Rubies & sapphires
Buy natural ruby in our gem shop
Buy natural sapphire in our gem shop
Ruby
A ruby is a pink to blood-red gemstone that belongs to the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide). Alongside sapphires, it remains one of the most coveted varieties of corundum. Throughout history, rubies & sapphires have been treasured for their vibrant colors, durability, and rarity. Ruby’s red color comes from traces of chromium, giving it a distinctive and often intense hue. The finest rubies usually display a deep red described as “pigeon blood,” which commands a premium in the market due to its scarcity and desirability.
When grading rubies, factors such as color, cut, and clarity play a critical role. Bright, consistent coloration that exhibits minimal inclusions can significantly elevate their value. In jewelry, rubies & sapphires are frequently set as center stones in rings and necklaces, as their remarkable hardness makes them suitable for daily wear without easily scratching or chipping.
Ruby Symbolism & Lore
Rubies are often associated with passion, love, and vitality, making them popular for engagement rings and celebratory gifts. They have appeared in numerous cultural stories around the world, symbolizing power and protection. Due to their fiery red color, rubies & sapphires have historically been linked to strong emotions and are believed by some to bring good fortune to those who wear them.
Sapphire
Sapphire is another precious gemstone variety of corundum (α-Al2O3). While the term sapphire is most commonly associated with the color blue, these gems naturally occur in a wide array of hues, including yellow, purple, orange, and green. However, pink sapphire may sometimes be classified as a ruby, depending on its exact coloration and the region in which it is mined.
Among rubies & sapphires, the sapphire’s reputation for elegance and sophistication is long established. Its color results from trace amounts of elements such as iron and titanium (blue shades) or other elements like chromium and magnesium (for other fancy hues). The hardest corundum color to achieve is red, since that would be classified as a ruby. This interplay of trace elements and crystal structure is part of what makes both rubies & sapphires fascinating to gem collectors.
Sapphire Durability & Care
Just like rubies, sapphires boast a high hardness level on the Mohs scale (9 out of 10), making them highly resistant to everyday wear. They are also relatively resistant to heat, making them durable when set in rings or pendants. Cleaning rubies & sapphires is straightforward: warm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush are usually sufficient to keep them sparkling. It is important to avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes, which can still harm any gemstone over time.
Rubies & Sapphires from Pailin Cambodia
Pailin is a province in western Cambodia located at the northern edge of the Cardamom Mountains near the Thai border. This region once served as a stronghold for the Khmer Rouge, long after their defeat in 1979. From 1994 to 1998, it was even the capital of the Provisional Government of National Union and National Salvation of Cambodia. Beyond its historical significance, Pailin is highly regarded for its natural resources, particularly rubies & sapphires.
The gemstones mined in Pailin are notable for their attractive color and clarity, often exhibiting deep hues that rival those found in other prominent gem-producing regions. Their rich saturation and balanced tonal qualities make them sought after in the international market. In local Cambodian culture, rubies & sapphires hold a special place as symbols of both pride and economic opportunity, since gemstone mining continues to play a role in the region’s development.
Rubies & Sapphires, from Pailin, Cambodia
Formation & Mining
Rubies & sapphires form under intense geologic conditions, typically involving high temperatures and pressures deep within the Earth’s crust. Over millions of years, these gemstones are transported closer to the surface through tectonic movements and erosion, eventually getting deposited in riverbeds or mining sites. In Pailin, local miners often pan in streams or excavate shallow deposits to extract these precious corundum stones. While advanced mining equipment can be used in some areas, many Pailin miners still rely on traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Market Value & Uses
Both rubies & sapphires are prized for their rarity and beauty, making them highly sought after for fine jewelry and collectors’ items. Their natural colors are often accentuated through precise cutting techniques, highlighting the interplay of light within the crystal structure. High-quality gems from Pailin tend to display exceptional clarity and color saturation, which substantially adds to their value in global markets.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, rubies & sapphires are also popular for engagement rings, earrings, bracelets, and other decorative pieces. Their relative hardness and toughness mean they can handle everyday wear, underscoring their practicality as well as their inherent beauty.
Enhancements & Treatments
It is not uncommon for rubies & sapphires to undergo treatments like heat enhancement to improve color and clarity. Such processes can lighten or darken the gem’s hue, remove or reduce inclusions, and thus increase their overall appearance and desirability. However, many collectors and enthusiasts prefer untreated rubies & sapphires, valuing them for their unaltered, natural characteristics. Reliable dealers and laboratories typically disclose any known treatment, ensuring that buyers can make informed decisions.
Care & Maintenance
Although rubies & sapphires rank high on the Mohs scale, maintaining their luster requires proper care. Abrasive materials and strong chemicals should be avoided, as with any fine gemstone. To clean them, mild soapy water and a soft cloth or brush is recommended. For especially valuable or large stones, professional cleaning and inspection by a jeweler is advisable to ensure they remain secure in their settings and free from damage.
FAQ
Are rubies & sapphires from Pailin considered high quality?
Yes, many rubies & sapphires from Pailin are highly regarded for their color and clarity. The region’s geological conditions can produce stones with rich saturation, often considered top-tier in the gem market.
How can I tell if my rubies & sapphires have been treated?
Identifying treatments often requires professional gemological testing. Reputable gem dealers and labs usually provide certificates disclosing any enhancements, such as heat treatment or other processes.
Can rubies & sapphires be worn every day?
Yes, both gemstones are quite hard (9 on the Mohs scale) and durable enough for regular wear. Proper settings and occasional cleaning will help keep them looking their best over time.
What influences the value of rubies & sapphires the most?
The primary factors are color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. With rubies, a vivid “pigeon blood” red is especially prized, while sapphires typically command higher prices when they exhibit a deep, uniform blue or other vibrant fancy colors.
Do rubies & sapphires require special storage?
Storing them in a soft pouch or separate compartment can help prevent scratches or chips. It is also best to keep them away from extreme temperatures and chemicals to preserve their brilliance.
Natural rubies & sapphires for sale in our gem shop
