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About Ruby: The fiery color of the ruby symbolizes devotion, passion, desire, and luxurious opulence. It was once believed that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in affairs of the heart. Rubies were thought to be magical, mysterious and even mystical. The more beautiful the ruby gem, it was thought the more profound and positive effect on the owner's life. Ruby is the birthstone for July and the anniversary gemstone for the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries. Rubies excel in durability with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Enhancements: Although cutting is the most basic enhancement method necessary to display the beauty of a gemstone, there are many fascinating methods by which man has demonstrated his ability to draw maximum color, luster, clarity and brilliance from nature's earthbound treasures. A basic understanding of these enhancement techniques will add to your appreciation of the beauty, durability and value of the gemstone jewelry you already own, or plan to purchase in the future. Ruby is often heat-treated to improve the color and clarity. This practice dates back to around 50 AD. The enhancement is safe and permanent.
Buying a Ruby: Always let your taste be the final guide in making your selection. Rubies come in a wide range of tones from stoplight red to crimson. Generally, a red that is low in or free of purple is most desirable. Reds with overtones of orange or pink are fine as long as the gemstones are saturated enough to be called red. Rubies are rarely completely clean and some of the most desirable colors will often have small inclusions. A good guideline is to first select a ruby with the best color you can find and then make sure the inclusions are slight. Rubies in sizes of over 1 carat are considered important and sizes over 3 carats are particularly hard to find. All of the rubies at MyJewelrySource.com are red, and as true red as we could find. Our rubies do not have purple overtones and they are nearly eye clean. Any visible inclusions are subtle and not distracting from the beauty of the gem.
Care of Rubies: Since rubies are tough and durable, they can withstand most cleaning methods. While steaming and ultrasonic cleaning will not damage the gemstone, these methods are not recommended by MJS as they may loosen the setting, and subsequently, stones may fall out. Your ruby jewelry may be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush or a cloth with plain or soapy water. Rubies must not be put in boiling hot water.
