Amazing Peridot - Birthstone of August

Green, the colour of our natural world, is overwhelmingly associated with positivity. Blessed with such a gracious colour is the gemstone peridot. A mere look at it is enough to induce in you a sense of positive energy. In use since the ancient times, the gemstone is still very much valued today. It is regarded as the most ideal coloured gemstone for the summer wardrobe. No wonder, it is also a gemstone associated with August month. In fact, in recent years, its popularity has stemmed from the fact that it is an August gemstone and brings the wearer good luck, growth, peace and success. The enthralling colour of peridot is what attracts the admiration of people the most. The stone is relatively inexpensive, light and blessed with an unparalleled beauty.
The name ‘Peridot’ seems to have come from the Arabic word faridat which means ‘gem’. The Oxford English Dictionary however, suggests that it came from classical Latin paederot which is a kind of opal. There are other reports which claim that the term comes from the French word ‘peritot’. Peridot is sometimes known as ‘the poor man’s emerald’. It is also referred to as ‘chrysolite’, a Greek word for ‘goldstone’. Peridot is a very old gemstone, but still today it manages to lure people by its sheer beauty. They are widely mounted on rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, engagement rings, eternity rings and bridal set rings. Needless to say they make an excellent gemstone for jewellery and its hardness, durability and attractive colour make it ideal for everyday use.
‘AG & Sons’ has a beautiful collection of jewelleries in peridot. They are our prized possession owing to its attractiveness and affordability. We have peridot in many interesting shapes and sizes. While you can opt to customise a jewellery piece with peridot, you can also go through our wide display of peridot jewelleries like earrings, rings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, engagement rings, eternity rings and bridal set rings.

The History and Lore of Peridot

Peridot has a fascinating history. One of the world’s oldest gems, peridot’s discovery dates back to as early as 1500 B.C. According to some records, the first stone was discovered in the Egyptian Red Sea, on the Topazo island now known as St. John’s. Apparently the islanders were forced to mine day and night to excavate the gemstone. The gemstone could only be spotted during daytime owing to the beautiful glow it radiated under the sun. This led the ancient Egyptians refer the gemstone as ‘the gem of the sun’.
The Egyptians also regarded peridot as a spiritual gemstone and as per records, Egyptian priests would grind peridot and brew a strong beverage out of it for consumption during ritual ceremonies. There are archeological evidences to show that Cleopatra’s favourite gemstone were actually peridot and not emerald as was previously deemed. Nevertheless peridot has an irrevocable connection with Egypt and today is hailed as its the national gem.
According to the ancient Hawaiian folklore, peridot was the hardened tears of the goddess Pele, who was a powerful goddess associated with lightning, volcanoes and fire. It was known as the ‘evening emerald’ by the ancient Romans because its colour darkened at night though it glowed brilliantly under artificial light. Peridot was found mentioned in the Bible under the name ‘pitdah’, a Hebrew name. The gemstone was brought to decorate the plates and robes in medieval churches in Central Europe by the crusaders. It was also believed that Napoleon used peridot to convince Josephine of his love and commitments. The ancient Hebrews also knew much about peridot as it was found mentioned in the apocalypse text and was also used by Aaron.
Throughout history, peridot was associated with many magical powers. Legends believed that if it is set in gold, it exhibits its full power as a talisman and could be used to dispel bad-dreams, terrors and night-fears. For many years, the 200 carat gem that adorned the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral was thought to be emerald only to be discovered later that it was peridot. The people of the medieval age believed that peridot was used to cure sick individual, cure respiratory and heart issues.
Peridot’s popularity can be ascertained from the fact that it is still widely admired and favoured over other gemstone. Its beauty intensifies when set in metals like gold as rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings, engagement rings, eternity rings and bridal set rings.

Formation of Peridot

It is a gem variety of Olivine, which is a silicate mineral rich in iron and magnesium. The formula of Olivine is therefore (Mg, Fe)2SiO4 which shows the presence of both iron and magnesium. Peridot is formed when olivine crystallizes, a process which takes place under extended periods of high pressure and temperature in rocks where the mineral olivine is present. The process is known to take millions of years. Olivine is primarily found in places of extreme heat and pressure, like mantle of the earth and volcanic rock. The peridot crystals, created in the magma in the upper mantle appear to the surface either by volcanic or tectonic activity. They normally appear in extrusive igneous rocks. Olivine mineral may be found in abundance, but it is rare to come across a gem quality peridot. This is because of the chemical instability of the mineral on the surface of the earth.
Much of gem peridot are born in igneous environments, however, they are also found in some types of meteorites though very rare. Many varieties of gems were found in meteorite, however, it was discovered that peridot is the only one which is large enough to be used in jewellery like rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, engagement rings, eternity rings and bridal set rings. A meteorite was believed to have landed in Siberia in the year 1749. It was found to contain innumerable pieces of peridot crystals which were big enough to be set into jewellery.

Sources of Peridot

The deposits of peridots are found in various parts of the world. Australia, China, Myanmar, Mexico, Brazil, Kenya, Pakistan, USA, Egypt, Tanzania are some of the places from where peridot is sourced. The finest quality peridot comes from Mogok in Burma, and Pakistan in the Kashmir region. USA was considered to be the largest supplier of peridot for many years with the San Carlos Reservation of Arizona as a significant source. Of late, China has become the largest source of peridot.
Peridot’s abundance and availability along the length and breadth of the world makes it an ideal gemstone for use in jewellery like rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, eternity rings, engagement rings and even bridal set rings.

Peridot Color and Properties

A striking fact about peridot is, it is one of the very few gemstones that are available in a single colour. It is usually a rich, green colour with a hint of gold cause by the presence of a small amount of iron. However, the intensity of the green colour may vary depending on the amount of iron content. The tone of the colour can therefore vary from yellow-green and olive and may even appear brownish green. The colour exhibits best under natural light. Peridots with an iron percentage of less than 15% and with elements of chromium and nickel are considered to be the best coloured peridot. The most favoured, loved and valued coloured is an intense green coloured peridot.
Peridot measures 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It may not be as hard as the diamond, but it is fairly robust and can be easily maintained. Peridot has great transparency. They are largely available without inclusions and impurities, though the larger stones may have some inclusions and impurities which make it appear cloudy. Cut and polished peridot have a vitreous lustre and are very attractive. Owing to the excellent transparency it possesses, peridot is widely faceted. For use in jewelleries like rings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, engagement rings, eternity rings and bridal set ring peridot of different shapes like ovals, rounds, cushions, emerald are created. Cuts like the table, unconventional checkerboards and steps are however more popular.

Healing Properties of Peridot

Owing to the yellowish green colour, peridot is believed to cure diseases of the liver and help eliminate problems associated with digestion. Apart from helping in physical detoxification, it helps dissolve problems of the gall bladder, kidneys, lungs, gallbladder, heart, thymus, stomachs, intestinal tract and heals illness like constipation and ulcers. It aids in balancing bipolar disorders and in overcoming hypochondria. It is regarded as a powerful cleanser and releases toxins. It alleviates exhaustion, lethargy and stress.
Peridot is very beneficial in treating several psychological problems. It dispels resentment, bitterness, jealousy, hatred, irritation, guilt, greed, nervousness, etc. It helps one to attain confidence, motivate growth, form new relationships and be responsible. Peridot is known to help individuals attain emotional balance, inner peace and help understand ones destiny. Peridot is especially known to be a very beneficial gem to dispel anger, calm the nervous system and release the emotional tensions.
The healing attributes along with its unique beauty is enough to lure people into getting it mounted on jewelleries like rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, eternity rings, engagement rings and bridal set rings. They are primarily famous as a birthstone. They make an ideal August birthday gift.

The Collection of Peridot at AG & Sons

The world of fashion is in the process of rediscovering the stunning beauty of peridot. The beautiful green colour peridot when worn as rings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, earring, engagement rings, eternity rings or bridal set ring will transform all the beneficial energies to you. A fascinating gem, it has a fascinating story to narrate through its colour and lustre. AG & Sons has an amazing collection of peridot jewelleries which are tastefully designed to enhance the beauty of the stone. We cater to customisation also so if you have a special design with peridot in mind, you can come to us.

July Birthstone Ruby (in detail)

Ruby - The King of Gems

No colour expresses love, passion, power and energy as emphatically as the colour red. Magnificent, rich and captivating, red has that mysterious magnetism to lure us to into a world brimming with energy. A deep luminescent red is what gives the ruby gemstone a unique identity. Ruby is rightfully termed the ‘king of gemstones’. It is strongly believed that just as the colour red which portrays the most intense emotions, ruby too symbolises the power or blood of life. Its strong association with life has made it a highly esteemed gemstone since antiquity. The passionate, rich colour of ruby throws much light on a rich legacy.
The word ruby comes from the Latin word ‘ruber’ which means red. Ruby is known as ‘tabtim’ in Thailand which means ‘pomegranate’ in Thai owing to their resemblance to the red seed inside a ripe pomegranate. They are a pink to blood-red coloured gemstone variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide) and are today, one of the most sought after gemstones due to its durability, hardness, rarity and lustre. Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, engagement rings, eternity rings and bridal set rings in ruby gemstone is available in plenty in the markets.
AG & Sons, one of the most established jewellery stores, has an endearing range of ruby jewelleries like ruby bracelets, ruby necklaces, ruby pendants, ruby earrings, ruby engagement rings, ruby eternity rings etc. Designed by our experts, they feature designs which are a subtle blend of contemporary and traditional. Indeed, with the immense significance it holds ruby makes for an exquisite gemstone with a vibrancy that is unsurpassed by any other.

Princess Cut Ruby & Diamond Ring

The History and Lore of Ruby

The Orient describes ruby as ‘A drop of the heart’s blood of Mother Earth’ and they believed that it contains the spark of life. Ancient orientals were of the opinion that ruby is self-luminous and hence named it ‘glowing stone’ or ‘lamp stone’. The emperor of China was believed to have used ruby to light up his chamber. As per the Hindu priests even the homes of the Gods were lighted by rubies. The ancient Indian language Sanskrit referred to ruby as ‘ratnaraj’ which implies ‘king of precious stones’. One is assured to be reborn as an emperor if ruby was offered to Lord Krishna as per the ancient Hindus.
Some ancient cultures also held the notion that rubies grew on trees like fruit. Ruby was also believed to have the power to forewarn the wearer of an impending disaster. King Henry VIII’s wife was said to have prophesied her death from the darkening of her ruby. Because of its association with blood, ruby was considered to be an ideal stone for soldiers. They were apparently inserted into the flesh of the soldiers and made a part of their own body. The soldiers who wore the stone in this manner were believed to be spared from wounds and injuries.
The story of Marco Polo states that Kublai Khan offered a city to the King of Ceylon in exchange for a large ruby. As per a Greek legend, a female stork was said to have repaid Heraclea’s kindness by giving her a ruby so bright that it lighted up her room at night. The people of the Medieval Europeans believed that rubies blessed them with good health, wisdom, prosperity and success in love life. In China, the rank of a Mandarin was decided by the colour of the ruby stone. The Bible and the ancient Sanskrit writings regard ruby as the most precious gemstones. Depending on its flawlessness and beauty, the Hindus divided rubies into castes like upper class, middle class and lower class.
Even today it is believed that ruby when worn as jewellery like bracelet, ring, earring, necklace, pendant etc. brings good health, wisdom, luck, success to the wearer. It also makes an ideal engagement ring, eternity ring and bridal set ring as ruby also stands as a symbol of eternal love.

Princess Cut Ruby Eternity Ring 

The History and Lore of Ruby

The Orient describes ruby as ‘A drop of the heart’s blood of Mother Earth’ and they believed that it contains the spark of life. Ancient orientals were of the opinion that ruby is self-luminous and hence named it ‘glowing stone’ or ‘lamp stone’. The emperor of China was believed to have used ruby to light up his chamber. As per the Hindu priests even the homes of the Gods were lighted by rubies. The ancient Indian language Sanskrit referred to ruby as ‘ratnaraj’ which implies ‘king of precious stones’. One is assured to be reborn as an emperor if ruby was offered to Lord Krishna as per the ancient Hindus.
Some ancient cultures also held the notion that rubies grew on trees like fruit. Ruby was also believed to have the power to forewarn the wearer of an impending disaster. King Henry VIII’s wife was said to have prophesied her death from the darkening of her ruby. Because of its association with blood, ruby was considered to be an ideal stone for soldiers. They were apparently inserted into the flesh of the soldiers and made a part of their own body. The soldiers who wore the stone in this manner were believed to be spared from wounds and injuries.
The story of Marco Polo states that Kublai Khan offered a city to the King of Ceylon in exchange for a large ruby. As per a Greek legend, a female stork was said to have repaid Heraclea’s kindness by giving her a ruby so bright that it lighted up her room at night. The people of the Medieval Europeans believed that rubies blessed them with good health, wisdom, prosperity and success in love life. In China, the rank of a Mandarin was decided by the colour of the ruby stone. The Bible and the ancient Sanskrit writings regard ruby as the most precious gemstones. Depending on its flawlessness and beauty, the Hindus divided rubies into castes like upper class, middle class and lower class.
Even today it is believed that ruby when worn as jewellery like bracelet, ring, earring, necklace, pendant etc. brings good health, wisdom, luck, success to the wearer. It also makes an ideal engagement ring, eternity ring and bridal set ring as ruby also stands as a symbol of eternal love.

1 Carat Ruby Engagement Ring

Formation of Ruby

As mentioned rubies are formed from the mineral corundum. Corundum comes in two varieties common and transparent. Rubies are the red variety of a transparent corundum. Corundum is the hardest mineral known after diamond and is basically an aluminium oxide. It is a very rare mineral and is composed of a densely filled aluminium and oxygen atoms which are generally colorless. When other atoms take the place of few of the aluminium ones in the colorless corundum, bright color surface. It is the small amount of chromium that is responsible for ruby’s deep red color.
In other words, a ruby is formed when small impurity of chromic oxide gets into the corundum (aluminium ions substituted by chromium). The substitution process is known as isomorphous replacement. Basically, it is chromium and another metal constituent of rubies vanadium, which gives the eye-catchy red color of ruby. If the stone formed is not red in color, it becomes a sapphire.
However, it is extremely difficult to find corundum. They are usually found in alluvial and eluvia deposits and are also found in silica poor pegmatites. The ruby crystals are therefore formed at extremely high temperatures between 620 and 670 degree Celsius, predominantly in high-grade metamorphic environments where the hydrothermal fluids come in contact with limestone.
Rubies are also created in the laboratory now a days. Two different methods are used: the Flame-Fusions and the Flux-Growth, the former being the cheapest methods of producing synthetic rubies.
Though rare, the desire for ruby is still very much on the rise as it has always been. Ruby rings, ruby bracelets, ruby necklaces, ruby pendants, ruby earrings, ruby engagement rings, ruby eternity rings and ruby bridal set rings are still largely created to retain the much achieved fame and mystique.

Sources of Ruby

Sri Lanka was the earliest source for ruby where mining was recorded to have taken place as far back as 600 BC. Today, the most important sources of ruby are Thailand, Myanmar, Tanzania and Sri Lanka. The finest rubies come from the Mogok region in Burma, which is now known as Myanmar. The island of Ceylong, the ‘island of gems’ is also very famous for its light shade rubies. Marco Polo once commented that Ceylon produces beautiful rubies like no other. The African rubies coming from Kenya and Tanzania are dark red and has a brownish tinge.
The Sri Lankan rubies are identified by their lavender tone and a fuchsia red features. Rubies also come from Madagascar, India, Russia, Mexico, Cambodia, North Carolina, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan is also known to source excellent color rubies however, they have a low frequency. Central Asia is fast becoming an important source for fine quality ruby.
Ruby’s availability since the ancient times have enabled women to adorn themselves in beautifully designed jewelries like earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, etc. Even ruby engagement rings, ruby eternity rings and ruby bridal set rings are widely being desired these days.

Ruby Color and Properties

Color determines the quality of ruby. They come in two broad categories; reddish pink and ruby red. A strong, pure and vibrant red or red with a tinge of blue is considered to be the most sought after. This red hue is known as ‘pigeon’s blood’. A light colored ruby falls under the category of pink sapphire though in some mining areas, the pink ruby is also considered as a ruby.
Ruby does display inclusions though they are a natural part of the stone. They are sometimes removed by heating. Inclusions of tiny parallel rutile needles causes an effect known as asterism in polishes rubies. They are identified as star rubies and has either six ray stars or twelve ray stars. Ruby for jewelleries like earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, rings, engagement rings, eternity rings and bridal set rings are generally available in mixed-cut, accompanied by step-cut pavilions and brilliant-cut crowns. Common shapes are cushions and ovals though they are also available in round, pear, triangular, emerald, marquise cut. Rubies over one carat are rare, hence the price increases with the increase in size.
Ruby measures 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness second only to diamond. As a corundum, it is amongst the most durable of all gemstones with a high density and no cleavages. Thus, they make an ideal gemstone choice for jewelleries like an engagement ring, eternity ring and bridal set ring as they can be worn on a daily basis.

Healing Properties of Ruby

Since the ancient times, rubies were known to have had many positive effects. Believed by many to have a strong relation with the sun, it was thought to have a great effect on the mental and physical health of the people. The stone was largely regarded as the stone of prophecy as the colour was said to darken when any kind of danger loomed large. Rubies were known to cure liver problems and were considered great for the brain, heart and memory.
Rubies were always regarded as the stone of love, passion, power, energy and a zeal for life. Ruby is said to increase the energy level, vigour, courage of the wearer. They help the wearer to overcome the stress of life and calm hyperactivity. They were believed to detoxify the blood and the body and were said to have a positive effect on the heart and circulatory system.
The gemstone is also believed to promote positive dreams, positive state of mind and make the wearer stronger physically and mentally. It is a dynamic stone known to ignite the passion and enthusiasm of the wearer. Since ruby symbolises passion, and love between two people and are known to strengthen their relationship by bringing them closer, they are an ideal stone for engagement rings, eternity rings and even bridal set rings. The intense energy of ruby is known to sharpen the mind and improve the concentration level of the wearer. Due to the many positive effects it has, ruby is still worn as rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings etc.

The Collection of Ruby at AG & Sons

A highly priced gemstone, with a hardness and durability like no other, it is but natural that ruby jewelleries are very much sought after. AG & Sons have a wide collection of ruby jewelleries, elegantly designed to bring the most of out of the stone. Its captivating colour is enough to augment the look of any type of designs or settings and our experts have made sure that only ruby of the finest quality and colour is used. We have a wide collection of ruby earrings, rings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces apart from our much admired ruby engagement rings, eternity rings and bridal set rings.

Merry Christmas in Advance to all of You !!!

Merry Christmas in Advance to all of You !!!

What Are You Getting Your Girls This Christmas? Get Some Ideas

With Christmas only months away, most people are busy preparing for the holiday season. Most of us wait on the Black Friday sale to grab our year’s most extravagant purchases, which includes gifts for ourselves and friends and families. If you, like everyone else, are waiting for the year’s biggest shopping event you could use some gift ideas. When it comes to Christmas gifts to family and close friends, most people think big. Make use of your Christmas bonus and the holiday mood to buy some exclusive gifts this Christmas for the people you care for.

Picking gifts is no mean feat, particularly when your mind is either vacant or scrambled with ideas. When shopping, it is advisable to focus on one thing to arrive at a practical purchase decision. So, without further ado, let’s go over the options. When you are thinking to gift something big this time, then think jewellery, because that’s one of the very few things that warranty happiness.  Besides, if you are going to pay a handsome price, better make it count. Sure, the choices in jewellery often exceed the demand, but with some clues and ideas, you are all set to make the right pick at a reasonable expense.

For Your Mother

Choices are aplenty for those looking to buy a piece of bauble for their mother, and contrary to popular notion, it does not involve checking with your mother what she likes. Why ruin the surprise when you can figure it out by yourself?

For her, you need to focus on items for a particular age group. You may not have thought this, but somewhere at the back of your mind, you know what her taste in jewellery is like. Try to remember if her jewelleries are mostly petite and delicate or big and bold.

If she is a ring person, a promise ring would be a great way to express your love and gratitude. If she’s into necklaces, a pendant makes a lovely surprise. If your mother is middle aged or above, then look in solitaires. Pendants that use a single diamond, pearl or emerald makes a fitting pick for her. It should at least be a few centimetres in diameter, or in other words, substantially sized, if nothing over the top.

If pendants sound too complicated, then get her a pair of classic diamond ear studs. These pieces are a joy to own, and your mother will love them at the very first glance. Cluster studs are smaller in price while solitaires are pricey.

For a Little Sister

For your little sister, a promise ring is the best Christmas gift ever. A promise ring is a symbolic expression of love and affection, and an unspoken commitment to the relationship. It’s a great way of telling that you would be around when she needs you.

Thanks to the makers, promise rings of countless styles and designs have landed in the stores in the past few years. They have cute gem rings, charm shaped and even plain bands for girls of all ages. Depending on her age and style, you can find something that is both symbolic and fancy. Fancy is important, because girls love fancy.

A bracelet is another suggestion, but there is a price alert there. If you are comfortable spending bigger than a ring, then a bracelet is the next best choice. Layered bangles, solitaire bangles and skinny bracelets are the top choices in the market. Don’t worry about the size because most of them come in one size or with size adjustable feature.

Tennis bracelets are wildly popular among young girls, if you are looking for something that’s not too flashy, but definitely sophisticate. These pieces are bands for arms, designed with gems studded on skinny chains. 

For Your Significant Other

For your wife, girlfriend or fiancé, the choices of jewelleries is practically never ending. Most stores are heavily stocked in the romantic and nuptial sections, which makes it easy for couples to find something that catches their fancy quite easily.

A ring would be a classic gesture of romantic love, and that works great for a wife. Diamond solitaires, eternity rings and even three-stone rings are great gifts to wives on any occasion. It revitalizes the spark in marriages through the expression of love and admiration. In fact, to make it really special for her. Go custom, and design a ring with your choice of design, metal and gems to create something original. She’ll love it, without a doubt.

For a fiancé or girlfriend, however, you have to think differently. Rings won’t work for obvious reasons. Earrings however make great Christmas gifts. A pair of solitaire ear studs would be the first suggestion right off the top of my head, but she likes dressy things, get a set of dazzling danglers. Laced with shimmering diamonds, these pieces are a feast for the eyes. No need to get stressed on the price as long as you limit yourself to cluster diamond pieces. They look expensive, but don’t cost as much.

For some reason, if you are thinking of something more than the usual rings and earrings, then go for a necklace. The choices here are diverse, and the priced flourish. If you are thinking pendants, no need to be warned though, but if you happen to slip into serious diamond necklaces, you’ll probably have to cough up a few thousands extra, but your gift will be guaranteed the best she’d receive this Christmas. Birthstone necklaces are petite and charming. Solitaire necklaces are classy and expensive. Cluster necklaces are affordable, and spectacular. Mangal sutras and neck chains display advanced craftsmanship, but for all they cost, they are worth every dime.

For a Friend for Life

For a friend you have known all your life, or someone who has become a close confidante in a very short time, nothing short of a diamond jewellery is worth the chemistry. Cluster studs or pendants are two of the choicest picks that she’d like and you’d be able to afford without stretching your budget. 

Ruby - The King of Gems

What to Know Before You Pick a Ruby

Rubies have ruled the hearts of kings and queens through centuries. Occupying a permanent place in jewellery, these bright shiny red stones have stood the test of time unlike most of its kind. One of the most valuable gems available to mankind, this fiery red stone is loved for its vibrant and warm tone and overflowing lustre. Although the stories around the origin of rubies is quite hazed due to lack of records, it is said that this brilliant red stone was first found in India where it was named “Ratnaraj”,  Sanskrit for “the King of Gems”. Back in the days, rubies were used to decorate palaces and mansions and often, to welcome a Royal Guest. Now permanently posited in jewellery, the rubies that are mined today are mostly taken in to decorate ornaments.

The Cs of Ruby Grades

Rubies are graded by the parameters of colour, clarity and carat.

Colour

Colour in rubies is the deciding factor. Although rubies naturally occur in all shades starting with red to dark pink, not all of them is top-grade. Only those occurring in the medium to medium dark red bracket are the finest. Gems from this section are often referred to as “pigeon blood” red rubies. Those at the bottom of the bracket are passed on as pink sapphires because of their light hue and translucence.

Clarity

There is nothing as an inclusion-free ruby and that fact prompts the graders to focus more on the colour than the clarity of the stones. Even the signature red rubies have slight inclusions. However, the prices peak for those with fewer inclusions while it takes a dip for stones with more flaws. Almost all inclusions in rubies are visible to naked eyes. So, under bright light, it’s never really hard to make out the clarity of a ruby. 

Carat

Aside, colour saturation and clarity, the third aspect of a ruby that is directly proportional to its value is the carat. The larger a ruby is, the steeper it is priced. However, since the pricing is largely presided by the quality of the stone, a large stone of poor grade can cost much lesser than a drop-size top-quality ruby.

Rubies Work Great With

The colour schemes in jewellery have taken an interesting spin at this point. Designers are no longer unconfident about bringing together gems of opposing or similar colours. It’s not so much about which shades match than which look great together. So, as long as the colours are not fighting one another for the first place, it’s good to go. With rubies, almost any gem can work, provided the jeweller knows how to bring it together.

The marriage of rubies with diamonds is a union destined for eternity. The two have come together often and still do gracing each other with their brilliance and lustre.

Rubies with emeralds seem to be the newest obsession of the masses. The two balance each other out, all the while sparking a vibrant combination of totally dichotomous shades. If you are not all for opposite colours, then try putting your ruby with a bright citrine. Orange and red occupy adjacent houses in the colour wheel. Being analogous, they blend as well as complement one another. 

Rubies with blue sapphire are another striking combination. The combination may at first sound a bit tricky because they don’t really balance one another, but if one is used to accent the other, the combination will look every bit wonderful as any.

Pink sapphires with rubies makes the perfect pair for monochromatic jewellery where the designers tries to weave in gems of similar colour, but different shades.

Settings That Make a Ruby Look Perfect

Frankly, the setting of a stone is determined by two things, first its cut and second, its carat. Getting past the first point in this case, what settings are great for rubies, generally speaking? To answer that, it is important to understand the general rule that applies to gemstones and their settings. The larger your stone is, the lesser your setting options get.

Prong Setting

If you want your thumb-size ruby to blossom brightly, then a prong setting is what you should think. The reason why prong setting is the best fit for a chunky ruby is because its elevation offers the best possible visibility for the stone. The metal claws of a prong setting are great in more than just one way. The clips are slim and therefore, they hardly get in the way of the gem. Secondly, a prong setting is a very secure setting for a large stone. It hardly ever fails to keep the stone secure as it passes hands.

Bezel Setting

Of course a prong setting is not the only option you have. A bezel setting is a great fit for a large size ruby too. A bezel is a metal rim that contours the gem from around holding it tightly from all sides. However, a bezel setting is also a popular option for small rubies that are cut to have a spread-off table. Since the metal bracket hugs the stone from all sides, it masks the bottom part of the stone. So, there is a great choice is setting for small and medium sized rubies with large tables.

Micro-Settings

If you have a handful of smaller stones that you want to set in your ornament, then you need to choose between pave, channel and invisible settings. A pave setting, as the name suggests, is essentially how stones in pavements are cobbled together in a flat overlay. Channel setting is often considered a wise pick for small rubies because the grooves of the setting are firm to hold small stones. However, if you are not a fan of the metal perimeters dividing the stones apart, then choose an invisible style of setting for your rubies. In an invisible setting, the rubies are aligned one after the other with no visible barriers in between thus appearing like a long vibrant line of shiny red spearing over the surface.