Ruby beads

Types of ruby beads

Ruby beads come in assorted types, each valued for its unique properties and characteristics. Although naturally occurring rubies are varieties of corundum, it is a precious gemstone that can be treated in diverse ways to enhance its beauty.

The following are the common types of ruby beads.

• Naturally mined ruby beads

  As stated abov, these are natural rubies that are not sourced from mines. They are ruby stones that have not been subjected to any alteration, except cutting, polishing, and maybe minor heating. They are prized for their purity and authenticity.

• Heated ruby beads

  Most rubies in the market today are heated to enhance their color and clarity. Heating is a common practice in the gem trade. It removes the impurities that might exist in corundum and brings out the vivid red hue people love. Heated ruby beads possess the deep color and translucency treasured in ruby jewelry.

• Dyed ruby beads

  These are beads made from lower quality stones. They have been dyed to give the appearance of a higher quality gemstone. The dye saturates the stone to enhance the red color. Although dyed ruby beads are more affordable, color transfer is always a concern when wearing them.

• Glass ruby beads

  Glass ruby beads are not real rubies. They are created in the lab from glass materials and have the appearance of ruby jewelry. These beads are affordable alternatives that are widely used in crafting and jewelry making. They also come in an assortment of styles and sizes.

• Synthetic ruby beads

  Like glass rubies, synthetic rubies are not naturally mined stones. They are created in labs using the same chemical composition as that of natures mined rubies. Synthetic ruby beads have the same physical and chemical properties as real rubies. They are therefore durable and affordable. They are favored because they possess the same coloration and clarity properties as the original stones.

Designs of ruby beads

Ruby stone beads, in accordance to the types discussed above, come in a variety of designs tailored for different uses in such things as jewelry making, crafts, and decorating. Their vibrant reddish hue ranges from pink, and deep red to purplish red. It all depends on the variety of rubies and the choice of the craftsman.

Also, they are fetched in assorted shapes, sizes, and cuts to fit different design aesthetics. Below are the most common ruby beads designs.

• Faceted ruby beads

  Ruby beads can be expertly carved and polished into faceted shapes such as round, oval, teardrop, or bicone. Such a design enhances the beads' natural color by creating multiple surfaces that reflect light. This gives the jewelry pieces made from them an excellent brilliance and sparkle. Faceted ruby beads are widely favored in formal and celebratory jewelry such as necklaces and earrings, among others.

• Raw or uncut ruby beads

  Uncut or raw ruby beads have the natural beauty of rubies that have not been processed much. They depict the natural inclusions, rough edges, and overall structure of the stone before mining. Uncut ruby beads are becoming more popular with people who want to wear jewelry made with natural materials that have their own unique look. Uncut ruby beads also address the wearers who prefer a more rustic or bohemian style.

• Rice-shaped ruby beads

  Rice-shaped ruby beads are elongated and look like a grain of rice. Because of their unique shape, they add an interesting element to jewelry designs. They are mostly used when one wants to create necklaces or bracelets with a simple but elegant twist. These beads also help in adding structure to pieces while still allowing flexibility in how the jewelry moves when worn.

• Ruby rondelle beads

  Rondelle beads are short and slight oval beads that have the appearance of tiny wheels. Ruby rondelle beads have a rich color that comes from deep inside the stone. Because of their uniform size, these beads can be used in jewelry designs where one wants the beads to be balanced.

• Star ruby beads

  Star rubies are famous for their asterism, which is a star-like sheen on the surface of the bead. However, very rarely do rubies of this quality get used as beads. When they do, they are prized as unique pieces in jewelries like pendants or rings where their remarkable quality can be highlighted.

Working with ruby beads

Rubies, with their striking red color and exceptional hardness, can be challenging to work with. This is due to their density and the fact that they are tougher than many other gemstones.

However, once the craftsperson gets past this hurdle, the ruby beads will make stunning additions to any jewelry or art project. Below are some techniques that buyers can get ruby beads from wholesalers and use them in crafting projects or selling finished jewelry.

• Drilling and bead placement

  Because rubies are relatively hard, around 9 on the Mohs scale, drilling tools also need to be made of very hard materials. This includes diamond-tipped bits or tungsten carbide. As for the design, ruby beads can be used in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. They provide stunning focal points. They also complement other materials. For instance, pairing smaller ruby beads with larger ones can make chunkier jewelry designs. On the other hand, ruby spacer beads work well in separating larger beads and adding elegant accents.

• Wire and stringing materials

  This is also essential when working with ruby beads. Rubies are heavier than most gemstone beads. Therefore, stronger wiring materials like stainless steel wire or nylon-coated beading wire are suitable for this task. As for stringing, ruby beads can be strung alongside metals like gold or sterling silver. This elevates the general aesthetic to a more contemporary look in the jewelries. They can also be strung alongside other gemstones to achieve an exquisite color contrast with the beads. Still, ruby beads work well when used with more organic stringing materials like silk or leather. This provides a more rough and natural feel to jewewery pieces.

• Color combinations

  Ruby beads stand out on their own due to their vivid red hue. However, they can also be attributed color-wise with other stones, metals, or materials to achieve different effects. For instance, pearls offer a classic and timeless charm that when paired with rubies will give luxury and sophistication to jewelry pieces. On the other hand, gemstones like clear quartz or citrine can lighten and balance the overall saturation of the design. They act as complementary beads that tone down the intensity of the ruby’s color.

• Maintenance and care

  Fortunately, ruby beads are among the low-maintenance gemstones. This is because they do not easily chip or scratch. To maintain their brilliance and color, jewelers should ensure to avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or cleaning products. They can instead be cleaned with mild soap and water. In addition, ruby jewelry should be stored separately in soft pouches or in such a way that one will not be able to combine it with harder materials or gemstones. This is due to the fact that although rubies are hard, they will still get scratched if they come into contact with sharper or harder stones.

Complementing ruby beads

Ruby beads, famous for their stunning red color, can be complemented with various materials in jewelry making. One such material is clear quartz crystal. The crystal's transparency softens the intensity of the ruby's color. This creates a striking visual contrast that highlights the deep red hue of the ruby.

Another great complement are pearl beads. Pearls, with their lustrous white or cream color, add an element of sophistication and elegance to ruby jewelry. They make the ruby's vibrant color stand out even more. When used together, they give a classic and timeless look that fits formal and luxury jewelry.

In addition to quartz and pearls, ruby beads are also well complemented with metal spacers. Gold, silver, and rose gold spacers add a touch of shine and warmth. They create a harmonious blend with the ruby's rich red color. Metal spacers also add structure and balance to the overall design. They give the ruby jewelry a more polished and sophisticated finish.

Finally, wood beads provide a more natural and earthy touch to ruby jewelry. Wooden beads in natural tones like light brown, dark brown, or beige, tone down the luxuriousness of ruby gems. They make jewelry more casual and wearable. They are therefore ideal for ruby jewelry intended for everyday wear or for those who prefer a more bohemian and rustic aesthetic.

How to choose ruby beads

When purchasing ruby beads, buyers should consider the following key factors.

• Color

  Since rubies are known for their red color, look for beads with a pure, vibrant red hue. Also, rubies come in slightly different shades of red. Some tend to lean more towards purplish red, while others lean more towards brownish red. What shade is ideal will depend on personal preference. Just ensure the color is uniform throughout the stone.

• Clarity and inclusions

  Be mindful of clarity as well. Ideally, ruby beads should be as clear as possible with minimal visible inclusions to the naked eye. Tiny inclusions are acceptable because they are natural to rubies. They add originality to the stone. Just ensure the inclusions present don't affect the overall aesthetic appeal of the ruby beads.

• Cut and shape

  Ruby beads are usually available in different cuts and shapes. They range from faceted to smooth, round to rondelle, and even raw fragments. Each cut, shape, and size will offer a different aesthetic finish to the ruby jewelry being made. Select beads that are well-shaped and evenly sized to ensure a balanced, harmonious look. Unless sought after purposely, avoid irregularly shaped beads as they can disrupt the general flow of the necklace or bracelet.

• Bead quality

  High-quality ruby beads will have sharp edges, clean facets (if faceted), and a smooth, polished surface. There should be no visible damage to the beads such as chips or cracks. While rubies are a durable kind of stone, any form of treatment done on the ruby beads will affect their quality. This is why when they're heated or treated with chemicals, they can sometimes crack or lose their color. Therefore, when purchasing ruby beads that have undergone such treatment, ensure they have been properly treated so as to not end up with damaged beads.

Q&A

Can ruby beads be worn every day?

Indeed yes. Apart from their beauty, ruby beads are durable enough to be worn every day. They are ideal for daily wear as they have a hardness level of 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes them able to withstand scratching and damage from normal wear.

How to style ruby jewelry?

Ruby stones are actually quite easy to style with. They make stunning statement pieces and can also be layered with other jewelry. Wearing ruby jewelry with neutral colors will allow the jewelry pieces to stand out. Still, softer colors will complement the ruby’s vibrant hue beautifully. However, models who like to sport a bolder look can put on clothes in darker shades like navy or emerald green. These darker hues will make the rubies appear even more vivid. As for metals, yellow gold ruby jewelry, which is the most common way to go, gives a warm and luxurious feel to the ruby stones. When paired with rose gold or gold vermeil, this combination is perfect as it gives an especially modern and romantic touch to the jewelry. On the other hand, sterling silver or white gold are more affordable options that offer a sleek and contemporary look that suits both simple and elegant ruby pieces as well as more elaborate ones.

How to avoid imitation rubies?

To avoid imitation rubies, purchase rubies from trusted businesses. Also, be on the lookout for rubies that are accompanied by authenticity certificates.

How to clean ruby jewelry?

Cleaning ruby jewelry is quite easy. One can just use mild soapy water together with a soft cloth to clean any dust or residue that might have accumulated on the rubies.