RUBY CARVING

Birthstone for  July

A Ruby is a pink to blood-red gemstone  a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide]. The common red color is caused mainly by the presence of the element chromium. Its name comes from ruber, Latin for red. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called sapphires. Prices of rubies are primarily determined by color. The brightest and best "red" called pigeon blood-red, commands a huge premium over other rubies of similar quality. After color follows clarity: similar to diamonds, a clear stone will command a premium, but a ruby without any needle-like rutile inclusions will indicate that the stone has been treated one way or another. Cut and carat (size) also determine the price