Rubies have always been known as the Emperors of gemstones. In the Bible Job is quoted as saying that the price of wisdom is above rubies, so we can safely say that rubies have been a valuable and highly prized gemstone throughout the ages. Rubies have long been appreciated around the world and have been used in many royal collections. They are most commonly seen in crown jewels and sceptres. The Burmese people have a belief that the colour of gemstones ripens like the colour of fruit and the richer the coloured stone, the riper the ruby. This is perhaps one of the reasons that the finest quality comes from Burma ruby gemstones.

Both rubies and sapphires come from the same mineral source, corundum. The red coloured corundum stones are classed as rubies and the remaining colours are classed as sapphires. Rubies are mined in different locations around the world and the different geographical sources
produce different colours. Of all the locations around the world it is Burma that is most famous for producing the greatest amount of fine quality, clear, deep red rubies.

Rubies are extremely valuable commercially and none more so than the star ruby. This stone is cut and polished into a cabochon and when viewed in the light a six-point star appears in the centre of the cabochon. This reflection is caused by the orientation of intersecting needles within the stone. Whatever type of ruby you may decide to buy will be a matter of personal taste, however, if you want to be assured of the most dramatic colour then you will probably buy a Burmese ruby. Fine quality large rubies can even surpass diamonds in value. They are a very versatile stone and are used to manufacture all types of gemstone jewellery. When you are buying your ruby make sure you are buying from a reputable gem dealer who can explain the subtleties of the stone so that you can make an informed choice.