Antique Ruby Jewellery

A significant number of the world's rubies are found across Asia. The earliest records show rubies being traded in 200 BC on the Silk Road in China. Some of the most highly-valued rubies come from Myanmar. The nation has been known for its rubies since 600 AD at the least. There is a specific colour of ruby called pigeon blood red that was once believed to only be found in Myanmar. These rubies balance brightness with saturation, having a rich, blood-red colour.

Although there are other places that produce pigeon blood red rubies, those with a Burmese origin are usually the most valuable. Rubies are valued in cultures around the world. In the bible, rubies are mentioned and linked to beauty as well as wisdom. In Sanskrit, rubies are called 'ratnaraj', meaning 'king of precious stones'. Associated with power, they were used in Asian warrior armour to provide protection during battles.

The name ruby originates from Latin 'ruber', meaning red. The stone has always been linked to heat and all things hot. It was believed that rubies would make water boil and keep flames afire. This is perhaps why they're so often related to love and passion.

Rubies are the ultimate romantic gemstone. Their fiery heat is reminiscent of love and desire, and they are perfect romantic gifts. Traditionally, giving ruby jewellery is a sign that you're celebrating your 40th wedding anniversary. Although celebrating long-time loves is important, we believe that rubies are too stunning to wait.

Rubies can be a rich, almost-dark red as well as a bright pink tone. The stones represent intense emotions, ranging from a burning fury to a flaming desire. These high-class stones are sophisticated and beautiful. It's no surprise that ruby jewellery is such a popular choice for those who want to express their love. Getting ruby jewellery doesn't have to mean a July birthday, but anyone with a July birthday deserves to get some rubies.

It's important to keep your jewellery well-cleaned so that your gemstones always show at their best. For stones like rubies: fill a cup with warm water, add some washing-up liquid, and get a soft toothbrush. Get your toothbrush soapy, and then brush gently. Brush in a single direction, wiping over the same areas two or three times before moving on to the next area.

Something important to keep in mind is the other gemstones present in your jewellery. For example, if you have a ruby and pearl item, you have to be very careful when cleaning. Don't get too many suds on your toothbrush and keep your brushing motion exclusively to the ruby/ies.

Once you're satisfied – it shouldn't take more than one or two minutes – get a paper towel and gently pat your jewellery dry. After this, you need a soft cloth. Nothing with hooks or thread that can get stuck on the claws or finer details of your jewellery. Soft cotton cloths are purchasable online, as well as ones crafted especially for cleaning jewellery.

A jewellery box is an important part of owning jewellery. Having separate sections in your jewellery box also ensure that softer stones are less likely to be scratched against hard stones. If you have a significant amount of ruby jewellery, you should store it separately from your other jewellery in order to prevent damage. Whether that means using a separate section of an existing jewellery storage mechanism, or a different box entirely is dependant on how much jewellery you are fortunate enough to own.

If your jewellery contains rubies and pearls together, then make sure you have a soft bag for storage. Whether it's cotton or silk is up to you, but it needs to be very soft. This is to protect the pearls from receiving any scratches or staining from interaction with other stones.