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Ruby stones, the fascinating red-colored gemstone, signify love, passion and strength. In modern times, these gemstones are classified into the ''old Burma ruby'' and the ''new Burma rubies.'' Identifying old Burma rubies, cherished for their exceptional ruby beauty and historical significance, is a captivating endeavor that combines gemology with cultural and historical insights. These rubies, renowned for their rich, velvety "pigeon blood" red hue, often carry a legacy that spans centuries. This endeavor becomes even more intricate when distinguishing them from new Burmese rubies. Concerning the same, this blog delves into embarking on a journey of exploration, identification, and engagement with the gem's multifaceted nature and the tapestry of its past.
Ruby stones have been the most desirable stones known as ''kings of precious gems'' or ''ratnaraj.'' The stone has been considered one of the twelve stones created by God. The various tales associated with the stone in the past relate to it bringing wealth, health, wisdom and love. Ruby gemstone is the red variety of the corundum family. The stone's red color is due to trace elements like chromium in the crystal lattice. This red color is the characteristic feature that differentiates the old and contemporary varieties of rubies. The ''pigeon blood red hue'' of the stone, a unique feature of old Burma rubies, has gained popularity since ancient times. Before exploring the historical relevance of these rubies, it is essential to consider the question, ''What are Old Burma rubies?''
These rubies are sourced from the Mogok mines of Burma, the oldest traditional mines in the area. Ancient cultures believed these rubies held mystical powers, and they adorned royal ornaments like crowns and religious artifacts. Their rich history intertwines with myths, legends, and the opulence of empires, making them highly coveted and historically significant gemstones.
The journey of these beautiful gems from the earth's crust to the jewelry is about hard labor turning into beautiful results. Finding quality ruby gemstones from mines under a depth of over 600 meters is not easy. The exceptional beauty of the stone and the process of their extraction contribute to their rarity. Identifying these varieties is difficult as the market is full of red-colored gemstones. The following factors are used to identify old burma ruby stones:
The primary identification factor for ''Old Burma rubies'' is its color. Found majorly in North Burma in the Mogok region, these gemstones feature characteristics such as a vivid Pigeon blood-red hue with a purplish tint. Additionally, the tone of the stone should be ''medium'' to ''medium dark,'' and the degree of saturation should be high or very high. The gemstones showing color zoning are not considered as the Old Burma rubies. The pigeon blood red rubies gemstone from the Mogok region showcase fluorescence during the day. The reason behind this property is due to the high chromium content and low iron content. This chemical composition refers to the inner glow of the stone, making it different from other red varieties of stones.
Including the gemstone is another considerable factor that helps identify the correct gemstone. In case of rubies, the prominent inclusions seen are silk rutile needles. Pigeon blood red rubies from Mogok Valley feature weak to medium silk inclusions compared to other ruby origins. However, gemstones free from any inclusions are rare and difficult to find. The vivid internal reflections account for pigeon blood red ruby. The ruby gemstones with no or insignificant treatment are highly valued stones. Moreover, synthetic rubies don't fall under the pigeon blood red ruby category.
The value determining factor of pigeon blood red rubies or the old Burma rubies is also the cut and carat weight of the stone. The most common cuts for the stones are oval, cushion, round, triangle and marquise cuts. Concerning the inclusions, such as fissures or fractures inside the stone, skilled gem cutters should precisely shape the stone. For identifying the old Burma rubies, the ideal carat weight of the stone should be more than one carat.
While choosing any gemstone, whether it's a natural ruby stone, sapphire or emerald, always go for authentication or certificate. As per GRS certification, two varieties of ''pigeon blood red rubies'' have been identified.
Type 1: The rubies with this type consider specifications such as
● Red is the primary hue, and purple is the secondary hue
● Medium and medium dark tone
● High or vivid saturation
● Average luminescence
● Formation of the stone should be meta morphogenic marble type
Type 2: These original ruby stones are characterized by similar color specifications, but the luminescence should be below average.
"Pigeon Blood Red" rubies are the most coveted and renowned gemstones worldwide, celebrated for their unparalleled beauty and rarity. These exquisite gems, primarily sourced from the Mogok region of Burma (now Myanmar), have captivated people's hearts and minds with their intense and pure red hue. The Graff Ruby is one of the finest rubies in the world. This beautiful gemstone from the Mogok mine of Burma weighs 8.62 carats and exhibits a pigeon blood-red hue. Not to forget, the Sunrise ruby stone holds records for being the most expensive ruby gemstone. This gemstone is known for its intense pigeon blood-red hue and soft red fluorescence, making it the most desirable stone.
In conclusion, unraveling the identity of old Burma rubies is a captivating journey from their extraction to setting into fine jewelry. These gems, steeped in historical significance and prized for their "pigeon blood" red hue, present a challenge to discern from their contemporary counterparts. Once treasured by royalty and revered in ancient civilizations, these rubies continue to evoke wonder and desire. As guardians of Burma's rich mining heritage, they remind us that beauty and the enduring story of a precious legacy lie within these exquisite gemstones.
At Navratan, the best online gem bazaar, ruby gemstone price guide analyzes the 4 C's. Other than this, the stones are certified for their authenticity.
