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The Fiery Legacy of Rubies: Passion, Protection, and Power Learn the history and mystery of the gemstone of passion, love, and desire, the ruby! The ruby is not only a symbol of love and passion, but it has captivated civilization for thousands of years and has well and truly earned its nickname as the ‘king of precious stones.’ Rubies have had a long relationship with royalty, wealth, and power. Surprisingly, many people believed that simply possessing a ruby would not only protect your wealth but also assist you in accumulating more wealth. And when it comes to wearing a stone as bold as the ruby, pairing it with the right metal can elevate its impact even further. If you're exploring options for your next jewelry purchase, consider how different metals complement your skin tone — our guide, Which Metal Works Best for Your Skin Tone?, can help you make the most radiant choice. Formation and Origin of Rubies Rubies are formed from the mineral aluminum oxide or corundum. Rubies are created deep below the Earth’s surface, under intense pressure and heat. Corundum is composed of densely packed aluminum and oxygen atoms, which results in a colorless compound, but when some of the aluminum atoms are replaced with other minerals, the stones take different colors. It is the addition of chromium during this process that results in the deep red hue found in the color of rubies. If ferric iron is present, along with chromium, the result can be extremely rare pink or orange shades of ruby. Unfortunately, the presence of either iron or silica will prevent the formation of a ruby, and the abundance of both elements in the Earth’s crust makes the chance of a ruby forming very rare indeed. Most rubies are found in Asia, in countries such as Thailand, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Nepal being the biggest ruby mining countries. The majority of rubies are found around the Himalayan mountain ranges, which were formed when the two continents, the Indian subcontinent and Asia, collided almost 50 million years ago, creating the world’s biggest deposit of rubies. However, rubies have also been found worldwide, including Montana, Madagascar, and Macedonia. It’s pretty unbelievable to think but some of the rubies you’re wearing could be over 50 million years old! Most rubies contain natural imperfections or inclusions, known as silk or rutile needles, which have been present since the ruby was formed. These natural imperfections are key identifiers that separate the lab-created ruby from a natural one. The Symbolism and History of Rubies Stretching across various cultures, throughout history, rubies have had a strong royal or regal connection, and it’s this connection to royalty that earned them the nickname, ‘the king’s gemstone.’ The ruby symbolized power, wealth, prosperity, authority, and offered supernatural protection. A Protective Talisman It was believed that the ruby extended powerful protection to its wearer and was traditionally worn on the left side, closest to the heart, for maximum protection. Most of the beliefs surrounding the ruby are related to the protection of assets, wealth, power, territory, and status. The protection of a ruby even extended to the wearer’s home, protecting it from natural elements such as storms. Rubies and the Life-Force Connection The intense, blood-red color of rubies has naturally led to a strong connection between humans and blood. Warriors going into battle or anyone facing physical damage often had a strong connection to rubies. This connection manifested itself in different cultures and civilizations. Burmese Traditions – Ancient Burmese warriors and soldiers not only wore the ruby as protection during battle, but also had rubies inserted into their flesh, believing it granted them immunity from swords, spears, and gunfire. Indian Legends – Ancient Indians believed that rubies could heal wounds and stem bleeding, while reducing inflammation, and that large rubies could grant the wearer total protection. Archers often wore rings featuring rubies to protect their thumbs during battle. European Beliefs – Paracelsus, a renowned 16th-century physician and alchemist, reportedly used ruby in some of his treatments. He used crushed or powdered rubies as part of a treatment for cancer ulcers.4 A Ruby's Inner Glow It’s no surprise that rubies are so popular, considering their rich and deep red color, but it’s when you gaze upon them, their inner fire truly seals the deal, and it was this inner glow that spawned several legends.  It was once said that a large enough ruby placed in water would instantly cause the water to boil, and even if hidden beneath protective coverings, a ruby’s inner fire would shine through. From ancient warriors to royal courts, the ruby’s fiery spirit has long inspired awe, desire, and reverence. Whether you're drawn to its rich symbolism or its timeless beauty, there’s no better way to honor its legacy than with a piece crafted to last for generations. Do you need assistance picking out the perfect piece of ruby jewelry, or want to create your own piece of custom ruby jewelry? Please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry. Discover our stunning collection of high-end jewelry in Dallas and Houston at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry, featuring exquisite diamond engagement rings and luxury timepieces perfect for that special proposal. Visit us in-store or explore our selection online, and don’t hesitate to contact our expert staff with any questions or to view these magnificent pieces in person. Ruby FAQs and Fun Facts Why are rubies red? – Rubies are a type of corundum that gets its red color from the presence of chromium during formation. Where did the ruby get its name? – Ruby comes from the Latin word ‘ruber’, which means red. Where are rubies mined? – Rubies are mined in various countries, including Myanmar, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Australia, India, Malawi, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States. How hard are rubies? – Rubies measure 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them a tough and durable gemstone. However, natural rubies often have fissures and cracks caused by chromium. The only gemstone that is harder than rubies is diamonds. How rare are rubies? – Rubies are among the rarest gemstones in the world, and the highest-quality and most sought-after rubies come from Myanmar due to their exceptional deep red color. How big is the world’s largest ruby? – The title for the world’s biggest ruby is currently the 125 West Ruby, which weighs in at over 8.2 lbs and 18,696 carats. The largest mined ruby is the Liberty Bell Ruby, which comes in at over 8,500 carats and was cut and polished into the shape of the Liberty Bell.  

Green Diamonds Uncovered: The Rarity, Science & Beauty of a Gemstone Like No Other What are green diamonds, where do they come from, and why are people worldwide falling in love with them? Making up less than 0.1% of all fancy colored diamonds, green diamonds are among the rarest of the rare, which makes them one of the most valuable diamonds in the world.  What does that mean? It means that for every 10,000 fancy-colored diamonds that are discovered, fewer than 10 of them will be green. Of those 10 green diamonds, Fancy Vivid Green diamonds such as the famous Dresden Green are even rarer, but what makes green diamonds green, and why are they so rare? If green is your favorite gemstone color, check out May’s Gemstone of the Month, the Emerald, where we look at this luxurious and highly sought-after green gemstone. Where Do Green Diamonds Get Their Color From? Most colored diamonds get their color from the introduction of additional elements during their formation. For example, if carbon is replaced with nitrogen or boron in the diamond’s crystal lattice, you could end up with either a yellow or blue diamond. However, green colored diamonds are a little bit different. The colour of green diamonds is typically a result of exposure to radioactive minerals or fluids present during the diamond’s natural lifecycle or due to artificial irradiation in a laboratory. The radiation bumps the carbon atoms in the crystal structure out of place, leaving a vacant space and causing the green color. In some cases, nitrogen, nickel, and hydrogen impurities can also cause the green color, but it’s not as common. Surprisingly, this irradiation doesn’t happen deep within the Earth. After diamonds are formed deep underground and pushed to the surface, they’re exposed to minerals such as uranium or thorium. Over time, thousands or even millions of years, this exposure to radiation causes the diamonds to change color. What Role Does Surface Staining Play? A very distinctive feature of green diamonds that have been irradiated is green ‘surface stains’ on the rough surface of the diamond. Under magnification, small, distinct spots may mark where radioactive mineral grains touched the diamond’s surface, unlike irregular ‘blotches or stains’ that are more commonly associated with radioactive fluids. This type of damage is the result of Alpha particles. These particles don’t penetrate deep into the surface of the diamond; instead, they stain the gemstone’s surface. Green Diamonds Vs. Chameleon Diamonds Under standard lighting, chameleon diamonds may appear either yellow/green or green, but when exposed to heat or kept in the dark, they can shift their color to an orange/brown hue. Unlike regular green diamonds, chameleon diamonds don’t get their color from exposure to irradiation, and their color-changing abilities are more closely linked to exposure to nitrogen, hydrogen, and nickel impurities present in their formation. However, the exact reason behind their ability to change color depending on heat and exposure to light is unknown. While chameleon diamonds may appear to be green at times, they’re categorized separately because of their molecular properties. Although they’re considered extremely rare and collectible, they’re not true green diamonds. Natural Vs. Artificial Green Diamonds Natural irradiation produces truly stunning, vivid green colors, but that process can also be duplicated in a laboratory setting by utilizing electrons, gamma rays, or neutrons to create vacancies in the diamond’s crystal lattice and deliver a green color to natural diamonds. Don’t worry, there’s no residual radiation left after the procedure, and the diamond is as safe to wear and handle as a natural green diamond. Both methods produce a similar green color and are caused by a similar process, but one is done naturally and the other is done in a laboratory setting. While the diamond's history can sometimes determine which process caused its coloration, it's often difficult to determine how it acquired its green color. Because this impacts the diamond's value, it's essential to ensure proper certification that clearly denotes the source of its coloration. Famous Fancy Green Diamonds Below are some of the world’s most famous green diamonds. The Dresden Green Diamond Weighing an impressive 41 carats, the Dresden Green Diamond is the world’s largest polished green diamond. Featuring a rare pear-cut, the Dresden Green Diamond boasts a VS1 clarity rating and uniform green shade throughout. Thought to have originally come from India, the diamond first appeared in historical records in 1772 and remains one of the most well-known green diamonds in existence today. The Aurora Green Diamond The Aurora Green Diamond is a 5.03 Fancy Vivid Green diamond. It smashed sales records in 2016 when it sold at a Christie’s auction for a massive $16.8 million, or $3.3 million per carat, setting a new standard for green diamonds’ value. The Gruosi Green Taking its name from its owner, jeweler Fawaz Gruosi, the Gruosi Green is a 25-carat cushion-cut diamond and is the second-largest polished green diamond in the world. Before cutting and polishing, the original rough diamond came close to weighing almost 100 carats. However, to achieve the perfect cut and polish, almost 70% of the diamond was cut away to leave an almost flawless finish. The Chopard Chameleon  The Chopard Chameleon Diamond, weighing 31 carats, is the world’s largest known chameleon diamond, with beautiful yellow, brown, and green colors.  Green Diamond FAQs  Are green diamonds real diamonds? Yes! Green diamonds are natural diamonds. However, some green diamonds get their green coloration naturally, while others are artificially altered in a laboratory. Natural green diamonds are the most expensive and highly sought-after. Is it safe to wear green diamonds? Yes! Green diamonds are 100% safe to wear. Despite being exposed to radioactive material during their formation, green diamonds are not radioactive. Are green diamonds rare? Green diamonds are one of the rarest gemstones in the world, and natural green diamonds with pure green colors are even rarer. What is a chameleon diamond? A chameleon diamond is a unique type of diamond that changes color as it’s exposed to light or heat, often shifting between green, yellow, and brown. Could a green diamond be used as an engagement ring? Of course! In fact, Jennifer Lopez’s second engagement ring from Ben Affleck was a large green diamond ring, estimated to be a radiant-cut 8.5-carat gemstone surrounded by two half-moon accent diamonds. Do you need assistance picking out the perfect piece of green diamond jewelry, or want to create your own piece of custom green diamond jewelry? Please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry. Discover our stunning collection of high-end jewelry in Dallas and Houston at deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry, featuring exquisite diamond engagement rings and luxury timepieces perfect for that special proposal. Visit us in-store or explore our selection online, and don’t hesitate to contact our expert staff with any questions or to view these magnificent pieces in person.  

The Symbolism and Legacy of Pearls in Culture and Ceremony   The lore and history surrounding June’s gem of the month, the queen of gems, the beautiful pearl. There’s just something magical about pearls. Gazing at them, you can almost find yourself lost in their translucent beauty and depths, and that beauty has been the inspiration behind some of the world’s most magnificent jewelry creations. “The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.” – Grace Kelly. It’s a fitting quote, and in the book The Curious Lore of Precious Stones by George Frederick Kunz, he mentions the pearl as follows, “The diamond is to the pearl as the sun is to the moon, and we might well call one the ‘king-gem’ and the other the ‘queen-gem.’”  The Medicinal Properties of the Pearl European writers of the past wrote a lot about the medicinal properties of various precious stones, including the pearl, with their own agendas. However, they typically shared one similar goal: to represent as many stones as possible, with their thinking being that the more stones, the better the healing power of the concoction or talisman. In Arnobio’s “Tesoro delle Gioie,” they spoke about a composition of the most “noble electuary of jacinth” which contained jacinth, a variety of zircon, emerald, sapphire, topaz, garnet, ruby, red and white coral, amber, animal and vegetable substances, and of course, pearl. In total, it had over 34 ingredients, and a healthy dose of the mixture was believed to be a cure-all for “all the ills that flesh is heir to.” In modern times, pearls and pearl powder are recognized for their potential to be natural antioxidants and their anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing effects. It’s also believed that pearls have strong wound-healing properties and promote bone growth. Religious Symbolization  Throughout the ages, the pearl has held a revered place in many cultures and typically symbolizes wisdom, purity, and spiritual transformation. Many people associate the pearl with the soul’s journey as it heads toward enlightenment. In Asian cultures, pearls are often seen as evidence of a divine presence, with pearls frequently placed in the mouths of the deceased to assist them on their spiritual journey after death. The pearl has been closely associated with modesty, virtue, purity, and devotion in many Christian symbols and art. Mary and Jesus, strong symbols of purity, were sometimes closely associated with pearls. In the Book of Revelation, pearls were used to describe the gates of New Jerusalem.  “The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” – Revelation 21:21, TLV. Ancient Stories and Mythology Pearls had a significant role in ancient mythology. If the diamond was the symbol of strength, the pearl was right there alongside it as the emblem of purity and modesty. It was believed that by wearing pearls, the wearer would be granted superior strength, courage, and fortitude, guaranteeing them victory in the field of battle, but pearls weren’t just popular in battle. They were often associated with water, tears, and beauty. In some myths, pearls were mentioned as the tears of gods, the moon, and even mythical creatures. Other ancient legends link pearls to dragons, with pearls falling to the ground after two dragons battled high above in the sky. From Legend to Legacy: Honoring Life’s Moments with Pearls Pearls may begin as a grain of sand, but through time, patience, and nature’s quiet magic, they transform into treasures revered by royalty, artists, and spiritual leaders alike. Their beauty is both a mystery and a mirror, reflecting centuries of meaning, reverence, and grace. At deBoulle Diamond & Jewelry, we understand that pearls are far more than adornments — they are heirlooms in the making. Whether you’re honoring a loved one, celebrating a milestone, or gifting a June birthstone with personal significance, our collection offers something truly timeless. Let our expert team help you select the perfect pearl, from classic strands to custom creations that will be cherished for generations. Visit our Dallas or Houston showrooms to experience the elegance of deBoulle firsthand, or explore our refined selection online.