|
The price of wisdom is above rubies, says Job in the
Bible, implying that rubies were highly prized in his time. Indeed,
the respect and appreciation for rubies has always transcended all
geographical boundaries and social class.
The gold coronation ring of the English kings contains a large,
tablet-cut ruby on which the figure of St. George's cross is
engraved. Around the ruby are set 26 diamonds. Rubies are generously
represented in crowns and scepters in the royal jewels of many
nations.
Ruby has acquired special attributes from its admirers over the
centuries. It has been regarded as a symbol of freedom, charity,
dignity and divine power. The Burmese believed that gemstones
ripened like fruit. The redder the color, the riper the ruby. A
flawed ruby was considered over mature.
Large, gem quality rubies have always been very rare. The huge
gems described in medieval romances and oriental literature were
most likely exaggerated by the imaginations of ruby admirers and
creative authors or were actually garnets or spinels.
RUBY COLOR: Ruby and sapphire
are the two varieties of the mineral corundum. Their exceptional
hardness is surpassed only by diamonds. Red corundum is called ruby,
and all other colors are called sapphire. The cut-off between ruby
and pink sapphire on one end and plum sapphire on the other has long
been a subject of controversy. Of course, gem dealers want the gem
they're selling to be classified as a ruby because the name alone increases
its value. |
