Rubies Archives

Fun Facts About Rubies

July 12, 2021

Rubies are well known for their vivid red color. Let’s learn about the July birthstone. Here are some fun facts about rubies. What is a ruby? Why are rubies red? Ruby gemstones are a variety of the mineral corundum. More specifically, they are the red variety, which is colored by chromium. Other colors of corundum are classified as sapphire. The word “ruby” comes from the Latin word “ruber” for the red hue. All rubies are red, yet they can have orange, pink or purple tints. How are rubies made? Like many gemstones, rubies are made under extreme heat and pressure

Rah! Rah! Rubies!

July 2, 2015

By Amanda L. Colborn There’s no better way to demonstrate your love than by giving a ruby in celebration of a July birthday. Rubies arouse the senses, stir the imagination, and are said to guarantee health, wisdom, wealth and success in love. Ruby is a variety of the gems species corundum. It is harder than any natural gemstone except diamond, which means a ruby is durable enough for everyday wear. Fine-quality ruby is extremely rare, and the color of the gem is most important to its value. The most prized color is a medium or medium dark vivid red or slightly purplish red.

The Healing Power of Gemstones

October 3, 2014

By Amanda L. Colborn According to folklore and stories throughout history, many gemstones are thought to offer mystic healing to its wearer. So whether shopping for a gift of fine jewelry, or considering a gift for yourself along the way, consider the healing properties of these fine gemstones. Birthday gemstones may not bake your cookies and wrap your gifts for you, but they will make you feel better while doing so. Gemstone healing powers: Amber – Thought to aid memory loss, purify the body, alleviate headaches, and bone and heart problems, Amber is known for its stress relieving and calming properties.

5 Reasons to Love Rubies

July 6, 2014

By Donna Jolly, RJ The birthstone of July is the fiery Ruby. As someone who has walked up and down many aisles at jewelry trade shows, I can attest to the eye-drawing power of rubies. You see one out of the corner of your eye and you cannot help but stop immediately and take a look. If you happen to run across a cluster of rubies, you might be standing outside the display case, gawking for a long time. Refreshments might be needed. There are many, many reasons to love rubies. Here are five: 1. Jewelry lovers love them. Elizabeth

Style Pick of the Week

December 9, 2013

By Lauren Ruggeroli, Membership Sales Associate American Gem Society member Christophe Danhier aims to treat every piece in his collection “as an individual jewel, unique in its beauty.” Because of his pieces’ ability to stand out in the crowd, we picked two of his latest rings for our Style Pick this week. Both are sure to be a huge hit this holiday season! First up, a beautiful 18K rose gold diamond, sapphire and ruby ring. With this ring, Danhier experimented with new color combinations hoping to create a piece that not only stood out in the industry, but also

Rubies and July—a Red Hot Pair

July 23, 2013

Perhaps no color better represents the month of July than red. Whether it’s the bold red in the American flag, spectacular fireworks, juicy cherries, red-hot temperatures. . . and, with that, red hot sunburns—Red is a color fit for July. It’s no surprise then that Ruby is July’s birthstone. Rubies are not only a hot trend on red carpets, but this precious gemstone is both luxurious and practical. Ruby is a variety of the gems species corundum, which is harder than any natural gemstone except diamond. Want to wear a ruby as an engagement ring? Go ahead! It’s durable enough

Engagement Rings Get Technicolor

February 13, 2013

JCK, one of the jewelry industry’s premier magazines, just published this article on trends in the bridal jewelry market. We love the look of a traditional solitaire engagement ring, but brides want a halo with their veil–make that a halo engagement ring. Other notable trends: colored gemstones, like sapphire and aquamarine. One of our favorites is by AGS Member Jack Abraham, the emerald and ruby halo engagement ring featured below.

Spanish Queen's Bracelet On Auction Block

November 14, 2012

JCK posted an article yesterday about an upcoming Sotheby’s auction that will feature several rare and beautiful pieces of jewelry. A Cartier bracelet made of conch pearl, enamel, and diamonds will be auctioned this month in Geneva. The stunning bracelet once belonged to Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain, and carries an estimate selling price of $800,000–$1.4 million. David Bennett, the chairman of Sotheby’s jewelry department in Europe and the Middle East described the piece in a statement as, “One of the greatest jewels designed by Cartier during the 1920s.” Other highlights of the auction include a pair of ruby and

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