RUBY – KING OF GEMSTONES (रतनराज)
The
Sunrise Ruby is the world's most expensive ruby, most expensive colored gemstone, and most expensive gemstone other than a diamond. It is a
25.59-carat (5.1 g) Burmese "pigeon blood" ruby, The ruby sold for a record US$30.42 million on 12
May 2015 at a Sotheby's auction in Geneva, Switzerland to an anonymous buyer. |
RUBY
– KING OF GEMSTONES (रतनराज)
Ruby is called रतनराज in Sanskrit, which translates to “King of Gemstones”.
It truly is the king of gemstones, not only because of its beauty but also a
rarity. As a matter of fact, fine quality rubies are rarer than diamonds. You
might be surprised to find out about the most expensive ruby sold, it is the Sunrise Ruby, which is an It is a 25.59-carat Burmese "pigeon
blood" ruby, This Ruby was sold at an auction by Sotheby’s held in Geneva
on 12th May 2015 for a record US$30.42 million
(approx 228 Crore Rupee).
ANCIENT BELIEFS
Ruby always had a
place in mythology, religion, and folklores so much so, that you can say, Ruby
is historically the most important gemstone. According to Hindu mythology, if
you offer Ruby to Lord Krishna, you will get reborn as an emperor. It is said that
Ruby was divided into four casts. The true original ruby was considered a
Brahmin, and as long as someone wears a Brahmin Ruby, he will live within
enemies without fear and will be immune to bad fortune.
During ancient
times, it was also believed, that if someone wears a Ruby, he will not lose his
land or rank and will live in peace with all men, not only that, but it was
also believed that he will sail through all kinds of perils. Tempests will not
be able to harm his house and crop, especially if he wears it on his left side.
Ruby was also
believed to confer invulnerability, but for that to happen, it should not be
worn as an ornament, but it should be inserted inside one body and become a
part of him. Such a wearer would not be wounded by weapons such as spear,
sword, or gun. This belief in invincible in battle was the reason warriors in
Burma possessed Ruby. Remember, these are ancient tales, so never try this on
yourself.
It is also
believed that God created 12 gemstones and Ruby was one of them. Ruby has been
mentioned four times in the bible.
ASTROLOGY AND RUBY
Please note that
the purpose of the following text is not to make you an Astrologer, It is just
to make you a little informed so that when you speak to an Astrologer, you
will be in a better position to apprehend what he/she is talking about. We at
Pure Gems House, provide free astrological consultations, you are requested to
avail of this offer and speak to our experienced Astrologer who will guide you
suitably.
As per
Vedic Astrology, Ruby is the stone of the Sun. Sun is the most powerful and
important of all planets (Navgraha) in Vedic astrology. Since the basic purpose
of wearing a gemstone in Vedic Astrology is to strengthen or appease a planet,
it is important to know some of the attributes of that planet, hence, lt is
trying to know some of those attributes of planet Sun as per Vedic Astrology.
East Indian style
astrological chart (commonly known as Kundali) chart ruled by
Sun. Sun is the king of gods and also a warrior In Vedic Astrology,
One of the most important aspects of a planet that is used to decide the
recommended gemstone is based on what a planet governs and what it rules,
Sun governs or
can be called the natural significators of Self, physical constitution, soul,
health, fame, power, father and boss, pungent taste, and Sun rules bones, hence
and afflicted Sun can show as problems related to bones. Color for Sun is
blood-red. The ruling deity for Sun is Agni (fire god) and Agni
tattva (fiery element) is ruled by Sun. The adobe of Sun is in a temple. Sun is
stronger in the day time. Leo is Sun’s own Rashi. Moon, Mars, Jupiter are Sun’s
friends, it has a neutral relationship with Mercury but has the relation of the enemy with Venus and Saturn. Based on your chart the planets may also have
temporary enemies, this will affect your recommendation of a gemstone.
Sunday is ruled
by Sun, and hence, gemstones of Sun should be worn on Sundays. The length of
Sun’s Dasha (period) is 6 years, hence some stones, which are specific to Dasha
may be recommended for 6 years (during the Dasha of Sun).
FINGER AND METAL
Ruby is the stone
of Sun and Sun’s metal is Gold, hence Gold is the preferred metal for mounting
Ruby in a jewelry article that is intended to be worn for astrological
purposes. The best finger for wearing a ruby ring is the ring finger (कनिष्ठा). It should be worn
on a Sunday after purifying and energizing it. Click on this link: purification and energization of Gemstones to see the method for purification and energization. Once
you have purified and energized the gemstone, recite the mantra for Sun god to
invoke his blessings. The deity for Sun are Shiva and Rama, hence reciting
their mantras or worshiping them is also recommended. Consult your astrologer
regarding this.
UPRATNA
Sometimes an an astrologer may recommend a Upratna instead of a Navratna for the affected
planet. The following are the accepted Upratna for Sun: Red Spinel, Rubellite,
Red Garnet, and Carnelian.
RUBY – QUALITY FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ITS PRICE.
COLOUR:
You must be wondering,
what is “pigeon blood”, that is mentioned in the earlier paragraph. Well to
understand this we have to understand the quality factors, based on which the
price of Ruby is determined. The most important quality factor, that affects
the price of a Ruby is, its color, For a Sapphire, to be called a Ruby, it has
to be red, so much so, that if the red color is low in concentration and looks
pink, the stone no longer qualifies as Ruby, it is then called a “Pink
Sapphire”. Although in some countries such as Sri Lanka, a Pink Sapphire is
still considered as a Ruby. The best color in Ruby is described as “Pigeon
Blood Red, which is a pure shade of Red with no undertone of any other color,
The origin of this essential trade term is Burma, where the best quality
Burmese Ruby with a pure red color was described as “Pigeon Blood Red”. This
does not mean that only Burmese Ruby can exhibit this fine color, Ruby from
other origins can also exhibit this color. Fine Burmese Ruby exhibiting “Pigeon
Blood Red” color that is untreated and larger than 2 carats are extremely rare
and command a hefty premium.
CLARITY:
The presence of Eye visible inclusions in Ruby is very much acceptable. As a
matter of fact, some inclusions are considered to be beneficial, such as the
presence of “Silk”, which are fine interwoven needle-like inclusions, “Silk”,
when present in a Ruby will make the color of the stone look softer with a better spread of color.
Needle-like
inclusions that intersect can also cause an effect that is called “Asterism” or
“Star Effect”. Such Rubies are called “Star Rubies” and are sought after in the
trade.
Inclusions that
affect the transparency and durability of stone will lower its price in
comparison to stones that do not have such inclusions.
CUT:
Cut and proportions (size and angles of polished facets)
have a big impact on the beauty and hence the price of Ruby. Most of the Rubies
in the market are available in oval or cushion shapes with brilliant facets in
the crown and step cut in the pavilion (known as mixed cut). You will also find
Rubies cut as cabochons (dome-shaped). When the stone is cut too deep, it will
lead to darkening of color, and in the other extreme, when the stone is cut too
shallow, it leads to lightening of color.
What is most important to note is whether your stone is
brilliant, which means does the stone reflect sufficient light to make it look
bright. Too dark and too light stones will not command a premium price. As Ruby
rough is very expensive, the cutter will choose a cut that maximizes the weight
of the cut and polished stone.
CARAT WEIGHT:
Fine quality Rubies above 2 Carat are very rare and the
price will go up exponentially with an increase in the carat weight of Ruby.
TREATMENTS:
Rubies are routinely treated to enhance their color and
clarity. It is estimated that 99% of Rubies in the market are treated. Only a
very small percentage of Rubies in the market are non-treated.
When the original Ruby rough is lighter in color, it is
routinely treated to darken the color. And when the original Ruby rough is
darker in color, the Ruby is treated to lighten the color to a more desired color.
Treatment has a significant impact on the price of Ruby.
Non-treated Rubies are not only rare but are significantly more expensive than
their treated counterparts.
ORIGIN:
As with many gemstones, Origin plays a very
significant role in deciding the price of a Ruby. When we say origin, we are
referring to the mining country or locality. Some origins have been known
historically to produce some of the finest specimens of these gemstones. When
it comes to the preferred origin of Ruby, Burma ( present-day Myanmar) is the
most significant, as it has historically produced some of the finest Rubies
know to mankind. Burmese Ruby that shows “Pigeon Blood Red” colors are the
rarest, most sought after, and the most expensive of all Rubies. That does not
mean Rubies coming out of other countries or regions can not match the beauty
of a Burmese Ruby. Unfortunately, the supply of fine rubies from Burma has
significantly declined over a period of time and has become rarer and rarer.
But fortunately, one other source, namely Mozambique has emerged as a
significant source of fine quality Rubies. Some of the fine-quality Rubies
coming out of Mozambique can also command significant premiums although not as
much as a Burmese Ruby.
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