Available in jewelry forms (rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, etc.), ruby is a member of the corundum family that owes its beautiful color to its chromium content. It is a precious stone on a par with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. Extremely resistant (9 on the Mohs scale), ruby is one of the cardinal jewels, a category of stones considered more precious than others. Ruby prices vary widely according to color, carat weight, brilliance and other factors. From Kenya to Burma, via Afghanistan, certain regions of the world are rich in the most beautiful gems.
The world’s most famous rubies
Edward ruby (167 ct)
The Edward or Black Prince ruby is actually a spinel. Spinels are often confused with rubies, as are sapphires. The Edward ruby is a gem that has belonged to the British Crown Jewels since it was acquired by Edward of Woodstock. The crystal weighs around 167 carats and actually comes from the Badakhchan deposits in Afghanistan. Today, the precious stone of rare purity adorns the imperial crown.
The Midnight Star (116.75 ct)
The Midnight Star was discovered in Sri Lanka. It is also a star ruby with a carat weight of 116.75. The Midnight Star ruby has a deep red color with hints of violet. This ruby was one of the gems stolen in October 1964 from the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York during the JR Murphy jewel heist. The gem was later recovered in January 1965 and returned to the museum.
The sunrise ruby (25.59 ct)
Sunrise Ruby is the world’s most expensive gemstone outside of diamonds. This gemstone was mined in Myanmar, not far from Thailand. Sunrise Ruby weighs 25.59 carats (5.1 grams). This makes it one of the largest pigeon’s blood rubies in the world. It has been set within hexagonal diamonds to create jewels whose intensity is matched only by their beauty. The balanced combination of trace elements in ruby gives the gem its magnificent red color.
Neelanjali ruby (1370 ct)
At 1370 carats, the Neelanjali ruby is one of the largest rubies in the world. For centuries, this precious stone was worshipped by an Indian family who owned the mineral. It was believed to embody the lingam of Shiva. The owners of the Neelanjali ruby are descendants of the rulers of the famous Indian empire of Vijayanagara. This red corundum is currently in Bangalore, India.
The Liberty Bell ruby (8,500ct)
Weighing 2.04 kg, this is one of the largest rubies ever found. It was mined in South Africa in the 1950s. This ruby has many imperfections, and although it is not suitable for jewelry, it remains one of the most beautiful gems in many respects.
The sculture was created by Alfonso de Vivanco for the Kazanjian Brothers jewelry company. Alfonso de Vivanco fashioned the two American symbols: the Liberty Bell with its famous slit, and the Bald Eagle. The sculture was also set with 50 diamonds representing the 50 American states.
This jewel was then donated to the White House and used in the U.S. bicentennial celebrations. In the years that followed, the Liberty Bell ruby traveled throughout the United States and was displayed in various places. Unfortunately, it was stolen in November 2011. The 4 men formally accused of committing the theft were arrested, but the Liberty Bell ruby was never recovered.
The Prince of Burma (950 ct)
The Prince of Burma is one of the rarest rubies in the world. It is a large ruby weighing 950 carats. The Prince of Burma was discovered in 1996 at Dattaw-Mine in Myanmar. Although not heat-treated, the gemstone has a unique pigeon’s blood red hue.
Rosser Reeves Ruby from Sri Lanka (138.7 ct)
Rosser Reeves Ruby is one of the world’s largest star rubies. This red star corundum is found in Sri Lanka. Rosser Rives Ruby is known for its attractive color and star-shaped inclusions. This gem weighs 138.7 carats (27.74 grams) and is named after an advertising magnate named Rosser Reeves.
DeLong Star ruby (100 ct)
The DeLong Star ruby owes its name to its owner, Edith Haggin Delong. Discovered at the beginning of the last century in the Mogok Valley, this purple-colored stone is an oval cabochon star ruby weighing 100.32 carats or 20.064 grams. In 1937, its owner donated it to the AMNH in New York. This gemstone was also among those stolen by JR Murphy and his accomplices in 1964, but had not been recovered. A wealthy Florida businessman had to pay a huge ransom to recover the Ruby Star Delong.
The Maung Lin ruby (400 ct)
The story goes that this 400-carat ruby found in Upper Burma had been secretly sold to Maung Lin, a merchant. He cut the stone into three parts. One part was left rough. After cutting, the other two parts weighed 70 carats and 45 carats. The ruby pieces were then sold in England, Mandalay-Burma and Calcutta.
Burj Alhamal (8400 ct)
With a weight of 8400 carats (2.8 kg), Burj Alhamal is one of the largest rubies mined in Tanzania. This greenish and dark purple stone is one of the rarest rubies. It was first exhibited to the public in April 2022 in a Dubai hotel and is estimated to be worth $120 million. According to reports, the immense mineral has not been processed.
Hixon Ruby (196 ct)
The Hixon Ruby is a rough ruby crystal with a carat weight of 196. The exact date of its discovery is unknown, but the passion-red stone is certainly of Burmese origin. It is one of the highlights of the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History’s crystal collection.
The Peace Ruby (43 ct)
The Peace Ruby is a round, pigeon-blood-colored gem weighing 43 carats. Its name refers to its discovery on June 30, 1919, in Burma, two days after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The Peace Ruby is a priceless piece on display at the AMNH in New York.
