Ruby - the King of Gemstones
Rubies belong to the corundum group and are among the most coveted gemstones in the world. Their intense red color is caused by traces of chromium – but rubies come in shades from delicate pink to deep blood red
Symbolism & Meaning
For millennia, the ruby has been considered a stone of passion, strength, and royal dignity – revered by rulers and warriors alike.
Passion & Love: Rubies stand for deep feelings, joy of life, and unwavering affection. They are said to ignite the heart and impart courage.
Protection & Strength: In many cultures, the ruby was considered the most powerful protective stone – it was believed to make its wearer invulnerable and ward off misfortune.
Royal Power: As the stone of kings, the ruby symbolizes authority, dignity, and divine favor – immortalized in the crown jewels of many nations.
Vitality: The ruby is said to activate life energy, strengthen drive, and dispel exhaustion.
Birthstone: The ruby is the traditional birthstone for the month of July.
Zodiac Sign: Particularly associated with Leo and Aries.
Colors:
- Pigeon Blood Red (the classic red – highest quality)
- Blood Red (deep, rich red)
- Pink-Red (lighter, delicate shade)
- Orange-Red (warm, lively tone)
- Violet-Red (cooler, noble shade)
- Pink (very light, close to pink sapphire)
- Color-Change (changes color depending on the light source – very rare)
Cut & Shape
Rubies are available in many classic and modern cut shapes:
- Cut: Oval, Round (Brilliant), Cushion, Emerald (Rectangle/Step), Pear, Marquise, Heart, Trillion (Triangle), Cabochon (domed, uncut), Princess, Radiant, Asscher, Baguette
Inclusions & Characteristics
Rubies are natural gemstones – inclusions are a sign of authenticity, not a flaw. Only under a microscope does the true nature of the stone reveal itself.
Typical inclusions:
- Rutile needles (fine silky structure, creating the desired asterism / star effect in cabochons)
- Fingerprint inclusions (healed fractures)
- Crystal inclusions (mineral crystals within)
- Feather inclusions (partial fractures)
- Zoning (color bands or zones)
Quality grades: Eye-clean (no visible inclusions to the naked eye) is considered premium quality. Minor inclusions are normal in natural stones and only slightly reduce their value. Heavy inclusions can affect transparency and brilliance.
Special feature: Burmese rubies often exhibit a characteristic "silky-velvety" texture due to fine rutile needles, as well as intense fluorescence – a mark of quality, not a flaw.
Treatment & Authenticity
Natural rubies are often treated to improve their color and clarity. Transparency in declaration is a matter of course for us.
Thermal Treatment (Heating): The most common method – stones are heated at high temperatures to intensify color and reduce inclusions. Accepted industry-wide and only devalues very high-quality stones.
Beryllium Diffusion: Color change by diffusing beryllium – must be declared as it reduces value.
Glass/Resin Filling: For heavily fractured stones – significantly reduces value, not in our range.
Untreated (No Heat): Rare and particularly valuable – certified by independent laboratories (GRS, Gübelin, SSEF).
Proofs of Authenticity: All our rubies are natural stones. Upon request, we provide certificates from renowned laboratories (GIC, GRS, Gübelin, SSEF). We do not carry synthetic or simulated stones.
Rubies at Phönix Gemstone
We source rubies directly from their countries of origin – for jewelers, goldsmiths, and collectors who value quality and transparency. Each stone is carefully examined and documented.
Make an enquiry
Are you looking for a specific ruby for your next project? Contact us – we will put together a personal selection for you.