Gem Index Ruby bred background

Ruby

Gem Index - Ruby

"I love rubies… Not only are they the birthstone of my daughter, but they also remind me of my Mother. Ironically, I don’t wear a lot of jewellery, but I have an old ruby ring of hers that I wear most of the time and I adore it."

MOIRA PATIENCE

gem index ruby

What is a Ruby?

Just like sapphire, ruby is a type of corundum, one of the hardest minerals on Earth. This stunning gemstone can be found in a variety of red hues, from pinkish to bluish red.


Arguably, one of the most important stones in the world of coloured gems, large natural rubies are very rare and frequently cost more per carat than colourless diamonds.

Corundrum

Mineral

9

Hardness (out of 10)

July

Birthstone

40th

Anniversary

Moira Patience Ruby and diamond earrings

Where are Rubies Found?

Rubies can be found in most countries around the Indian Ocean although the quality doesn’t come close to those traditionally found in locations like Myanmar (Burma) and Mozambique.

Mozambican rubies are over 500 million years old and are particularly rare.

Moira Patience channel set ruby ring

Hardness

Rubies belong to the corundum mineral family, which is one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Rubies are super durable, 9/10 on the Mohs scale of hardness so second only to diamonds.

Moira Patience Diamond and ruby ring

Myths & Legends

Known as ‘King of Gemstones’ in ancient Hindu texts, rubies were believed to hold the power of life. They were even carried into battle as protection.

From the beginning of civilization, rubies were prized possessions of many kings and queens. In the middle ages, the royals and the aristocrats in Europe coveted rubies more than any other gemstone.

Moira Patience Ruby and opal engagement ring

Colour

The most prized colour of ruby is the deep blueish red and the most
pure red ‘Pigeon Blood’ variety.


The mineral corundum is actually colourless in its purest form. Variations in the colour are caused by trace elements that become part of the mineral’s crystal structure. Ruby’s red colour is a result of chromium, ranging from an orangy-red to a purplish red.


Fine rubies glow with intense red in sunlight due to red fluorescence, which intensifies the red colour

Moira Patience heart-shaped ruby ring

Ruby or Sapphire?

Rubies and sapphires share identical characteristics, crystal structures, and chemical compositions, with the only difference being the trace element chromium, which gives them their distinctive colours.

Any questions about Rubies?

Moira's Bespoke Ruby Jewellery Commissions

Bespoke ruby ring
Bespoke ruby ring

Channel Set Ruby Ring

A ruby ring to celebrate her daughter…. A double row of channel set rubies, graduating in size made for a chic, wearable dress ring all in 18ct yellow gold...

bespoke diamond and ruby ring
bespoke diamond and ruby ring

Diamond & Ruby Ring

It's not very often that you get to work with a diamond like this... I couldn’t wait to get started! The original design and setting did the oval diamond and rubies no justice so we added graduated princess cut rubies...

Ruby & Diamond Earrings
Ruby & Diamond Earrings

Ruby & Diamond Earrings

An extra special commission for my Mum. She had some ruby & diamond earrings that she never wore and so (as a present from my Dad) we remodelled them into these beautiful Arabian-inspired drop earrings in 18ct yellow gold...

Ruby & Opal Engagement Ring
Ruby & Opal Engagement Ring

Ruby & Opal Engagement Ring

This heavenly ruby and opal engagement ring makes me feel so happy. The brightness of the ruby complements the fire in the opals creating a magical combination...


Discover More...

craftsmanship ruby and diamond ring in the workshop in Scotland

Craftsmanship

Moira Patience gemstones in the workshop

Responsible Jewellery