Of the three best known colored gemstones (ruby, emerald, and sap- phire), red is reserved for rubies. With the most spectacular rubies, though, color isn't everything. Fluorescence adds more.
Historically, the most desirable rubies were generally mined in Burma. At their best, Burmese rubies have a distincitive glow in sunlight, a glow which results from fluorescence. When the ultraviolet rays of the sun strike a fluorescent stone, atoms are excited and the ruby seems to glow. Such rubies are uncommon these days, in part because Burmesee mines were closed during political unrest in the 1960s. Even if the mines had not been closed, though, it is possible that the supply was dwindling.
More readily available today are rubies which do not fluoresce. The beautiful red may be achieved naturally or through heat treatment which removes the trace element iron (the presence of which causes purple or brown in the ruby). If the stone is not fluorescent, however, the ruby's beauty may not include the glow.
Such a ruby is a beautiful gem, even without fluorescence. A ruby with fluorescence demands a premium.
If you have considered ruby jewelry, be sure to let us discuss your special desires with you. As Dorothy knew when she was traveling to the Wizard of Oz in the ruby slippers, there is no way to limit the value of the heart's desire.
Historically, the most desirable rubies were generally mined in Burma. At their best, Burmese rubies have a distincitive glow in sunlight, a glow which results from fluorescence. When the ultraviolet rays of the sun strike a fluorescent stone, atoms are excited and the ruby seems to glow. Such rubies are uncommon these days, in part because Burmesee mines were closed during political unrest in the 1960s. Even if the mines had not been closed, though, it is possible that the supply was dwindling.
More readily available today are rubies which do not fluoresce. The beautiful red may be achieved naturally or through heat treatment which removes the trace element iron (the presence of which causes purple or brown in the ruby). If the stone is not fluorescent, however, the ruby's beauty may not include the glow.
Such a ruby is a beautiful gem, even without fluorescence. A ruby with fluorescence demands a premium.
If you have considered ruby jewelry, be sure to let us discuss your special desires with you. As Dorothy knew when she was traveling to the Wizard of Oz in the ruby slippers, there is no way to limit the value of the heart's desire.