Crane Jewelers: The Timelessness of Rubies
The uncompromising elegance of rubies has been revered throughout time.
Online, April 12, 2013 (Newswire.com) - CONNOISSEUR TRENDS The uncompromising elegance of rubies has been revered throughout time. Rarer than diamonds, this uncompromising gems' timeless elegance is captured in the collections of Cartier, Tiffany, Bvulgari and Verdura. For centuries rubies have been regarded as a regal gem, not only because of its rarity, but because of its unparalleled beauty.
RUBY SELECTION
Blessed with an unmistakable red aura in the light of the sun, in ancient India, the ruby was addressed as "king of gems". The most valuable hues and tones of rubies are debated among gemologists and jewelers in different parts of the globe, yet gem dealers agree that pure, vivid colors are more desirable to dull, cloudy colors.
HOW TO EXAMINE COLOR
Just as the colors of water can vary in morning light, under the shadow of clouds, or in direct sunlight, the color of rubies can also vary in different lighting.
To ensure you select a gemstone that will look beautiful whenever you wear it, take time to examine the hue and saturation of the color against your skin and in different lighting.
• Clean the stone with a cloth as fingerprints may conceal brilliance and color.
• If possible, look at the gemstone face up against a variety of backgrounds.
• Take time to examine the stone under direct light, as well as away from light. As the ruby you select will not be in
direct light on every occasion you wear it, make certain the gem's color saturation still looks red out of direct light.
SHAPE AND CUTTING STYLES
While shape is often the first factor considered when consumers select a diamond, when collectors select a ruby, it is often the last consideration. When a collector finds a brilliant, two carat ruby, that is the vivid, beautiful color they are seeking, there is a tendency to accept whatever shape the stone was cut in, because it is so difficult to find a large, well-cut ruby in a desired color.
In sizes of a carat or more, rubies will usually be found in an oval or cushion shape. Cushions and ovals are the two shapes which usually enable cutters to save the most weight of the original rough. In smaller sizes (less than one carat), rubies often have a round, square or rectangular shape.
UNCOMMON DURABILITY SUITED FOR DAILY WEAR
Rubies (also known as corundum) have an uncommon durability that makes them ideal for daily wear. Rubies are Grade 9 on the Moh's scale of hardness. Only diamonds have a higher hardness grade, at 10. The Moh's (Mohs) scale of hardness is the most common method used to rank gemstones and minerals according to hardness. Devised by German mineralogist Friedrich Moh in 1812, this scale grades minerals on a scale from 1 (very soft) to 10 (very hard).
With an unmistakable, opulent, red aura in the light of the sun, the beauty, durability, mystery and romance of rubies will add an incomparable addition to your collection.
An expert in period design, with over thirty years of experience in goldsmithing, platinumsmithing and stone setting, Kevin Crane, Design Director and owner of Crane Jewelers, specializes in custom design and period restoration. Trained in Europe by masters from Germany, Spain and Eastern Europe, Kevin Crane has a loyal international following of clients. Crane's work has been exhibited in North America, Japan, Italy and Germany, and is represented in collections internationally. His work has been published in Marthe Le Van's 500 Brooches (Lark Books).
Crane Jewelry Gallery at 519 Pine Street in downtown Seattle, was designed by award winning architects Jim Olson and Tom Kundig in 1987. Visiting the gallery is often reminisced upon as the experience of a private museum showing objects d'art from the farthest reaches of the world.
Location: Visit Crane Jewelry Gallery of custom design and antique fine jewelry pieces.
Located at 519 Pine Street just across from Nordstrom in downtown Seattle.
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
E-mail: kc@cranejewelers.com
Telephone 206.624.1531 PST
CRANE JEWELERS-THE ART OF ELEGANCE
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For more information contact Kevin Glenn Crane, Telephone 206.624.1531 Pacific Standard Time