Ruby and Sapphire

The beauty of ruby and sapphire lies in the richness and intensity of their colours. Both gems are varieties of the mineral corundum which is the hardest mineral after diamond; consequently they take a brilliant and lasting polish that adds a glittering luster to their colours.

The most famous sapphires came from a small deposit in Kashmir, that was discovered in 1880, but this remote mountain area has since been exhausted. Many sapphires come from Australia, which has several deposits of deeply colored stones. These are more widely available in the market, but are not as valuable because of their overly dark color. Very fine sapphires are also found in Burma, but in very limited quantities. Other sapphires come from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Cambodia. "Cornflower Blue" sapphires are most often from Sri Lanka.

The name ruby comes from the Latin "Rubrum" meaning red. The ruby is in the Corundum group, along with the sapphire. The brightest red and thus most valuable rubies are usually from Burma. Violet red, sometimes quite dark, rubies come principally from Thailand. This is today's main source of rubies. Small quantities of rubies also come from Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Pakistan, India, and even Tanzania. Rubies have long been cherished among the world's most beautiful and valuable gems. The hardest mineral after diamond, and because of its brittleness, requires care when cutting.

To view specific stones for purchase, please visit our Gem Gallery. For more information about these gems, and to order gemstones, please call us at 949.720.1881 or visit our information request guide.