Ruby

Ruby, known as Manik in Vedic astrology, is the red variety of the mineral corundum — the same family as sapphire, coloured by traces of chromium. It's traditionally regarded as the "king of gemstones," associated in many cultures with passion, courage, vitality, and protection. Like sapphire, ruby rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the most durable gemstones for daily wear, second only to diamond.

The finest rubies show a pure, vivid red with a hint of blue undertone and minimal brown or orange — a colour the trade calls "pigeon blood," the single most prized hue in the coloured gemstone world.

Burmese (Myanmar) rubies from the Mogok region are considered the historic benchmark for the finest "pigeon blood" colour and command the strongest price premium — often 20–40% above comparable stones from other origins. Mozambican rubies have emerged strongly in recent decades, offering excellent colour and clarity often at more accessible prices. Thai and Sri Lankan rubies tend to run darker or more purplish and are generally more affordable. As with sapphire, roughly 95% of rubies on the market are heat-treated to improve colour and clarity — a stable, industry-accepted process — while certified unheated stones command a significant premium.