Red, robust rubies

The colour red denotes love, passion and anger – some of the more intense human emotions. It also signifies objects of desire, like red Ferraris and a massive bunch of red roses.

The ruby is known for its strong red colour; the pigment is as a result of the presence of chromium, and the name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning red. The stone is also associated with beauty and wisdom. In ancient Sanskrit language, the ruby is called ratnaraj, or ‘king of precious stones’. Early cultures treasured rubies for their resemblance to the colour of the blood that flowed through their veins, and believed that rubies possessed the power of life.

Ruby is considered one of the four precious stones, together with sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. It is a most desirable gem due to its hardness, durability, luster and rarity. Transparent rubies of large sizes are even rarer than diamonds. This makes the stone ideal as an engagement ring.

Interesting facts about Rubies

• Rubies are historically known as the stone of love.
• Many ancient warriors would venture off to war wearing rubies as they believed that when you wear rubies, you can live in peace, even among your enemies.
• If you should dream of rubies, it is said that you will attain success in money and love.
• According to lore, if a ruby’s colour deepens, the wearer is in mortal danger.
• Rubies used to be kept under the foundations of buildings to strengthen its structure.
• Hindus believe that wearing a ruby protects them from their enemies.
• Rubies are regarded as the birthstone for those born in July. However, they are also a traditional gift for those celebrating 15th or 40th anniversaries.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Harry Winston created real ruby slippers set with 4,600 rubies totaling 1350-cts and 50-cts of diamond trimming.
– Courtesy Harry Winston

Women love shoes almost as much as they love jewellery. The Harry Winston Jewellery Company recently created a pair of slippers using around 50 carats of diamonds and 1 350 carats of rubies to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Wizard of Oz. The size four shoes are valued at US$3 million, the most expensive pair of shoes in the world.