Red Gemstones

The most exquisite and sought-after red gemstones include ruby, almandine garnet, Jedi spinel, rubellite tourmaline, and Mexican fire opal. Each of these precious gemstones offers varying shades of red, making them highly desirable for fine jewellery.

All of these red gemstones are well-suited for jewellery, though their durability varies, and the type of jewellery created should be considered based on hardness. Generally, gemstones with higher hardness on the Mohs scale tend to be more valuable and long-lasting. Ranking from hardest to softest in order are ruby (9), spinel (8), almandine garnet (7.5), rubellite tourmaline 7.5), and Mexican fire opal (6.5). Ruby is our most popular red gemstone, followed by garnet. Ruby is incredibly resistant to scratching and is well-suited for daily wear, making it a longstanding favourite for an engagement ring because it will withstand the test of time.

Yes! A red gemstone makes a perfect choice for an engagement ring. With so many shades, from deep crimson and fiery scarlet to pigeon blood and vibrant cherry, this colour palette lends itself to a bold and passionate styling. The most popular red gemstones for an engagement ring include ruby, renowned for its durability and status, and Jedi spinel, celebrated for its vivid fluorescence and brilliance. Rubellite tourmaline is also a preferred engagement ring option due to its rich saturation and alluring glow.

Rubies with good clarity and intense colour saturation command the highest prices in the red gemstone market. A fine-quality ruby must display a rich, vivid red to reddish pink with minimal inclusions to achieve top-tier valuation. Burmese rubies, particularly those with a coveted 'pigeon blood' hue, are among the most desirable and valuable.

Jedi spinel, distinguished by its striking, neon-like red with a hint of pink, is another highly sought-after red gemstone. This rare spinel variety, predominantly found in Myanmar, has gained immense popularity due to its exceptional brightness and rarity. As supply diminishes, Jedi spinel has become a treasured collector's gem.

Historically admired for its regal charm, almandine garnet is an accessible yet valuable red gemstone. Its deep, wine-red tones and high refractive index make it a favourite in fine jewellery. Rubellite tourmaline, known for its intense pinkish-red hues, has gained attention as an alternative to ruby, particularly for those seeking a distinctive and radiant gemstone.

Three birthstones traditionally come in red colour options. January's birthstone is garnet, July's birthstone is ruby, and October's birthstone includes rubellite tourmaline. These gemstones form part of the traditional birthstone list, which has been used for centuries and is rooted in ancient customs and beliefs.

Additionally, Mexican fire opal, known for its fiery orange-red tones, is sometimes associated with October as an alternative birthstone option. These gemstones provide a variety of choices for those seeking red birthstones with unique characteristics and symbolism.

One of the rarest red gemstones is red beryl, also known as bixbite. Found only in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah, USA, this gemstone is exceptionally rare and commands extraordinary prices due to its scarcity. Unlike other red gemstones, red beryl's formation conditions are extremely limited, making gem-quality specimens exceedingly challenging to find. Its rich raspberry-red hue and rarity make it one of the most elusive and valuable red gemstones in the world.

Red is the colour of passion, love, and strength. Throughout history, red gemstones have been associated with vitality, courage, and protection. They inspire confidence, power, and deep emotional connections, making them a meaningful choice for custom jewellery. Red gemstones bring an intense and fiery energy to those who wear them, symbolising devotion, romance, and resilience.

Ruby and spinel can be lab-created, making verifying a gemstone's authenticity essential before purchase. To ensure you're investing in a natural red gemstone, purchase from a reputable gem dealer and request a laboratory report from a trusted gemological institute. By following these steps, you can be confident in acquiring a genuine, Earth-formed treasure that embodies the beauty and rarity of red gemstones.