RED RUBY: THE KING OF PRECIOUS STONES
There is no mistaking the beauty and appeal of jewellery adorned with wonderful rubies.
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One of the most famous – and biggest – rubies ever found was the Liberty Bell Ruby originally discovered in a mine in East Africa and weighing in at four pounds. Sadly, the ruby which had been carved into the shape of the US Liberty Bell and set with 50 diamonds, disappeared from a jewellery store in 2011 and was never recovered with many speculating that it had probably been broken up.
While the loss of the Liberty Bell is tragic, its story adds mystique and intrigue to the reputation of rubies which are known in India’s ancient Sanskrit language as “ratnaraj”, or the “king of precious stones”, and have over time become a popular centrepiece for engagement rings and anniversary gifts.
RUBIES ARE RED (BUT CAN ALSO FEATURE PURPLE, PINK AND ORANGE TINTS) Second only to diamonds as one of the hardest natural materials, rubies are made of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide) and get their red hue from the element chromium; corundum gemstones in other colours are known as sapphires. While all rubies are red, they can come with purple, pink or orange tints and are most commonly found in Africa, Asia and North America, though many believe that the finest rubies have been mined in Myanmar – the late Queen Elizabeth II commissioned the famous Burmese Ruby Tiara, made with 96 rubies from Myanmar.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PERFECT RUBY With such a royal pedigree, it’s no surprise that rubies continue to be in high demand but what should you look for if you’re thinking about buying a ruby ring, necklace or other piece of jewellery?
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Hardly surprising, it’s the colour which is the key factor. Ideally, look for a deep red with glimpses of purple or even blue. Clarity is also important; that means checking for any inclusions – or imperfections – which can impact the overall quality and visual impact. The good news is, rubies are eminently practical given they can be easily cleaned with warm, soapy water and a cloth or soft brush.
NEED SOME INSPIRATION? Cheltenham jeweller, Martin & Co, stocks a beautiful range of rubies including an exquisite 18ct rose gold ring with graduated red rubies and pink sapphires further enhanced by two bands of 30 sparkling round brilliant cut diamonds. If earrings are more your thing, how about a striking pair of 18ct white and yellow gold ruby and diamond drop earrings, showcasing two rich red pear shaped rubies? Or how about a lovely 18ct white gold flower pendant with ruby petals as the centrepiece, encircled by sparkling round brilliant cut diamonds with a diamond set bale, all suspended from an 18 inch (adjustable to 16 inch) 18ct white gold spiga chain?
If you – or someone special in your life – would cherish a ruby, or other precious gemstone, long-established family jeweller’s Martin & Co provides an exquisite collection of jewellery from rings to bracelets, as well as specialising in luxury watches including Rolex. You can find us in the heart of Cheltenham and we’re always open online at
martin-and-co.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUT Y MAR T IN & CO
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