Ruby is one of the most prized and captivating gemstones, renowned for its intense red color and status as a symbol of passion, love, and power. It is a variety of the mineral corundum, with its rich red hue caused by the presence of chromium. Alongside sapphire, ruby is one of the “big four” precious gemstones, making it highly sought after in fine jewelry and collections.

Characteristics of Ruby:

• Color: Rubies range from pinkish-red to deep, vivid red. The most valuable rubies display a “pigeon blood red” color, which is a pure, vibrant red with a slight bluish hue.

• Hardness: Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones and an excellent choice for durable jewelry.

• Clarity: Fine-quality rubies are transparent, though they often contain natural inclusions known as “silk,” which can enhance the gem’s luster. Eye-clean rubies are rare and highly valuable.

• Luster: When polished, rubies exhibit a striking