Vintage Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring / July Birthstone / Ruby Band

Rubies are a variety of corundum crystal, the same species as sapphires. The key difference is their red color, caused by trace amounts of chromium. This spectacular red colour is why rubies have a distinct separation from sapphires in the gemstone world.

The rubies and diamonds in this ring are all natural and earth mined. Most natural rubies are also treated rubies. Treated rubies still qualify as natural rubies since the stone formed in the earth. Of all available treatments, the one that is most widely used and accepted is heat-treating. In this process, the rubies are heated to certain temperatures in order to heal internal fractures (which happen when forming naturally), and dissolve clarity-reducing inclusions.

The rubies in this ring are cut in a marquise shape. The four (4) rubies measure approximately 4mm x 2mm and each ruby weighs approximately 0.13 cts. The ring is also accented with six (6) diamonds and they weigh approximately 0.1 cts total.

Total Approximate Ruby Weight: 0.52 cts
Total Approximate Diamond Weight: 0.10 cts

The ring is stamped for metal purity and with the manufacturer's trademark. Inside of the shank it is stamped 585 and N with an inverted K. No information is known of the manufacturer.

585 is another way to mark that the ring is 14K Gold. Pure unalloyed gold is 24 karat or 24/24 = 1.000. However pure gold is much too soft for gem-set jewellery. 585 is the fraction of 14/24 to show that the gold is 14K Yellow Gold.

The ring is a high-set band and sits 6mm high from the finger. The width of the band is 5mm.

Ring Size: 6.0 US and it is sizeable.

Item Weight: 1.81 g

Ruby is the traditional gift for the 40th Anniversary