A Stone That Predates the Diamond Era
Rubies were discovered, prized, and traded by humans long before diamonds ever were. While both stones are ancient, diamonds in the rough are dull and opaque — without advanced cutting technology, their brilliance couldn't be unlocked. Diamond cutting didn't become sophisticated until the 15th century in Europe. Rubies, by contrast, were immediately beautiful. A ruby out of the ground is already vivid and magnetic. Ancient civilizations in India, Burma, and China were trading them as far back as 200 BC along the Silk Road — centuries before anyone thought to put a diamond in a ring. [GIA: Ruby History & Lore]
Rubies have captivated humans for thousands of years — and honestly, it's not hard to see why. That deep, saturated red. The way they catch the light. The fact that ancient warriors believed rubies made them invincible in battle. (We can't confirm that last one, but we love the energy.)
Whether you're a longtime ruby devotee or just starting to explore colored gemstones, here's everything you need to know about the stone that's been called the "King of Gems" — and a few of our favorite ways to wear one.
What Makes a Ruby a Ruby?
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide) — the same family as sapphires. What sets them apart is chromium, the element responsible for their iconic red color. The more chromium, the deeper and more vivid the red. The finest rubies display what's known as "pigeon's blood" red: a pure, intense crimson with a hint of blue. [GIA]
Rubies score a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them one of the hardest gemstones in the world — only diamonds are harder. [GIA] That means they're not just beautiful — they're built to last a lifetime.
Where Do Rubies Come From?
The most prized rubies in the world come from Myanmar (Burma), where the Mogok Valley has been producing exceptional stones for centuries. Burmese rubies are known for their exceptional fluorescence — they practically glow in sunlight. [GIA]
Other notable sources include:
- Mozambique — producing vibrant, high-quality rubies that rival Burmese stones
- Thailand — known for darker, more brownish-red rubies
- Sri Lanka — lighter pinkish-red stones, sometimes called "pink rubies"
- Madagascar — an increasingly important source of fine rubies
Ruby Symbolism: More Than Just a Pretty Stone
Rubies have been associated with passion, protection, and prosperity across cultures for millennia. In Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj — "king of precious stones." [GIA: Ruby History & Lore] In medieval Europe, rubies were believed to protect their wearers from evil. In modern times, they're the birthstone for July and the traditional gift for 40th wedding anniversaries. [GIA: July Birthstone]
If you're looking for a gemstone with meaning, ruby delivers.
How to Choose a Ruby
Like all colored gemstones, rubies are evaluated on the four Cs — but color is by far the most important factor: [GIA]
- Color: The most valuable rubies are vivid, pure red with medium-dark tone. Avoid stones that are too dark (they look black in low light) or too light (they read as pink sapphire).
- Clarity: Rubies almost always have inclusions — that's normal and expected. A ruby with no inclusions is actually suspicious. Look for stones where inclusions don't affect the overall beauty.
- Cut: A well-cut ruby maximizes color saturation and brilliance. Oval and cushion cuts are most common.
- Carat: Fine rubies above 1ct are rare and command significant premiums. Large, high-quality rubies are rarer than comparable diamonds.
Shop Our Ruby Collection
Ready to add some red to your life? Here are a few of our favorites:
- Art Deco Ruby, Diamond, and Onyx Starburst Ring in 14K Gold — A vintage-inspired statement ring with old-world glamour.
- Emerald Cut Ruby and Pear Cut Diamond East-West Ring in 14K Gold — A modern, architectural take on the ruby ring.
- Aurora Ruby, Pink Sapphire, and Diamond Statement Earrings in 14K Gold — Bold, colorful, and completely unforgettable.
- Long Mixed Shape Ruby Drop Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold — Effortlessly elegant for day or evening.
- Diamond and Ruby Gold Bead Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold — A delicate everyday piece with a pop of red.
The Bottom Line
Rubies are rare, meaningful, and undeniably striking. Whether you're drawn to their fiery color, their rich history, or simply the way they look against gold, a ruby piece is an investment in something that will never go out of style.
July birthday coming up? Anniversary to celebrate? Or just treating yourself? We think any occasion is a good occasion for a ruby.
Sources: GIA Ruby Overview | GIA Ruby Quality Factors | GIA Ruby History & Lore | GIA July Birthstone