In the Indian literary language of Sanskrit, the ruby is known as “ratnaraj” which means “King Of Gemstones” but the word ruby is derived from the Latin “rubens”, a regal gem that is renowned for the vitality of its red hue, its hardness (second only to the diamond) and its relative scarcity. The hot red of the ruby radiates passion, vitality and power, this isn’t restrained affection, this is hot and unbridled, the “colour” of love at its most potent.

The ruby is a form of the colourless mineral corundum, one of the hardest minerals on earth (sapphires are also composed of corundum) and it derives its red colour from the infusion of trace elements such as titanium, iron, chrome and vanadium. The paradox of the ruby is that the chrome element that gives the gem its striking colour also causes many of the cracks and fissures that prevented rubies developing in any abundance.

That is why perfectly formed rubies of generous size and blessed with few intrusions can fetch prices the equal of diamonds. Some rubies are endowed with dark needle like crystals called “rutiles” which gives the gem a divine shine; this is known as the “silk” of the ruby and is highly regarded.

The Ruby’s red colouring will vary depending on the country of origin. Rubies are mined in Burma, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Kashmir, Laos, Afghanistan, Kenya and Tanzania but a ”Burmese“ ruby may be more a reference to colour than to country of origin, indicating that the ruby in question exhibits the colouring of the famed “Burmese” ruby. The “Burmese” ruby is considered the epitome of luxury and its colour is a rich, extravagant red.

The “Vietnamese” ruby is also held in high esteem displaying a lightly purplish hue whilst the “Thailand” ruby, is second only to the “Burmese” ruby in appeal with its “Siamese” colouring of dark red, tinged with brown.

As with all precious gems rubies often have intrusions, but unlike diamonds this doesn’t diminish their value, quite the contrary in fact. Any intrusions are seen as giving the ruby identity and individualism.

Colour is seen as the ruby’s most salient feature and even the importance of transparency is understated. When it comes to rubies the “red” reigns supreme.