Rubies: The King of Gemstones and a Symbol of Passion Through the Age

Few gemstones have captivated humanity quite like the ruby. With its vivid red colour and extraordinary rarity, the ruby has been treasured by emperors, warriors, and collectors for thousands of years. Throughout history, it has symbolised power, passion, protection, and prosperity, earning its reputation as the "King of Gemstones."

Today, rubies remain among the world's most coveted gems, prized not only for their beauty but also for the fascinating stories they carry through time.

What Is a Ruby?

A ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum. Its distinctive colour comes from traces of chromium within the crystal structure. The finest rubies display a rich, vibrant red often described as "pigeon's blood" red—a term originally used to describe the most desirable stones from Myanmar (formerly Burma).

On the Mohs hardness scale, rubies rank 9 out of 10, making them one of the hardest gemstones in existence. This exceptional durability has helped many antique ruby jewels survive for generations and remain beautiful today.

A Gemstone Fit for Royalty

Rubies have been revered for more than 2,000 years. Ancient traders transported them along the Silk Road, where they became highly sought after by rulers and nobility throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

In medieval Europe, rubies were believed to bring wisdom, health, wealth, and success in love. Monarchs often incorporated them into crowns, ceremonial jewellery, and royal regalia as symbols of authority and divine favour.

In India, rubies were considered the most precious of all gemstones and were referred to as the "Ratnaraj," meaning "King of Precious Stones." Ancient texts suggested that offering a ruby to the gods could ensure rebirth as an emperor.

Ruby Lore and Symbolism

Throughout history, the ruby's intense red colour has inspired countless myths and legends.

Many cultures associated rubies with fire and life itself. Because the stone resembles a glowing ember, people believed it contained an eternal flame that could never be extinguished.

Warriors in ancient Burma reportedly carried rubies for protection in battle, believing the gemstone would make them invincible. In other traditions, rubies were worn as talismans to ward off misfortune and evil spirits.

The ruby has long been associated with:

• Passion and love
• Courage and strength
• Vitality and life force
• Prosperity and success
• Protection and good fortune

These symbolic meanings continue to make ruby jewellery a popular choice for gifts celebrating milestones, anniversaries, and personal achievements.

Rubies in Vintage Jewellery

Rubies have played a prominent role in jewellery design for centuries, appearing in everything from Victorian brooches and Edwardian rings to glamorous Art Deco creations.

Vintage ruby jewellery is particularly admired because many older pieces feature hand-crafted settings and design details that are rarely seen in modern mass production. The combination of a durable gemstone and timeless craftsmanship means that ruby jewels often remain just as striking today as when they were first created.

For collectors, vintage ruby jewellery offers something unique: beauty, history, and a story that continues with each new owner.

Fascinating Ruby Facts

Rubies and sapphires are siblings

Many people are surprised to learn that rubies and sapphires are actually the same mineral. Both belong to the corundum family. The only difference is colour: red corundum is called ruby, while all other colours are classified as sapphires.

Large rubies are rarer than large diamonds

High-quality rubies above a few carats are exceptionally rare. In fact, fine rubies can command prices per carat that exceed those of comparable diamonds.

Rubies can glow under ultraviolet light

Because of their chromium content, many rubies fluoresce under UV light, creating an almost magical red glow.

Ruby is the birthstone for July

For centuries, rubies have been associated with those born in July and are traditionally given to celebrate 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

Ancient people thought rubies could predict danger

Some legends claimed that a ruby would darken in colour when its owner faced impending danger, acting as a warning stone.

Why Rubies Continue to Captivate

The enduring appeal of rubies lies in more than their beauty. They represent some of humanity's oldest ideas about love, power, protection, and legacy. Every ruby has witnessed a remarkable journey—from deep within the earth to the hands of artisans and the jewellery boxes of generations past.

At My Precious, we believe these stories deserve to continue. Vintage and pre-owned ruby jewellery allows exceptional gemstones and craftsmanship to be treasured once more, giving timeless pieces a new chapter while honouring their history.

Whether set in a delicate vintage ring, an elegant pendant, or a striking statement piece, a ruby remains what it has always been: a symbol of passion, strength, and enduring beauty.