Ruby

Item Description

Ruby has been dubbed the "King of Gems". It is arguably the most valuable and sought after precious gem in the world. The stones have been highly valued for many centuries, and the American Gem Society states on their website that Rubies, "were traded along China's North Silk Road as early as 200 BC." Mogok in Myanmar (Burma) has been a major source of gem quality Rubies, "since at least 600 AD" according to AGS. These stones are still the world-standard for the material. This gem has an attractive deep pinkish-red color, and is gem quality, with only very slight inclusions. It has an "Oval Step" cut. PLEASE NOTE: This stone was imported to the US before the embargo that stated there will NOT be ANY of these Rubies imported to U.S. soil after September 30, 2008. The embargo is over, but it's very important to note that there is NO MINING taking place at Mogok right now. The combination of the pandemic and the civil war in Myanmar has left all of Mogok empty. It is unclear when or if mining will resume, and you can rest assured the price of Rubies and other gems from this area will almost certainly be higher once the area is back in production. Buy this gem now because they are disappearing from the market rapidly.
This stone is from the estate of former Phoenix area dealer Marvin Rockey. Rockey's Gems was a significant business in the early days of Arizona lapidary material, and he was a prominent dealer and buyer in the Arizona area of local lapidary and carving material from throughout the state, including Bisbee, the Ray Mine, Miami mines, and the Peridot finds on Indian lands in the 1950s-1970s. This stone was kept back from the retail stock for its quality and beauty, in a tray of special material, and was found in his estate (sold to us only recently). Today, these are not only rarely seen but of a highly desirable old quality, and sought after by collectors and gem / jewelry enthusiasts alike.