Ruby
Ruby’s are loved by many for their vibrant red colour. They are a red variety of the mineral Corundum.
While the price and quality of rubys can vary from as little as $1 per carat, at the top end of the market in 2006, the record price paid at auction for a single stone was $5,860,000 for an unnamed 38.12 carat cabochon-cut ruby.
Part of the value of rubies is decided not only by brilliance and clarity but also on colour. While many may think dark or light ruby are worth more it is in fact the most intense bright reds that are valued most. The most valued tint is shade called “pigeon's blood” which apparently looks just like the blood of a freshly killed pigeon. We have no idea who first found that out. However it is Rubies from the Myanmar region which are this highly sought after blood red colour.
Ruby is regarded as the traditional birthstone for July and n some cultures, the ruby is the traditional gift for the 40th wedding anniversary.
