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Ruby, “The King of Gems”

People have held a fascination with the ruby that is as old as history itself.  It was known as the “king of gems” by the ancient cultures of Asia, and has long represented integrity, devotion, healing, courage, romance, generosity, inspiration, and prosperity. Rubies were treasured for their similarity to the redness of blood and it was believed that rubies held the power of life. According to Asian folklore, warriors implanted rubies under their skin to bring courage in battle. They were also used as a talisman, warning its wearer of impending danger or disaster.

 Rubies were first mined in the Moguk area Myanmar (formerly Burma) thousands of years ago. As the popularity of rubies increased, the Burmese Monarch struggled to keep the valuable national asset from leaving the kingdom. They spread rumors to create the belief that anyone who took a stone from a mine would be cursed for their rest of their life. This “urban legend” kept the prized rubies from leaving the kingdom for many generations.  The Moguk mines are still in operation today, and Myanmar continues to be the premier source for exceptional quality rubies.

 Presently the ruby is the birthstone of July and is also the traditional gift for a couple’s 15^th or 40^th wedding anniversary.  Not only to people desire rubies to wear as beautiful jewelry, they are now used in numerous practical applications. Rubies are used as styluses in turntables and as tiny bearings in small pieces of equipment such as high quality wristwatches. As history has told, the vibrant color of the ruby continues to inspire current generations of jewelry buyers, and the gem is still as sacred as it was in ancient times.