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Ruby—the gemstone of passion, love, and royal power. Its blazing red color makes it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. From ancient kings and fearless warriors to modern collectors, rubies have long been valued not only for their beauty but also for their exceptional investment potential.
Why are rubies so rare? Which ones are the most valuable, and what legends surround them? Let’s uncover the fiery mystery of this precious gemstone.
1. History: A Royal Gem Adored by Emperors and Conquerors
Rubies have been treasured for over 2,000 years. In ancient India, they were called "the king of gemstones" and believed to grant immortality to their owners. Burmese warriors (from present-day Myanmar) even believed that embedding a ruby into their skin would make them invincible in battle!
In medieval Europe, rubies adorned the crowns of kings as a symbol of strength and royal authority. England’s King Edward III had a prized ruby in his crown, later known as "The Black Prince's Ruby"—though it was later discovered to be a spinel.
In Asia, rubies were believed to bring luck and protection. Some even thought they could change color to reflect the mood of their wearer.
Today, rubies remain among the most prestigious gemstones—continuing to increase in value.
The Black Prince's Ruby
2. Where Are the Most Beautiful Rubies Found?
Not all rubies are equal—only the best display the legendary "pigeon blood" color, a deep red hue with a subtle bluish undertone.
🌍 Myanmar (Burma) – The Mogok mines produce the world’s most valuable rubies, known for their unparalleled "pigeon blood" color and exceptional clarity.
🌍 Thailand – Rubies from Chanthaburi and Trat have a darker, wine-red shade with slight brownish tones.
🌍 Sri Lanka – Often lighter and pinkish but with excellent clarity.
🌍 Mozambique – The largest ruby producer in Africa, offering richly colored rubies with fewer inclusions.
🌍 Tanzania, Vietnam, Madagascar – Smaller deposits with variable quality stones.
Burmese rubies from Mogok remain the most prized and expensive, with prices reaching astronomical levels.
3. Ruby Myths: The Gem of Passion and Power
💎 Rubies in Warrior Armor – Ancient Burmese soldiers embedded rubies into their skin, believing they would become invincible in battle.
💎 The Magic Black Prince’s Ruby – A famous gem in the British Crown Jewels, long thought to be a ruby but later identified as a spinel.
💎 The Ruby and the Blood of Life – In medieval times, rubies were believed to strengthen the heart, boost circulation, and protect against poison.
💎 The Ruby as the Stone of Love – In India, rubies were considered divine gifts, attracting love and ensuring a happy marriage.
Throughout history, rubies have been associated with courage, vitality, and fiery strength, making them one of the most symbolic gemstones in existence.
4. Investment Value of Rubies: Why Are They So Expensive?
Rubies are among the most expensive colored gemstones in the world—sometimes even surpassing diamonds in value!
📈 Key Factors Affecting Ruby Prices:
✔ Color – The richest red hue ("pigeon blood") is the most valuable.
✔ Clarity – Natural rubies usually contain inclusions, but fewer inclusions mean higher prices.
✔ Cut – A well-cut ruby maximizes its brilliance and color depth.
✔ Origin – Burmese rubies are the most expensive.
✔ Size – Prices increase exponentially with carat weight.
💰 Top-quality rubies exceed $1,000,000 per carat!
Due to their rarity and increasing demand, rubies are an excellent alternative investment—especially those from recognized mines with certification.
5. How to Care for Rubies?
Rubies are extremely hard (9 on the Mohs scale), but they still require careful maintenance:
🔹 Clean with a soft cloth and lukewarm water.
🔹 Avoid ultrasonic cleaning if the ruby has been treated.
🔹 Store separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching.
🔹 Avoid sudden temperature changes, as they can affect the ruby’s color.
6. The World’s Most Famous Rubies
💎 "The Sunrise Ruby" – A 25.59 ct Burmese ruby, auctioned for a record $30 million.
💎 "The Prince of Burma" – A raw 950 ct Burmese ruby.
💎 The Black Prince’s Ruby – A 170 ct spinel, long mistaken for a ruby in the British Crown Jewels.
💎 Elizabeth Taylor’s Cartier Ruby Ring – Sold for $4.2 million.
Prince of Burma - a raw 950 ct Burmese ruby
7. Why Invest in Rubies?
✅ Historically stable value growth – The best rubies maintain their worth.
✅ Extreme rarity – Natural, untreated rubies are exceptionally rare.
✅ High liquidity – Strong demand among collectors and investors.
✅ Symbol of strength and passion – Rubies are not only an investment but also timeless jewelry.
💎 Looking for a ruby that is both a breathtaking jewel and a valuable investment?