| In the world of gemstones ruby is the leader. | | | | country of origin. You will find a wealth of |
| Ruby is red so it represents the color of love, | | | | knowledge about gemstones in much of Indian |
| which is why people are so fascinated with this | | | | literature that has been handed down through |
| gemstone. Ruby is also the July birthstone. It has | | | | generations. |
| been considered one of the most valuable | | | | However, lately there has been talk about East |
| gemstones for thousands of years. This precious | | | | Africa as a source of rubies. After their discovery |
| stone has brilliant color excellent hardness and it is | | | | in the 1960s, rubies from Kenya and Tanzania |
| extremely rare. | | | | surprised experts by their beautiful strong color, |
| Rubies are the red members of the corundum | | | | which may vary from light to dark red. But fine |
| family of minerals. Corundum of any other | | | | and clear rubies of good color and purity are |
| color--blue, pink, yellow, etc, is called sapphire. | | | | extremely rare in African mines. Usually the |
| Corundum is colorless in its pure form. Traces of | | | | qualities found are average. |
| elements such as chrome, iron and titanium give | | | | There have been many imitation rubies on the |
| corundum color. Only red corundum is called ruby. | | | | market for many years. Usually, only an expert |
| All other colors are classified as sapphires. The | | | | can tell the difference between a real and an |
| relationship between sapphire and ruby has only | | | | imitation ruby. Ruby was the first gemstone to be |
| been recognized since the beginning of the 19th | | | | manmade with imitations dating back to 1880. |
| century. | | | | Many people have unknowingly purchased initiation |
| The red color of ruby is its most important | | | | rubies. Many times they don't find out until they |
| feature. Its transparency is its secondary feature. | | | | bring it to an antique jeweler. |
| Inclusions don't impair the quality of a ruby unless | | | | You should only buy ruby jewelry from a |
| they decrease the transparency of the stone. | | | | reputable dealer who knows what they are selling |
| Inclusions in a ruby may actually be considered its | | | | and who will disclose any treatments that have |
| fingerprint or statement of individuality, and at the | | | | been performed on the gemstones |
| same time proof of it genuineness. The cut of | | | | High quality, natural rubies are very rare and |
| this gemstone is essential. Only a perfect cut will | | | | expensive and should be accompanied by a |
| underline the beauty of this precious stone. | | | | certificate of authenticity. |
| For many years India was regarded as the ruby's | | | | |