Some RUBY facts:
Mineral: Corundum Birefringence: 0.008 to 0.010 Color: Red
Refractive index: 1.762 to 1.770 Chemical composition: Al2O3 Mohs Hardness: 9
Specific gravity: 4.00 (+/- 0.05)
Background
Rubies are made of a mineral called corundum. While corundum can come in many different colors, only red-colored corundum are called Rubies. All other colored corundum are classified as Sapphires. An element called chromium is what gives Rubies their signature red color.
Rubies are the most valuable variety of the corundum mineral species. They can command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone. This makes Rubies one of the most significant gems in the colored stone market.
Originally, the finest rubies were mined in Myanmar (Burma), and have been valued higher than D/Flawless Diamonds. However, in 2008 a fascinating new discovery of Ruby deposit was discovered in the city of Montepuez in the North East region of Mozambique, Africa. Fine quality Mozambique Rubies are now some of the most exquisite Rubies in the world.
One of the main reasons that Burmese Rubies are so valuable is because of their very specific, extremely saturated color, caused by high chromium content in the ground from which they are extracted.
Our family at A. Hakimi & Sons takes pride in being a world leader in fine quality Rubies. We strive to obtain and collect Rubies of the highest quality. We are proud to carry a collection of fine Rubies from Mozambique and Burma, starting at less than 1 carat, up to 20+ carats.
Treatments
There’s a long journey from the Ruby rough in a mine to the polished Ruby in a store. The journey involves a great deal of effort. Countless hours of meticulous labor are spent bringing a fine gem from mine to market.
The most common type of treatment for Rubies is the traditional application of heat. Heating a Ruby in a professional environment, done by experts in the field, can improve the color and clarity of the stones. Heated Rubies are common and widely accepted by most dealers and retailers in the industry.
Unheated Rubies are much scarcer than those that have been heat treated. These miraculous stones are simply cut and polished from the rough without a need for any treatments.
A large untreated or unheated with vivid color and eye clean is nearly priceless. Heated Rubies of fine quality are also rare but are priced much less than those that are unheated.
Glass filling is another treatment often done on Rubies. This treatment is typically done on heavily fractured, low-quality corundum by infusing them with high refractive index glass. Glass-filled Rubies are not durable, valuable, or rare. They can be found in thousands of carats, and even in large sizes for less than $1 per carat. A. Hakimi & Sons does not deal with any glass-filled Rubies.
The treatments a Ruby has undergone will drastically affect its price.
Fun Facts
The name “Ruby” comes from the Latin word “Ruber” or “Rubrum” which means Red.
Rubies are known as “The King of Gemstones” due to their everlasting color and hardness.
They are also known as “The Stone of Love”. Legend has it that in traditional oriental cultures, Rubies were thought to enhance and bring forth good luck and fortune. They are also notably considered to be a sign of luxury and loyalty.
Rubies have been esteemed since ancient times and are mentioned in the Bible as one of the gems used to represent one of the 12 tribes of Israel during Exodus.
Kings and Queens have long enjoyed this rare gem, and rubies are amply represented in royal regalia.
In the first century AD, the Roman scholar Pliny included Rubies in his book ‘The Natural History’, describing their hardness and density.
Ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine Rubies to the god Krishna were granted rebirth as emperors.
Rubies retained their significance with the birth of the western world and became one of the most sought-after gems of European royalty and the upperclassmen. Many medieval Europeans wore Rubies to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, success, and love.
They desire for Rubies is just as great today as it has always been.
Notable Rubies
The Sunrise Ruby and Diamond Ring features a 25.59 carat Burma Ruby, and was sold by Sotheby’s at their May 2015 Geneva auction for over $30 million dollars.
The Graff Ruby Ring holds an 8.62 carat Burma Ruby, and was sold by Sotheby’s at their November 2014 Geneva auction for about $1 million per carat.
The Crimson Flame Ruby carries a 15.04 carat cushion cut Burma ruby, and was sold for over $18 million dollars at the Christies December 2015 Auction in Hong Kong.
The Jubilee Ruby, weighing 15.99 carats, was sold at the Christies 2016 auction in the United States for over $14 million dollars.