Red Rubies! Are they really RED?

Oftentimes we hear "red rubies" but are rubies really red?

Well, rubies are generally pink and in varying tones of pink. There is a shade that many go after, the legendary pigeon blood red rubies from Burma and they must be untreated and natural! But then again, how red is pigeon blood? Has anyone seen it and when was the last time? Is there a pantone colour or a colour code for it?

Amongst all gemstones, the rubies are technically the most rare... I should say, they are the most difficult to form naturally. Meaning that Mother Nature finds it most difficult to give birth to rubies.

If you intend to go on a ruby hunt, I suggest that you seek out natural rubies from burma or thailand that are untreated. Rubies are sometimes treated with lead and you would like to avoid these. There are also African Rubies in the market and these are often treated with lead and look simply stunning... I have to say... they also cost much less! Again, they better be after all that treatment. Its like getting a facelift and botox and a nose job but still looking like Susan Boyle! Don't get me wrong, I love that woman and she has an amazing voice but how is that excusable!?

The 2 rings that are above are from 2 countries: Burma and Thailand. The ruby eternity was picked up on a shopping trip in The Land of a Thousand Smiles, Bangkok. A delightful item that I normally stack with the trinity ruby ring from Burma. Don't ask me why I was there but I can tell you that the hassle of getting the visa to go there is worth its weight in Rubies. The absence of nightlife in that country also makes up by the abundance of gems they have.

I have to add as well that I have seen there, so very very rare though it may be, a cornflower blue sapphire that originated from Thailand! Those who know will understand what I mean!