Rubies Revealed - What Ruby Jewellery is Really Saying

Diamonds may be a girl´s best friend, but nothing says passion quite like a piece of ruby jewelry. Ruby Rings in particular are the ultimate tokens of amour, exchanged by lovers in the form of a ruby solitaire ring or combined with diamonds to create ravishing ruby eternity rings. Inherent in these gifts is the conviction that rubies rings engender many of the qualities of a strong relationship, such as warmth, depth, trust and lust, with their sultry, intense colour.

Believed to have the ability to open up hearts, draw people closer and overcome fear, there´s no denying that rubies rings have a mighty heritage and as such, convey a powerful message of devotion. So when you present a gift of a diamond and ruby ring to someone you care deeply for, it is saying more then you possibly could with words alone. This supremely romantic gesture is why ruby gold rings have come to present the milestone wedding anniversaries of the 15th and 40th.

It is not about just waiting for that one big moment however. Giving a gold and ruby ring should be about seizing the day and expressing your feelings there and then. As the birthstone for July and zodiac sign of Cancer, those lucky enough to fall under these categories have even more reason to be spoilt rotten with rubies as it is meant to be their protective talisman against bad fortune and ill health.

Rubies themselves are derived from the mineral corundum, although their red colour is due to the presence of chromium. Sourced from many countries, including Afghanistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Thailand, the most highly prized stones are considered to come from Burma. The more vibrant and rich the colour of a ruby, the more valuable it becomes, and it is the leading factor in price, although cut, clarity and carat weight all still play a part.

Rating the hardness of a gemstone is done via the Mohs' scale, where diamonds are the toughest at 10. Rubies are only slightly lower at a 9, which makes them fairly robust, although most have to undergo some kind of treatment to intensify the colour and fill in any cracks and fissures, which effects their durability. As a result, cleaning ruby rings should simply be done carefully with soapy water and a soft brush or cloth, avoiding harsh abrasive chemicals and ultra sonic jewellery baths.

As the colour of life force itself, the blood red of the ruby makes for striking, incomparable gemstones jewellery and they work just as well as part of a gold ruby pendant as in a diamond ruby bracelet. So whatever the occasion, ruby jewellery can mark the occasion with a touch of heart and soul and give that person a timeless gift they can treasure for a lifetime.

Michelle Elkins writes regularly for The Diamond Store.co.uk, one of the largest online UK jewellery stores, who supply jewellery at up to 60 percent less then high street prices on items such as ruby gold rings, ruby eternity rings and diamond and ruby ring.