Red is a colour associated with strength and power, love and passion, and ruby is the ultimate red gemstone.  It is also the birthstone traditionally associated with July making now the perfect time to add this stunning gemstone to your jewellery collection.

Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum and has the same basic composition as sapphire.  Impurities within the stone give it colour; red stones are ruby and other colours are sapphire.  After diamond, corundum is the hardest of the gemstones and rubies and sapphires are therefore suitable for regular wear.

Rubies are found in a variety of locations around the world.  Historically Burma was regarded as the best location for fine rubies, often described as 'pigeon-blood' red.  Nowadays beautiful rubies are sourced from a number of African nations, Madagascar in particular, as well as many Asian countries including Thailand.  

Almost all rubies are heated in order to improve their appearance.  This is a commonplace and acceptable treatment, and it is safe to assume your ruby has received this enhancement unless otherwise stated.  Our experienced team of gemmologists will be happy to talk to you about this and other gemstone treatments.

As well as being the birthstone for July, ruby is also the traditional gift for the fortieth wedding anniversary, with ruby eternity rings a particularly popular gift for this special occasion.

Whatever the occasion, ruby is a beautiful gem.  Its durability means it works brilliantly for dress rings in a variety of styles and its vivid colour makes it perfect for eye-catching earrings and pendants.  We have a fantastic range of ruby jewellery available to view in store, to suit all tastes and budgets.  Click here to see a sample of what is on offer.