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Ruby Jewelry


The color red is the color of the July birthstone. Many cultures associate red with fire, courage, passion and good fortune. Some consider this a stone for royalty in addition to being a stone for love. The word ruby stems from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red. In Sanskrit, ruby is called “Ratnaraj” which means “King of Precious Stones”. Curiously, the July birthstone shares a chemical make-up with the sapphire gemstone that is classically blue. It is considered one of the cardinal gems alongside emerald, sapphire, amethyst and diamond.

COLOR: Rubies can range from soft pink to deep, almost blood red. The gemstone’s place of origin can affect its color. For example, rubies from Asia tend to be slightly pinker than rubies from Africa.

DURABILITY: Rubies are tough with a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Ruby Jewelry Care


Is Ruby Jewelry Safe for Normal Wear?
Ruby has excellent toughness and is durable when struck, making ruby jewelry great for regular wear. However, it is important to be aware of any possible treatments that have been applied to your ruby jewelry. Many natural rubies have fillers used to repair fractures and cavities. As with all gemstones, remove your ruby jewelry before using household cleaning solutions that may contain harsh chemicals.

How to Clean Ruby Jewelry
KAY's fine jewelry cleaner or the care system is a perfect cleaner for ruby. Wipe ruby jewelry dry with our polishing cloth before storing.

Other Ways to Clean Ruby Jewelry
Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended due to the harmful effect on certain fillers. Speak to a KAY jewelry consultant. Remember, you can always take advantage of KAY's free jewelry cleaning services.

How to Store Ruby Jewelry
Ruby jewelry can easily scratch softer stones, so keep it stored separately. You can also wrap your ruby jewelry in a soft cloth.

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