Ruby: The King of Gemstones

A loose pigeon blood Burmese ruby from our collection - Ready to be used in bespoke jewellery.

Why Rubies Are So Special

Rubies have captivated hearts for centuries—earning the title “king of gems” in ancient Sanskrit and featuring in legends from every corner of the globe. With their deep, vivid red hues, rubies have symbolised love, passion, and power for royalty and romantics alike. In fact, rubies are one of the four precious gemstones (alongside diamond, sapphire, and emerald), and their bold colour comes from traces of chromium in the mineral corundum. Only the red variety is called ruby; all other colours of corundum are known as sapphire1.

Several Rubies in various shapes and sizes from the Sara Handmade Jewellery collection.

Where Do Rubies Come From?

The world’s finest rubies have historically come from Myanmar (Burma), especially the famed Mogok mines, but today you’ll also find beautiful stones from Vietnam, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and even Australia. Australian rubies, found in New South Wales and Queensland, are rare and often display unique colour characteristics, making them a fascinating choice for collectors and custom-made jewellery. Mozambique is now the world’s largest producer of gem-quality rubies, offering stones with exceptional colour and clarity.

Bespoke 18ct white gold drop earrings featuring ruby and diamond.

Rubies in Custom Jewellery & Engagement Rings

Rubies are a top pick for bespoke jewellery and coloured stone engagement rings thanks to their durability (9 on the Mohs scale), rich symbolism, and legendary beauty. Their hardness and toughness make them perfect for everyday wear, whether you’re after a classic solitaire, a three-stone ring, or a modern design. Rubies are also the traditional gift for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, making them a meaningful choice for jewellery remodelling and special milestones.

An 18ct yellow and white gold trilogy ring featuring bezel-set ruby and diamonds.

Ruby Colour, Value & Care

The most valuable rubies are a pure, vivid red—often described as “pigeon’s blood”—with a hint of purple. Colour is the biggest factor in a ruby’s value, followed by clarity and size. Most rubies are heat-treated to enhance their colour, which is a standard and accepted practice in the gem world. Untreated stones of fine quality are extremely rare and command premium prices. To keep your ruby jewellery sparkling, clean it gently with warm, soapy water and avoid harsh chemicals. Rubies are tough, but as with any precious gem, a little care goes a long way.

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FAQs About Rubies

• What birthstone is ruby?

  Ruby is the birthstone for July.

• Are rubies good for engagement rings?

  Absolutely! Rubies are very durable and perfect for everyday wear in engagement rings.

• Can I remodel old jewellery with a ruby?

  Yes, we specialise in jewellery remodelling and can help you create a new piece using your existing ruby.

• Are rubies treated?

  Most rubies are heat-treated to improve colour. Always buy from a reputable jeweller who discloses any treatments.

• How do I clean my ruby jewellery?

  Warm, soapy water and a soft brush work best. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if your ruby has been fracture-filled.

Ready to create your own ruby masterpiece?

Book a complimentary consultation at our Kiama studio or online and let’s bring your ruby vision to life.