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The Ruby Gemstone – A Guide

Updated: Jun 8, 2023

Rubies are symbols of passion, protection, and prosperity. The ruby gemstones have been revered since ancient times. Rubies have been particularly prized in Asian countries. Records suggest that rubies were traded along China’s North Silk Road as early as 200 BC. Chinese noblemen adorned their armour with rubies because they believed the gem would grant protection.

Rare Ruby Sico International London
Rare Ruby from Burma Supplied by SICO International

Burma has been a significant ruby source since at least 600 AD. Burmese rubies are still some of the most prized of all ruby gems.

A ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide). Ruby is one of the most popular traditional jewellery gems and is very durable. Ruby is one of the traditional cardinal gems, alongside amethyst, sapphire, emerald, and diamond. The word ruby comes from rubber, Latin for red. The colour of a ruby is due to the element chromium.



The quality of a ruby is determined by its colour, cut, and clarity, which, along with carat weight, affect its value. The brightest and most valuable shade of red called blood-red or pigeon blood, commands a large premium over other rubies of similar quality. After colour follows clarity: similar to diamonds, a clear stone will command a premium, but a ruby without any needle-like rutile inclusions may indicate that the stone has been treated. Ruby is the traditional birthstone for July and is usually pinker than garnet, although some rhodolite garnets have a similar pinkish hue to most rubies. The world’s most valuable ruby to be sold at auction is the Sunrise Ruby.


Our Rubies are mainly from Mozambique and many of them are Natural Rubies from 0.30 cts to very important pieces – up to 15 carat size.


We also carry a few Natural Rubies from BURMA, and also carry some Siam Rubies in our large stock. Many of our Rubies are Certificated by either GRS, Gubelin, SSEF or C.Dunaigre (Swiss) Laboratories.


To view our rubies, click here: https://www.sicointernational.com/rubies/

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