Do you like rubies? Obvious. They are one of the most popular precious stones, although they are often confused with spinels and garnets. A ruby has a color ranging from pink to blood red (they are the most valuable). From a point of view of Gemology is a variety of corundum (aluminum oxide), which is transparent: the color is mainly due to the presence in its interior of chrome. Its name comes from the Latin word ruber, which means red. But, what is more interesting is the use of the ruby in jewelry: it is one of the most popular gemstones since ancient times. To celebrate this stone, Sotheby’s has decided to compare some of the most beautiful pieces (the full gallery can be found here) sold by the auction house: there are simple rings with a large ruby, but also more complex creations, like the brooch that is a peacock which weighs 48.57 carats, or the classic Panthère by Cartier, or the brooch of the series Dancers by Van Cleef & Arpels. But the most expensive ruby at the moment is mounted on a Cartier ring: it was sold for 30 million dollars. Federico Graglia
