• Handle your rubies with care. Rubies, though durable, can still be chipped or damaged if subjected to rough handling. Avoid wearing ruby jewelry when engaging in activities that may expose it to potential damage, such as sports or heavy manual work.
• Store your ruby jewelry separately from other gemstones and harder materials to prevent scratching.
• Regular cleaning helps maintain the brilliance of your ruby. To clean your ruby jewelry, use a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Gently scrub the ruby with a soft toothbrush, then rinse it thoroughly and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Keep your ruby away from harsh chemicals and household cleaners that can potentially damage or dull the stone.
• While rubies are heat-resistant, extreme temperature changes can cause damage. Avoid exposing your ruby to sudden temperature variations, such as hot water or direct heat sources like open flames.
• Periodically inspect your ruby jewelry to ensure that the gemstone is secure in its setting. Loose or damaged settings can lead to the loss of your precious ruby. If you notice any issues, have your jewelry repaired by a professional jeweler like Munchel’s.

Fast Facts About Rubies

• The availability and quality of rubies can fluctuate over time, and new deposits may be discovered in different parts of the world.
• Rubies have adorned the crowns and jewelry of royalty for centuries. Notable examples include Elizabeth Taylor’s ruby and diamond necklace, as well as the famous “Sunrise Ruby,” the world’s most expensive ruby.
• The ruby has a special significance as a gift for couples celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.
• The majority of rubies on the market undergo heat treatment to enhance their color and clarity. This common practice helps bring out the ruby’s natural beauty and intensify its red hue.
• Rubies have historically been associated with wealth, power, and protection. They were believed to bring good fortune, enhance one’s status, and ward off misfortune.
• Occasionally, rubies exhibit asterism, a phenomenon known as the “star effect.” When light interacts with needle-like inclusions, it creates a star-shaped pattern, typically with six rays. Star rubies are highly prized and considered to be particularly rare and valuable.
• The word “ruby” comes from the Latin word “rubeus,” meaning “red.” It is derived from the mineral’s intense red color.
• Rubies are one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
• Long ago, warriors would wear rubies on the battlefield, believing that the stone would grant them courage, strength, and invincibility.
• A ruby that is too pink will probably be sold as a pink sapphire instead of a ruby!

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry