Ruby is one of the most ancient and valuable precious stones known to mankind. Perfect rubies without blemishes and of the pure blood color will cost up to ten times more than diamonds of the same size. The best rubies are considered to be of deep red color resembling the color of arterial blood. In ancient Burma and India warriors used rubies to decorate their armor.

Because of the deep red color of the stones people believed that rubies had magic and medicinal qualities. For example, those who wear ruby rings or other ruby jewelry were to obtain strength of a lion, bravery of an eagle, and wisdom of a snake. Rubies are supposed to protect those who wear them from infections, even cholera and plague, cleanse blood and brain, heal heart, and protect from lightning. Ancient doctors used ruby to cure cancer. Rubies also symbolized long life, health, and devoted passionate love.

On the other hand, ruby was believed to enhance cruelty and anger and was not recommended for people who were weak and envious. For example, Roman emperor Nero who was known for his cruelty and sexually excessive behavior became obsessed with those activities after he got hold of a ruby. Cesare Borgia, cruel but brave Italian cardinal, claimed that his ruby ring saved his life more than once. Rubies are not recommended for people with high blood pressure and those who are become agitated easily.

The best rubies were found in the mines of Mogok in Myanmar (Burma) but in the recent years those mines were exhausted. Myanmar (Burmese) rubies were of the highest quality and color often referred to as “pigeon blood”. Nowadays there are mines in Kenia, Tanzania, Nepal, Tadjikistan, and Pakistan. In USA rubies are mined in Montana, South Carolina, and North Carolina. One of the biggest Burmese rubies in the world set in platinum ring with diamonds (23.1 carat or 4.6 g) was donated to Smithsonian Museum by Peter Buck.

If you are thinking about ruby rings as a present to your loved ones consider that rubies are supposed to be the stones of 15th and 40th marriage anniversaries and the birthstone of those born in July. However, in the recent years ruby rings became a perfect choice for engagement rings as well as rings for men.

Ruby rings are customarily made of gold, white gold or platinum with diamonds added as accents. The contrast of deep red rubies and clear sparkling diamonds makes an unforgettable combination. The most popular cuts used in ruby rings are emerald, brilliant and marquise. Rubies look good in contemporary settings as well as in vintage and antique rings and they can be also combined with other gemstones for more dramatic effect.

Ruby rings make an excellent gift for almost any occasion, especially if you will complement your selection of the deep red stone with a card saying that you give this ruby ring with a pledge of your love as deep as the fire that lives within the heart of this magic stone.