Ruby Guide
Ruby Guide
Learn about ruby gemstones, including ruby meaning, colour, hardness, durability, treatments, birthstone symbolism, care tips and custom ruby jewellery design.
What Is a Ruby?
Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum. Known for its intense colour and excellent durability, ruby is one of the most admired gemstones in fine jewellery.
A Gemstone of Passion
Rubies are prized for their deep red colour, symbolic meaning and long history in royal and romantic jewellery.
Because ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, it is one of the more durable coloured gemstones for rings, earrings, pendants and custom designs.
Ruby Gemstone Facts
Colour
Red, from pinkish red to deep vivid red.
Mineral
Ruby is the red variety of corundum.
Hardness
Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Birthstone
Ruby is the traditional birthstone for July.
Ruby Meaning & Symbolism
Ruby has long been associated with love, passion, courage, confidence and vitality.
| Symbolism | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Love | Ruby’s red colour makes it a powerful symbol of romance, devotion and emotional intensity. |
| Passion | Often chosen for bold jewellery that represents energy and desire. |
| Strength | Ruby is associated with courage, confidence and inner power. |
| Celebration | Ruby is a meaningful choice for July birthdays, anniversaries and custom heirloom jewellery. |
Ruby Colour Guide
Colour is the most important quality factor in ruby. Fine rubies are admired for vivid red colour with strong saturation.
Hue
Ruby should be red. Some stones may show pinkish, purplish or orangey secondary tones.
Tone
A balanced medium to medium-dark tone is often preferred. Too dark may reduce brightness.
Saturation
Strong saturation gives ruby its rich, vibrant and luxurious appearance.
Pigeon Blood Red
This term is often used for highly prized vivid red rubies with exceptional colour quality.
Ruby Clarity
Natural rubies often contain inclusions. The type, size and visibility of inclusions can influence beauty, durability and value.
| Clarity Feature | What It Means | Buyer Note |
|---|---|---|
| Silk Inclusions | Fine needle-like inclusions that may appear inside ruby. | Some silk can soften appearance and may be accepted in natural rubies. |
| Eye-Clean Appearance | The ruby appears clean to the unaided eye. | Usually more desirable and valuable. |
| Surface-Reaching Features | Inclusions or fractures that reach the surface. | May affect durability or indicate treatment. |
Ruby Hardness & Durability
Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the best coloured gemstones for jewellery worn often.
Excellent Hardness
Ruby is highly resistant to scratching compared with many coloured gemstones, making it suitable for rings, earrings and pendants.
Great for Daily Jewellery
Because of its hardness and durability, ruby can be a strong option for engagement rings and meaningful everyday pieces when set securely.
Ruby Treatments
Many rubies are treated to improve colour and clarity. Heat treatment is especially common and widely accepted.
| Treatment | Purpose | Buyer Note |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Treatment | Improves colour and clarity in many rubies. | Common and generally accepted when disclosed. |
| Fracture Filling | Fills surface-reaching fractures to improve appearance. | Requires disclosure and careful care. |
| Untreated Ruby | No known treatment beyond cutting and polishing. | Often rarer and may carry a higher value. |
Ruby vs Sapphire
Ruby and sapphire are both varieties of corundum. The main difference is colour.
| Gemstone | Colour | Hardness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby | Red to pinkish red. | 9 on the Mohs scale. | Romantic jewellery, July birthstones, bold custom designs. |
| Sapphire | Most famous in blue, but available in many colours. | 9 on the Mohs scale. | Classic engagement rings, September birthstones, timeless jewellery. |
Ruby vs Diamond
Ruby and diamond offer very different jewellery personalities. Ruby is loved for colour and symbolism, while diamond is admired for brilliance and unmatched hardness.
| Feature | Ruby | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Red, romantic and expressive. | Usually colourless or fancy coloured. |
| Hardness | 9 on the Mohs scale. | 10 on the Mohs scale. |
| Style | Bold, meaningful and colourful. | Classic, brilliant and timeless. |
| Best Use | Birthstone jewellery, custom rings, statement pieces. | Engagement rings, wedding jewellery and everyday fine jewellery. |
How to Care for Ruby Jewellery
Ruby is durable, but ruby jewellery still needs proper care to protect the gemstone and setting.
Clean Gently
Use mild soap, warm water and a soft brush or cloth.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Keep ruby jewellery away from bleach, chlorine and strong cleaning products.
Store Separately
Store ruby jewellery in a soft pouch to avoid contact with harder stones.
Check Settings
Have rings and frequently worn pieces checked regularly to ensure stones are secure.
Custom Ruby Jewellery
Pear Jewels can create custom ruby jewellery on request, including ruby rings, pendants, earrings and meaningful July birthstone pieces.
Design Around Ruby Red
Whether you love a bold ruby ring, a ruby pendant or a romantic anniversary piece, custom design allows you to choose the gemstone, shape, metal and setting style.
Made for Meaning
Ruby jewellery is ideal for love stories, July birthdays, anniversary gifts and statement pieces designed around passion and strength.
Ruby Guide FAQs
What is ruby?
Ruby is the red variety of corundum and one of the most famous precious gemstones used in fine jewellery.
What does ruby symbolise?
Ruby is commonly associated with love, passion, strength, confidence and vitality.
Is ruby good for everyday rings?
Yes. Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the more durable coloured gemstones for rings and everyday jewellery.
Are rubies treated?
Many rubies are heat treated to improve colour or clarity. Some may also be fracture filled, which should always be disclosed.
Can Pear Jewels make custom ruby jewellery?
Yes. Pear Jewels can create custom ruby jewellery on request, including rings, earrings, pendants and meaningful bespoke designs.
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