The Rich History of Ruby
Rubies have been treasured for thousands of years, with references dating back to ancient Sanskrit texts where ruby was called "ratnaraj," meaning "king of precious stones." Ancient Hindus believed that offering rubies to the god Krishna would ensure rebirth as an emperor. In Burma (now Myanmar), warriors inserted rubies into their flesh, believing the stones would make them invincible in battle.
In medieval Europe, rubies were worn by royalty and nobility not only as symbols of wealth and power but also as talismans for good health, wisdom, and success in love and battle. It was widely believed that rubies would darken in color when danger was present, serving as a warning to the wearer.
The most famous source of fine rubies has historically been the Mogok Valley in Myanmar, known for producing the highly prized "pigeon's blood" rubies—stones with a pure red color with a hint of blue. For centuries, the finest rubies from this region were reserved exclusively for Burmese royalty.
In more recent history, the discovery of ruby deposits in Mozambique in 2009 has significantly impacted the ruby market, providing a new source of high-quality stones. Today, rubies remain among the most valuable gemstones, with fine specimens often commanding higher prices per carat than even colorless diamonds.
