Ruby is the red variety of corundum, a mineral that occurs naturally in aluminum-rich rocks. The name "ruby" is derived from rubeus, the Latin word for red. Ruby was known as ratnaraj in ancient Sanskrit, meaning "king of precious stones." Rubies are known to be the most valuable of all red-colored stones.
For centuries, the Mogok Valley in Upper Myanmar (Burma) was the world's primary source of rubies. That region has produced some great rubies, but few fine rubies have been discovered in recent years. Mong Hsu, in central Myanmar, began producing rubies in the 1990s and quickly became the world's primary ruby mining area.
It's also one of the most precious stones in history; it is second only to diamonds in terms of value per carat weight. Ruby has been so valuable that it was used as currency in ancient times! According to legend, some of the world's most renowned rulers, including Cleopatra and Napoleon Bonaparte, claimed to have worn rubies in their crowns or fingers.
The Most Expensive Ruby in the World – The Sunrise Ruby (Photo by Sotheby's)
The Sunrise Ruby is one of the world's largest Burmese rubies. Sotheby's sold this exceptional ruby for USD 30.4 million at their May 2015 Geneva auction.
Apart from being the most costly ruby in the world, it is also the most expensive colored gemstone ever sold (apart from colored Diamonds) and has the highest price per carat of any Ruby previously sold.
The ancient Greeks believed rubies could cure illnesses and drive away evil spirits, while medieval Europeans thought they had magical powers and could prevent bleeding during childbirth. Today, people still believe that rubies have healing powers, mainly worn as jewelry or set into rings or other jewelry pieces as symbols of love and commitment. Ruby also symbolizes passion and compassion, which makes them great gifts for loved ones who need some extra support during difficult times.
In terms of its use as jewelry, rubies are often set into gold or silver jewelry pieces like rings and necklaces. In addition, they can be used as accents to other gemstones like diamonds or sapphires to create more elaborate jewelry pieces like tiaras or brooches!
Rubies are used in engagement rings because they represent eternal love since they do not fade or lose their shine over time as other stones do—making them perfect for an engagement ring! Tiffany & Co., founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young, began manufacturing engagement rings with rubies after noticing that many women preferred rubies over diamonds when shopping for their wedding bands.
Elizabeth Taylor's Cartier Earrings and Necklace from Mike Todd sold at Christie’s in Geneva on May 18, 2017. (Photo by Getty Images)
If you're looking for a gemstone that represents something more than just the season or adds some sparkle to your life, consider adding a ruby to your collection!
You can also see our rubies here.
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