July Birthstone: Ruby

Fellows’ timed Gemstone Sale is now live! There are some amazing gems in this sale which gemmologists will admire. We spoke to Oliver Horner, a Jewellery Assistant from our London office. Oliver has a passion for gemmology and he has picked out some of the star lots from this sale. With the birthstone for the month of July being ruby, we asked Oliver specifically about some of these precious stones in the sale.

1. Firstly, I wondered where your passion for gemmology began, and why? 

I first became interested in gemmology whilst working in the photography department at Hampstead Auctions handling lots of different gem set jewellery – both antique and contemporary. I was curious to find out what all of the different stones were and why they were so valuable.

2. As the birthstone for July is ruby, I thought I’d begin by asking you why you think rubies are so desirable?   

Rubies are such desirable gemstones due to their amazing colour, they come in a variety of hues ranging from light pinkish reds to darker reds and the highly sought-after “pigeon blood red”. They can also be free from inclusions and have very clean tones. Due to their hardness they can have a high lustre.

3. What are some of the highlight rubies in the gemstone sale?       

I think Lot 194 – the large star ruby –  is lovely. I also think Lot 195 – a pear shape ruby – is one to watch as it is a really nice colour and at a very affordable price.

4. Do you think the gemstone sale is the perfect opportunity to pick up some treasures, and why?     

The Gemstone Sale is the perfect place to pick up some lovely stones at very reasonable prices. There is a wide selection of stones in variety of colours and cuts that are perfect for either a private collector or someone in the trade.

5. I wondered what some of your favourite gemstones are (not necessarily rubies)? 

I am a big fan of tourmaline, I think that a pink tourmaline set in yellow gold looks really nice. We have some amazing tourmalines in the Gemstone Sale. Lot 162 a rectangular shape bi-colour pink tourmaline, and it is very nice. Furthermore, Lot 161 is oval-shaped and another intriguing piece.

Click here to view our Gemstone Sale!