Ruby, a member of the Corundum species, is the gemstone for the month of July.  The name ruby comes from the Latin word rubber, which means “red.”  The ruby has accumulated a host of legends over the centuries.  In Sanskrit (the ancient sacred language of India), one of the terms for ruby is ratnaraj, meaning “King of Gems.”  Many medieval Europeans wore rubies to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love.  The ruby is the world’s best-known and best-loved red gem.

Large, fine-quality rubies are extremely rare and valuable.  The most expensive ruby color is a deep, pure, vivid red.  Stones a little pinkish, purplish, or orangey red are also considered rubies, but gem and jewelry professionals make careful distinction between ruby and pink, purple and orange sapphire.  (Ruby and sapphire are both corundum varieties.)

Ruby is mined throughout Southeast Asia.  While Thailand and Myanmar (Burma) produce the finest qualities of rubies, Sri Lanka and Africa also produce beautiful stones.

Courtesy of GIA