Ruby is one of the most prized gems out here today. It is the gemstone for July and is also a symbol of love and immortality. They are similar to emeralds but more valuable. The color of a ruby ranges from bright red to dark reddish red. They may show very different shades of colors of red depending on its origin. The most preferred color is a deep red with a slightly bluish hue.

This gemstone is the red variety of the corundum mineral, one of the hardest minerals on earth which also includes Sapphire. Ruby the beautiful red variety of the multi-colored corundum family, consist of aluminum oxide and chrome as well as the smallest proportions of other trace elements. A Ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. A rubies most important feature is its color and its cut. Only the perfect cut and color will underline the beauty of this valuable and precious stone.

The name "Ruby" was derived from the Latin word "Rubens" which means "Red". Most Rubies are subjected to heat as a normal part of the processing phase to improve their color. This enhancement is permanent, and does not need and special care. The beauty of their color is without peer.

Inclusions and flaws are quite found common, and lots of Rubies are treated to enhance their color. The inclusions do not affect the quality of a Ruby, unless it is located right in the centre of its table. All natural Rubies have imperfections in them. On the other hand, artificial Rubies may have no imperfections. Most manufactured Rubies have dopants added to them so that they can be identified as artificial. Rubies with hardly any inclusions are so valuable that in any color or large sizes they will achieve top prices at auctions