Ruby is one of the most historically significant coloured stone. In the Bible, rubies are mentioned several times in association with attributes like beauty and wisdom. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, which means – king of precious stones.

Ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the god Krishna were granted rebirth as emperors. With the birth of the western world ruby retained its importance and became one of the most sought-after gems of European royalty and the upper class.

Another reason why ruby is a popular stones is its hardness, it rates 9 on the Mohs scale which makes it durable enough to adorn frequently worn jewellery items. 

Colour is the most significant factor affecting a ruby’s value. Ruby hues range from orangy-red to purplish red. The finest ruby has a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish red hue. 

Ruby Sources:

Myanmar, is historically the most important ruby source. It has been producing rubies since the fifteenth century. Some of the world’s finest jewellery houses have used these rubies for their most high end and stunning pieces. These stones can display sought-after characteristics such as vibrant red body colour light-scattering inclusions and glowing red fluorescence. Still today everyone wants a “Burmese” ruby.

Myanmar has been the primary ruby source for centuries. But in the late 1960’s a coup upset the country’s stability and the mine’s production. Mines in Thailand began to supply the bulk of rubies.

Thailand is today a major gem-quality ruby supplier. Estimates suggest that between 70 to 95 percent of the world’s gem rubies are Thai. Cambodia rubies are nearly identical to those of Thailand. This is because the Cambodian ruby mines are in the same geological region as the Thai deposits. Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Africa, all contribute to the ruby supply. Together with sources high up in the Himalayas in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nepal.