Rubies
Since the beginning of time, rubies have been among the most highly prized gemstones, often referred to as the “King of Gems.” For centuries, rubies were valued even more highly than diamonds. Ancient Egyptians considered them the stone of love.
Why rubies are great for gifts
The 40th anniversary is called the “Ruby Anniversary” and is traditionally celebrated by gifting rubies. Ruby is also the birthstone for July, making it a meaningful birthday gift. Its rich, deep red color looks stunning in any jewelry piece.
Some characteristics of rubies
Rubies and sapphires belong to the same mineral family—corundum. What makes a gem a ruby instead of a sapphire is its color: a true red hue created by chromium, sometimes with hints of iron. Rubies are extremely durable, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamonds.
Tips to care for rubies
Rubies should be protected from scratches and sharp blows. Clean them gently with a soft toothbrush and mild dish soap in warm water. Rated excellent for everyday wear, rubies are durable but should be kept away from high heat or harsh chemicals.
Sapphires
Sapphires have long symbolized celestial hope and are believed to promote devotion, tranquility, and spiritual enlightenment.
Why sapphires are great for engagement rings and gifts
Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the traditional gem for the 45th wedding anniversary. Sapphires come in nearly every color except red (which is classified as ruby). With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, they are durable enough for daily wear—an ideal choice for engagement rings or family heirlooms.
Some characteristics of sapphires
Sapphires are the second hardest natural mineral after diamond. While blue is the most recognized color, sapphires can also be yellow, green, white, colorless, pink, orange, brown, or purple. The rare orange-pink variety, known as Padparadscha, is among the most valuable.
Tips to care for sapphires
Like most gemstones, sapphires can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. They are highly durable but should still be stored separately from harder stones to avoid surface scratches.
Emeralds
Emeralds have long been admired for their vivid green color and mystical reputation. Throughout history, they’ve symbolized purity, fortune, and renewal. Cleopatra was famously known for her love of emeralds.
Why emeralds are great gifts
Emerald is the birthstone for May and the gem of the 55th wedding anniversary—perfect for celebrating life’s milestones. Their lush green hue brings sophistication to any jewelry design and remains timeless in every collection.
Some characteristics of emeralds
Most emeralds come from Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. With a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, emeralds are slightly softer than sapphires and rubies. The classic rectangular “emerald cut” remains popular, though they are also available in ovals, rounds, and other shapes. For those seeking affordability, lab-created Chatham emeralds offer identical properties to natural ones at a lower cost.
Tips to care for emeralds
Emeralds are delicate and should not be cleaned in ultrasonic machines or exposed to high heat. Because some stones contain gas or liquid inclusions, extreme temperatures may cause fracturing. Use a soft damp cloth or gentle jewelry cleaner to maintain their brilliance, and remove emeralds from settings before jewelry repair work involving a torch.