Ruby: red corundum, meaning, hardness & jewelry

The ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum and is considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. With a Mohs hardness of 9, it is the hardest gemstone after the diamond, making it exceptionally suitable for everyday wear. Its deep red color, ideally described as “pigeon blood,” has symbolized love, passion, and vitality for thousands of years. At Splendido Jewelry, we combine intensely colored gemstones with genuine 585 gold to create pieces that accompany you for a lifetime.

Mineralogically speaking, a ruby is red corundum, or aluminum oxide. The same mineral forms sapphire in all other colors—only the red coloration may be called ruby. The characteristic red is caused by a small amount of chromium incorporated into the crystal lattice. Depending on the chromium content and proportion of iron, the color spectrum ranges from delicate pink to rich, dark purplish red.

Rubies are among the rarest colored gemstones. Large, clear examples in a vivid red are exceptionally valuable—finest rubies achieve higher prices per carat than many diamonds. Historically, the most famous stones came from Myanmar (Burma); today, they also come from Mozambique, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

The most coveted ruby color is known as “pigeon blood” (English pigeon blood). It refers to a pure, vivid red with a subtle blue-violet undertone and strong brilliance—without brown or overly dark tones. This top quality is extremely rare and correspondingly sought after.

Four characteristics help when assessing a ruby:

• Color: the most important criterion—a rich, vibrant red is the most sought-after.
• Clarity: small inclusions are normal in rubies and often even confirm their authenticity.
• Cut: a good cut showcases the color and brilliance to their best advantage.
• Carat weight: large, clear rubies are rare and significantly increase in value.

A ruby reaches a value of 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, making it the hardest natural gemstone after the diamond (10). This hardness makes it particularly resistant to scratches and abrasion—an important reason why ruby is so well suited to jewelry worn every day. Rings, necklaces, and earrings with rubies withstand everyday wear significantly better than jewelry featuring softer stones such as opal or pearl.

Few gemstones are as strongly associated with emotion as the ruby. Its name derives from the Latin ruber, meaning “red.” In many cultures, the ruby has long been regarded as a stone of love, passion, and vitality. In ancient India, it was revered as the “king of gemstones”; during the Middle Ages, rulers wore rubies as symbols of power and protection.

Rubies are said to inspire courage, energy, and self-confidence—ideas that should be understood purely in cultural and symbolic terms. As the red stone of passion, it remains a popular gift for anniversaries and romantic occasions. The ruby is also the birthstone for July and is considered the gemstone for a ruby wedding anniversary, the 40th wedding anniversary.

Thanks to its hardness and vivid color, ruby is an ideal stone for high-quality jewelry. Its deep red looks especially beautiful in a warm gold setting: 585 yellow gold emphasizes the stone’s warmth, while white gold sets it off with clarity and contrast. At Splendido Jewelry, you will find colored gemstones set in genuine 585 gold, which is nickel-free, kind to the skin, and does not tarnish.

If you are looking for jewelry with colored gemstones, it is worth taking a look at our gold rings with gemstones and our gold necklaces with gemstones. Colorful examples include our amethyst solitaire ring in 585 yellow gold and the peridot necklace with a diamond halo. Those looking for a wider selection will find handpicked pieces made from genuine gold throughout Splendido Jewelry’s gold jewelry collection.

Thanks to its hardness, a ruby is easy to care for. This is how you can keep the stone radiant for a long time:

1. Clean with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap.
2. Carefully clean behind the setting with a soft brush as well.
3. Rinse with clear water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
4. Remove before sports, housework, and handling chemicals.

You should avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh products, especially if it is unclear whether the stone has been treated. It is best to store ruby jewelry separately so that harder stones such as diamonds do not scratch the gold setting. You can find more tips in our guide to cleaning and caring for jewelry.

At Splendido Jewelry, every piece comes with free shipping and free returns, as well as a 30-day return policy—so you can view your ruby jewelry at home at your leisure.

Frequently Asked Questions