Ruby is one of the most precious gemstones in existence. Renowned for their colour and depth, this powerful and fiery gem is the perfect birthstone for a sultry summer month such as July. But there is more to ruby’s enduring popularity than just looks.
Derived from the Latin word for red, ruber, the strikingly rich red colour of rubies has fascinated civilisations the world over. From the Shahs of Persia and the Mogul Emperors of India through to Henry VIII and Napoleon, ruby has been a favourite of the world’s regal dynasties for centuries. Modern day royals such as Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Taylor (we’re including Hollywood royalty here) are renowned for wearing some of the world’s most beautiful and memorable ruby pieces.Nowadays rubies are still very much associated with love and passion due to the richness and intensity of their colour. Their durability and hardness makes them fantastic choices for everyday wear while their association with coronation rings gives them a touch of royal appeal. The ideal colour for a ruby is a fluorescent red with a lively inner sparkle – this perfect hue of red with a slight cool tone is often described as ‘pigeon’s blood’ red.
The traditional choice for setting a ruby would be yellow gold – its warm tone brings out the depth and richness of these sensational gemstones. The Pravins Oriana collection features swirls of diamonds surrounding stunning red rubies, all set in rich 18ct yellow gold. This collection is characterised by its flowing lines and timeless appeal.
Alternatively white gold-set ruby jewellery offers a great contrast between the cool tone of the white gold and the rich colour variations this exceptional gemstone has to offer. The eye-catching Pravins Mosaic collection features mosaic-set rubies surrounded by a brilliant halo of diamonds. This collection offers the perfect contemporary design to complete any jewellery collection.