Ruby jewels occur only in varying red hues, thus the name evolved for its red colour from the Latin 'rubeus'. Rubies claim the second position on 'Moh's Hardness Scale', with Diamond being the hardest. Rubies command the high prices of Diamonds when the gem is an extremely rare, large and high-quality specimen. Southeast Asia is a major source for the gem. The finest Rubies usually hail from Myanmar, formerly Burma. 'Pigeon's Blood' refers to the most desirable colour of Ruby.

The 'King of Gems', Ruby is one of the worlds most revered gemstones. The Ruby, basking in the decadence of its voluptuous, romantic, and glamorous colour is symbolic of health, wealth, wisdom, passion, and triumph in love. Rubies bring the colour red to vivid life and Rubies themselves are said to epitomize 'the spark of life' and to possess the power to light up darkness. The blood-red fire of the gem makes it easy to imagine that it is capable of such feats. Ruby amulets, according to occult tradition work most effectively when worn on the left side of the body. Many gamblers believe that a Ruby will bring them good luck. With the passage of time, Rubies have been linked to 'Tuesday', summer, and St. Matthew.