Featured: Ruby bangle from Simone's High Jewellery collection Dolmabahce.
Nothing encapsulates fiery passion and strength more than rubies, the July birthstone. Boasting an intense red colour, ruby stones are one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. Signifying love, protection, and wealth, a natural ruby stone makes for the perfect gift, whether it’s featured in intricate high jewellery or custom pieces.
History and Origin
Regarded for more than two thousand years to have originated from India, the name for rubies in Sanskrit, ratnaraj, translates to “The King of Gems.” Due to their revered status, rubies have historically been highly sought after by royalty – to the point where other red gems were mistaken to be rubies! The (in)famous Black Prince’s Ruby was later debunked to be a red spinel.
Archaeological efforts have revealed that rubies were first discovered in Mogok, Myanmar, where Stone Age mining tools were found. The township is known as the valley of rubies.
The Science Behind Rubies
Chemical Composition
Rubies come from the Corundum family, making them closely related to sapphires. Pure corundum is naturally colourless, and the presence of chromium is what gives rubies their red hues. Chromium can also cause fluorescence, which increases the intensity of red and the value of gemstone jewellery with rubies.
Featured: "Pigeon Blood" ruby earrings from Simone's High Jewellery collection PORTRAITS OF PORCELAIN, and the Key to Love ring from Simone's High Jewellery collection TATTOO.
The most sought-after ruby colour is the striking “pigeon blood” red. And while not all rubies come naturally with such rich shades, many undergo heat treatment for permanent colour enhancement.
Inclusions
Most rubies come with visible inclusions, and it is rare to find eye-clean ruby stone. In fact, inclusions are a natural ruby stone's fingerprints, which can provide information on their place of origin.
A lot of times, inclusions also boost a gemstone’s unique qualities. For example, solid inclusions, which occur when the ruby grows around crystals, scatter light into the stone and create irresistible sparkles.
Pop Culture
Wizard of Oz
There’s a reason why the Wicked Witch of the West was so hellbent on claiming her sister’s ruby slippers – they are a powerful pair of shoes that protect its wearer and can transport its wearer to anywhere desired just by three clicks of the heels! Throughout the film, the ruby slippers symbolize power and strength as Dorothy journeys to the Emerald City and eventually finds her way back home.
As a tribute to the classic film’s 50th year anniversary, Harry Winston created a pair of ruby slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies, totaling to 1,350 carats.
Ruby slippers created by Harry Winston. Image source: GIA website, courtesy of Harry Winston.
The slippers are worth an estimated 3 million dollars, making them one of the most expensive pairs of footwear on earth.
Rubies in Modern Jewellery
A symbol of love and life, rubies are the gemstone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries. Modern jewellery designs explore ways to marry the spiritual meanings of this precious gemstone with unconventional presentations that will surely command attention. Whether a customised jewellery piece set to be meaningful or ready-to-wear, rubies have always been a popular, sought-after gemstone for their colour and history.
Featured: The Parisian Reverso necklace from Simone’s High Jewellery collection PARISION CHINOIS, with one side set with numerous circular-cut rubies together weighing approximately 18.35 carats, and the other side set with blue sapphires.
In 2013, Simone Jewels became the first Singaporean jeweller to have a creation auctioned off by Sotheby’s Asia, marking a significant milestone and showcasing the enduring appeal and prestige of rubies in the world of high jewellery. This moment underscores the timeless glamour of rubies, affirming their place in the annals of history and the dynamic world of contemporary jewellery design.
Featured: Ruby earrings from Simone's High Jewellery collection PORTRAITS OF PORCELAIN.
Discover the world of ruby gemstones through Simone’s High Jewellery collection, which you can view in person at our Maison by booking an appointment with us.
