Ruby
DOSE OF INSPIRATION
Ruby
THE STONE OF LOVE
There is no colored gemstone that fuels passion more than the ruby, a gem filled with magic, strength, and symbolism. Ruby is a variety of corundum, like sapphire, and is created by mixing two metals: iron and chromium. For years, the ruby was confused with red spinel and garnet.
Ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, surpassed only by diamond, which has a hardness of 10. Its intense red color and brilliance make it a coveted gem. There are infinite varieties of rubies with different shades of red and inclusions. The most prized are Pigeon's Blood rubies: their shade of red is the most intense, and they are found in the mines of Myanmar.
Ruby has been one of the most widely used precious stones in jewelry for centuries. Many of them are found in royal regalia and other famous jewels.
(1) Set of rubies and diamonds by Cartier, 1951, Elizabeth Taylor's most famous and valuable.
(2) Grace Kelly's Cartier `Bains de Mer' tiara. The three ruby and diamond brooches are set into the tiara and separated.
