Gem of the Week: The Ravishing Ruby

Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry

A member of the corundum family of minerals, rubies are the red sisters of sapphires and one of the four precious stones (the others being sapphires, emeralds and diamonds). Like diamonds and emeralds, the value of a ruby is determined by color and clarity. The most valuable rubies are those which exhibit a deep red color—often called “pigeon blood rubies.” While still valuable, rubies which display a pinker, orange or brown hue are not as prized as those which are the deepest red. Rubies often display a cloudiness due to mineral inclusions. Rubies which have excellent clarity (meaning that they are more readily translucent) fetch a higher price.


Modern jewelers often chemically treat rubies to change the color. When buying rubies, make sure to ask if the stones have been color-treated. You should not be paying natural-color prices for artificially enhanced stones.

Rubies have always been a popular gemstone. They were used with brilliant results in the 1930’s and 1940’s in magnificent over-sized brooches, rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces set in platinum and dramatically surrounded by diamonds.