Ruby

Ruby takes its name from the Latin rubeus, meaning “red.” A member of the corundum family, it owes its vivid to deep crimson hues to traces of chromium within the crystal. Exceptionally rare, ruby is among the most coveted gemstones, with the majority of the world’s finest stones still originating from Burma. Introduced around 500 BC by the Etruscans and Greeks, ruby has long been associated with strength, leadership and protection. Across cultures, it is believed to calm anxiety and reinforce courage. Its fiery colour gives ruby its unmistakable character. The value of a ruby depends on the saturation of its hue, its clarity and the nature of its inclusions — subtle internal features that serve as the stone’s natural signature. The most esteemed colour grade, known as “pigeon’s blood,” remains extraordinarily rare. In contemporary jewellery, its intensity captivates designers such as Karen Liberman, Cathy Waterman and Yasuko Azuma, who highlight its rich glow and magnetic presence. A gemstone whose visual power endures through time.