- Woodlands Branch | Tel: 012 997 7913
- Kolonnade Branch | Tel: 012 548 8820
Early in May, a Ruby and diamond Harry Winston ring (pictured above) was the top lot at Christie’s jewellery auction in Geneva, selling for $7.1 million! That is more than double its pre-sale estimates.
Coming in a close second at the Magnificent Jewels sale was an unmounted 118.05-carat fancy yellow cushion modified brilliant-cut diamond, which also doubled pre-sale estimates to garner $7 million.
Rubies have become one of the hottest stones in fashion and jewellery design, with these coloured gems being as scarce as they are seductive. Traditionally they have always been one of the “big four” in fine jewels, alongside diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. A Ruby’s hardness is second only to diamond among natural gems, which makes it a superb jewellery stone. Large gem-quality Rubies can also be more valuable than comparably sized diamonds and are certainly rarer, making them the most valuable members of the corundum family. Rubies are one of the most popular gems for good reasons. They are exceptionally durable and one of the few gem species whose color reaches vivid levels. Accurately grading Rubies requires knowing a great deal about them, and there is a great deal to know about them. Furthermore, Ruby is the gemstone to be given on the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
The name Ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means “red”. Early cultures believed that Rubies held the power of life because it resembled the blood that flowed through their veins. Many medieval Europeans wore Rubies to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love. The lush colour also suggests an inextinguishable flame and Rubies are even mentioned in the Bible four times, referred to as the ‘king of precious stones’. In the orient, it is described as “A drop of the heart’s blood of Mother Earth” and symbolises luck, vitality and success.
Although the finest Rubies come from Burma, many beautiful Rubies also come from Thailand, today’s main source for Rubies. Thai Rubies tend to be a little darker in shade, with a red so deep they are almost violet. Rubies also come from India, Tanzania, Madagascar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Kenya, Mexico, Afghanistan, and North Carolina and Pakistan. With such a long and varied history, no wonder the Ruby has acquired such a mystique. 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 Ruby is called blood-red or pigeon blood.
Since Rubies are so hard and durable, they are easy to care for, however it is not recommended to wear a Ruby if you are doing any sort of rough work or are using harsh chemicals. If you take care of your Ruby, it will stay with you, and retain its beauty for many years to come.
Make sure to stop by our Woodlands or Kolonnade branch this July to see our wide selection of Ruby rings and jewellery, including the items as above.
Limited stock available – Prices valid while stock last.