor ruby and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels ring with a magnificent 8 carat ruby set a record price per carat when it sold at a 2011 auction for $4.2 million. The ring was originally a present from Richard Burton for 1968 Christmas. 

Ruby is a gem of the 40th wedding anniversary. It is often used in championship rings. For example, Toronto Raptors championship rings contained 17 rubies. 

Ruby is an insanely popular birthstone with a huge number of celebrities who wore it and occasions it was used for. Emily Blunt, Penelope Cruz, Naomi Watts, Jessica Simpson, Scarlett Johansson and on and on. Sometimes it seems to be easier to mention those who did not wear rubies.