Ruby Rings

Rings are one of the oldest and most sought after jewelry pieces that ever existed.  From a simple metal band to more detailed and elaborate versions, rings have undergone much transformation over time.  Interestingly, in almost every corner of the world rings have been much sought after for centuries, a trend that still continues.

While early Christians used the Greek symbol Ichthus on rings, which bore close resemblance to a fish, the Egyptians most commonly used the 'scraboeus' or beetle which symbolized the world.  A great deal of engravings on rings was also popular with Egyptians.

With time a lot of transition occurred in rings, each time with better and more improvised results.  One such trend witnessed the emergence of gemstone rings, giving rings a completely new look and style.  The use of colorful gemstone in rings gave this versatile piece of jewelry a totally new look and feel a trend that continues to remain highly popular till date.

While every gemstone lends a particularly distinct look to a ring due to its unique hue and appeal one can easily say that ruby rings stand apart for their rich color and grandeur.  Ruby rings have been the obvious choice for centuries, right from ancient times till now.  Color, which is the most discernible quality of ruby, can be beautifully captured in a ring, irrespective of the design or make.

For those who prefer subtle elegance, a solitaire ruby set in yellow or white gold would be the perfect choice.  Solitaire ruby rings in the traditional round and oval or more contemporary trillion or pear shape is sure to bring out the rich color of the stone beautifully.  For more innovation in solitaire ruby rings one could opt for curved, split or tapering shanks to lend a distinct look to an otherwise plain solitaire ruby ring.

The glamorous ruby ring can also be given a totally ornate look with the use of diamonds for those who prefer an elaborate style.  A dazzling blend of diamonds and rubies make some amazing rings, whether the diamonds are used as side stones in a classic three-stone ruby ring or as diamond accents adorning the shanks of the ring.  A sparkling rim of diamonds bordering a ruby center stone in a ring looks equally appealing.

Ruby cluster rings look equally charming especially if an elaborate look is desired.  These make great evening accessories as well, commanding loads of attention due to their impressive size and vibrant hue.  For a more sedate and contemporary look, ruby band rings or ruby eternity bands would be a good bet which can be worn singularly or stacked with more bands for a totally trendy look.

Irrespective of the design or style, ruby rings always stand apart.  There is something intrinsically beautiful about these gemstones that give any jewelry a distinct look.  Ruby rings especially look not only beautiful but immensely elegant.

Rubies- Famous and Expensive

Ruby and sapphire are the two varieties of corundum.  Red corundum is ruby, and the rest of the colors are called sapphire.

Rubies in history have rich associations.  There are allusions in The Bible to rubies: "The price of wisdom is above rubies": Job in the Bible.  The implication was that rubies were highly prized at this time. Naturally, this kind of awe transcended borders and cultures.  Sanskrit texts refer to ruby as Ratnaraj- King of gems.

Rubies are found represented in crowns and scepters in the royal jewels of many nations.  The coronation ring of British Monarchs has a large, tablet-cut ruby on which the figure of St. George's cross is engraved.  This has 26 diamonds around it.

While technological advent has deromanced many a famous ruby by identifying it as red spinel; there are still some rubies that remain unmatched in excellence.  A few of these rubies are with museums; and some remain with anonymous owners.

The Edwardes Ruby (167 carats) is named for Major General Sir Herbert Benjamin Edwardes who helped save British rule during the years of mutiny in India.  This ruby was donated to the British Museum of Natural History in London by John Ruskin in 1887.

The Rosser Reeves star ruby (138.7 carats) is considered to be the largest fine star ruby in existence and was insured for $150,000 in 1966.  This ruby is now at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

The De Long star ruby (100 carats) is a oval cabochon and is now with The American Museum of Natural History in New York.

The Peace Ruby (43 carats uncut) is a 25 carat faceted round brilliant.  This ruby was discovered in the Mogok valley ( Myanmar) on June 30, 1919, just two days after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, at the end of World War I.  The ruby discovered two days after this was accordingly named the "Peace Ruby" to perpetuate the memory of this historic event.

The Book of Ruby and Sapphire (1934), was written by J. F. Halford-Watkins.  He had the privilege of holding the rough stone for some time and wrote that the rough stone ( Peace Ruby ) was like a piece of red currant jelly, and that he used to exhibit it on a small plain white china-plate to heighten the illusion.

The present location of the "Peace Ruby" however is unknown.

The Anne of Brittany Ruby (105 carats) is a polished but irregular gem and is housed in the Louvre in Paris.

The record for most expensive ruby ever sold remains at $ 425, 00 per carat.  This 8.62 carat ruby sold for $3, 637,480.  This was a Burmese Ruby, cushion cut and was sold to Laurence Graff in February 2006.