Jewelry ruby
Enticing, mesmerizing, lovely, beautiful and fascinating. These are rubies. Rubies have been in use for centuries for jewelry as well as other ornamental and practical purposes. Considered the King of gems by the Hindus, rubies are members of the corundum family of minerals, which is the crystal form of aluminum oxide. Corundum in any color is known as sapphire but red colored corundum is called ruby. The finest and most expensive rubies are deep red in color but rubies are found in all shades of red from light to dark. Some have slight undertones of purple or blue. Others have tinges of yellow or orange. Some rubies cut into cabochons or smooth domes producing a start with six rays stretching across the domed surface. Rated 9 on Moh's scale, rubies are very hard, next only to diamonds. They make excellent pieces of jewelry due to their mesmerizing splendor and hard surfaces.
Burma is the major source of these beautiful gemstones. They are also mined in Srilanka, Madagascar, Thailand, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Kenya and are one of the most expensive gems in existence. Some of the famous rubies in the history of the world included a 98 and 74 carat pair, a 400 carat rough jewel that was cut to create a 70 carat polished gem, a 45 carat ruby sold in Mandalay as well as a 20 carat one sold in Calcutta. The blood red ruby has a rich history with many legends surrounding it. Believed to be a symbol of love and passion, rubies are the birthstone of July and the anniversary stone for the 15th and 40th anniversary of marriage. This gem is said to give the wearer wisdom, happiness and health. It is also believed that rubies bring good luck to gamblers and lovers. Dreaming of rubies represent success, money or love according to certain beliefs. An interesting legend states that the color of the ruby turns deeper red when danger threatens its owner. Tuesday is the day of the ruby and the stone itself exudes the warmth of summer and so its season is summer.
Rubies are in great demand since they make such beautiful jewelry and are durable for a long time. The more valuable rubies are characterized by three qualities : rarity, durability and beauty. Size, quality, clarity and color all determine the price of rubies together. When buying rubies, all these factors must be taken into account. When one factor improves, the other must come down in order to maintain the same price.
Buying ruby jewelry for value is good but these must suit your personal preferences. Most rubies are cut into ovals or cushion cuts. Other cuts suitable for rubies are emerald cuts, rounds and native cuts as well as other shapes. As for clarity, rubies without flaws are extremely rare and they are usually expected to have inclusions. Guidelines for clarity regarding rubies are less strict for this purpose and the value of rubies is high even with natural flaws. It is advisable to beware of flawless rubies and get it tested before buying it. Color of rubies is another factor that depends on your personal taste. The rich deep pure red is rarer and more expensive than the others. Rubies with purple or black undertones are valuable as well. Pale rubies are also available giving a buyer enormous choice as to colors.
Synthetic rubies or rubies treated with chemicals are sometimes passed off as real and natural rubies with of course high prices. Synthetic rubies can be made in a laboratory and these are more affordable. One must be beware of rubies that are dyed to improve the color. To ensure that the rubies you are buying are of good quality and natural, you should ask the jeweler to let you examine them with a loupe or under the microscope. Check to see whether the inclusions or flaws are serious enough to affect the look and durability of the gem. It is advisable to avoid buying gems in which the fractures reach the surface or which has so many inclusions that the gem looks cloudy or opaque.
To make sure that you are buying good quality jewelry, it is important to follow certain steps. The most important is to visit a certified and reputed jeweler. A good jeweler will give all information regarding the ruby you are intending to purchase including any treatments performed to improve the jewel. Reputed jewelers will also give a good price and you will be sure of getting a genuine article. Another precaution when you are intending to purchase expensive ruby jewelry is to get it tested before purchase. Good and quality rubies are rare and expensive. Ruby jewelry should be bought only when it is accompanied by a report confirming its authenticity from a qualified gem laboratory.
Taking care of ruby jewelry is not difficult and if a few simple things are kept in mind, the rubies will retain their glamour for ages. First thing is to remove the jewelry before doing any heavy work. It is also advisable to avoid wearing rubies for rough activities. Lightly included stones can be cleaned with the help of ultrasonic cleaners safely. You can also soak rubies in alcohol, which helps to loosen the dirt and can be brushed away. A soft brush is best for this purpose. One must take care not to use any abrasives as these can scratch the rubies and reduce their value.
A few small steps to keep your rubies clean and shiny and you will be treated forever to their bright fascinating red to illuminate your life.
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