Ruby

Ruby has been treasured longer than nearly any other gem. The Sanskrit word for ruby — ratnaraj — translates literally to king of gems, and ancient Hindu texts ranked it above diamond. Burmese (Myanmar) ruby mines have produced the world's finest stones for over 800 years; Burmese soldiers reportedly inserted small rubies into their flesh before battle, believing they granted invulnerability. The most prized rubies, called "pigeon-blood red," come from the Mogok Valley of Myanmar — the term refers to the deep red of fresh blood from a pigeon, a comparison ancient Burmese gem dealers used to grade quality. In the 17th century, ruby was thought to glow with an inner fire that made it unable to be hidden in cloth or wax. Ancient Hindus believed worshippers who offered fine rubies to Krishna would be reborn as emperors.

Ruby is associated with the root chakra and the heart's vital energy — its red color directly evokes blood and life force. In medieval Europe ruby was the gem of clergy, royalty, and warriors: it was believed to warn its wearer of approaching danger by darkening, to ward off plague, and to ensure success in love. Cleopatra reportedly preferred rubies to all other stones for jewelry. In Vedic astrology, ruby is the gem of the Sun and is recommended for those needing more confidence, charisma, and personal power. Modern crystal healing associates ruby with passion, courage, leadership, and reigniting joy when life feels dim.

The Black Prince's Ruby — a 170-carat polished red gem set into the British Imperial State Crown — is actually a spinel (gemological identification only became precise in the 18th century). The Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat Burmese pigeon-blood ruby, sold at Sotheby's in 2015 for $30.42 million, the highest price ever paid for a ruby at auction. Elizabeth Taylor's Cartier ruby brooch, given to her by Mike Todd, sold for $4.2 million after her death. The Liberty Bell Ruby, an 8,500-carat ruby carved into a replica of the Liberty Bell, was stolen from a Delaware jewelry exhibit in 2011 and never recovered.

Ruby is the second-hardest gemstone (Mohs 9) — durable enough for daily wear and rings. Most natural rubies are heat-treated to enhance color; this is universally accepted in the trade. Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe except for fracture-filled rubies. Avoid sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals. Store separately from softer gems to prevent scratching them. Synthetic ruby (created by Auguste Verneuil in 1902) is identical molecularly but very inexpensive; ask your jeweler for a certificate when buying.