Ruby
We source and sell Mozambican rubies from Gemfields of the highest quality and selection of untreated gemstones, where we purchase in rough and recut in-house.
The value of any gemstone depends on three factors – intrinsic qualities, history and the art of storytelling.
Since antiquity, the movement of the Sun has directed our lives, our clothing, our behaviour and provided healing and nourishment. Before the advent of religion, our ancient ancestors worshipped the Sun recognizing and paying respect to its power and influence. The archaic decision (conveyed through ancient scriptures), to equate the Ruby to the Sun, resulted in a myriad of dictates regarding its usage. One as early as the 8th century says, “An ideal, benevolent, just king deserves to be crowned only with a gem of his stature, the ruby”.
As Christianity developed in the west, the elevated position accorded to the Sun was replaced by the blood of Christ. The Ruby recharged with these new associations, now featured in the most prominent place in majestic crowns across the west. Interestingly, due to a case of mistaken identity, Spinels were also employed to pay homage to the blood of Christ in royal crowns and jewellery. The Ruby’s long-lived affinity to the Sun continued to flourish in the East, where it enjoyed centre-stage in the ancient ‘Navratan’ or nine-gem formation in jewellery and precious objects.
History and gemmology books have educated us on the brilliance and beauty of rubies from ancient deposits of Burma. Other countries have also produced some fine ruby specimens such as Thailand, Vietnam, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, India, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, and Nepal. In 2009 however, the most significant ruby deposit was discovered in the Cabo Delgado district of Mozambique in Africa. Industry sources estimate that approximately 70% to 80% of newly mined rubies, now come from this African source.
“We decided to specialise in Mozambican rubies because of a larger decision to focus on untreated goods. We firmly believe that origin is not the main criteria for value in a gem and the essential pillars of what makes a Ruby appealing, such as rich red colour, clarity, cut, crystal quality, will always hold value. The ruby deposit of Namahumbire, Mozambique, which is mined by the Montepuez Ruby Mine (Gemfields) is producing some fantastic material in larger sizes. Our decision to specialise in this material came from a desire to deliver the best product, responsibly sourced directly from the mine. Furthermore, the demand for untreated goods has grown significantly and the only Ruby deposit able to generate top-grade, untreated material right now, is from Mozambique.” Joe Belmont, KV Gems.