Ruby - the blood-red/pink gemstone that has captivated alchemists, royalty and mystics for millennia. As we unveil this month's ruby-centred collection, we're diving deep into the lore, science and dark romance of this extraordinary stone.
1. Rubies Are Rarer Than Diamonds
Despite what the engagement ring industry would have you believe, fine rubies are significantly rarer than diamonds. Large, high-quality rubies command higher prices per carat than nearly any other gemstone. The 'pigeon's blood' rubies from Myanmar, with their deep red hue and slight blue undertone, are among the most coveted gems on earth.
2. They're Made of the Same Material as Sapphires
Ruby and sapphire are both corundum, the only difference is the trace element that colours them. Chromium creates ruby's signature red, while iron and titanium produce sapphire's blues. This means ruby is technically a red sapphire, though tradition (and gemologists) insist on the distinction.
3. Ancient Warriors Believed Rubies Made Them Invincible
Burmese warriors didn't just wear rubies, they embedded them into their flesh, believing the stones would make them invulnerable in battle. The ruby's association with blood, vitality and Mars (the god of war) made it the ultimate talisman for protection and courage.
4. Rubies Glow Under UV Light
Natural (and synthetic) rubies fluoresce under ultraviolet light, emitting an eerie red glow. This phenomenon, caused by chromium, was once used to distinguish natural rubies from synthetics. It's as if the stone holds an inner fire - a quality that aligns perfectly with ruby's symbolism of passion and life force.
5. The Name 'Ruby' Comes From the Latin for Red
The word ruby derives from rubeus, Latin for red. But across cultures, ruby has been called ratnaraj (king of precious stones) in Sanskrit, and was known as the 'drop of blood from the heart of Mother Earth' in ancient Burmese legend. Every name speaks to its primal, visceral power.
6. Star Rubies Contain a Trapped Celestial Phenomenon
Some rubies display asterism - a six-rayed star that appears to float across the surface when the stone is moved. This optical effect is caused by needle-like inclusions of rutile aligned in three directions. In medieval times, star rubies were believed to hold trapped starlight and were used as talismans against plague and poison.
7. Rubies Powered the First Laser
In 1960, the first functional laser was created using a ruby crystal. The ruby's atomic structure made it ideal for amplifying light - a scientific echo of the stone's ancient reputation as a holder of inner fire and illumination.
The Bonearrow Ruby Collection
Our upcoming collection honours ruby's legacy as a stone of passion, protection and primal power. Each design is crafted to let the ruby's deep crimson fire take centre stage, set in scared hearts, a symbol of love, kindness and compassion.
Explore the collection from January 31st 2026 and discover which ruby piece calls to you.