RUBY – KING OF GEMSTONES (रतनराज)

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 12^th 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.