The Adventurine Posts ‘Ruby: The King of Gems’ by Joanna Hardy

Cover of 'Ruby' by Joanna Hardy and heart jewels from the book by Verdura, Flato and Cartier Photo courtesy

Books & Exhibitions

‘Ruby: The King of Gems’ by Joanna Hardy

It's like a romance novel for gem geeks.

There is no other holiday as closely associated with a precious gem than Valentine’s Day. The romantic ruby is the color of love. It also has a history that is romantic, glamorous and intriguing. Jewelry historian Joanna Hardy has tackled the topic in her new book Ruby created in collaboration with Gemfields. The book covers everything from the history of ruby mining to the greatest ruby jewelry designs over time. Following are a few of my favorite historic pieces from the publication. There are hundreds more in the book. Add it to your library now. It’s like a romance novel for gem geeks.

2003 cabochon ruby ring by Hemmerle set with a 5.33 carat Burmese ruby_© Hemmerle_from RUBY_published 2017.jpg

Photo courtesy of ‘Ruby’ by Joanna Hardy

Hemmerle cabochon ruby ring set with a 5.33 carat Burmese ruby made in 2003.

Photo courtesy from the ‘Ruby’ book by Joanna Hardy’

Bulgari choker in gold with rubies, sapphires, lapis lazuli and diamonds made by Bulgari around 1979.

From Ruby: Heart brooch, Verdura for Paul Flato, Rubies set in a gold heart, colored diamonds and calibré-cut sapphires in a ribbon with the phrase “Verbum carro” meaning “The word made flesh” or “A word to my dear one.” Courtesy of Verdura

Photo courtesy from the ‘Ruby’ book by Joanna Hardy’

Millicent Rogers’ ruby and gold heart brooch designed by Verdura for Paul Flato. The jewel also has yellow diamonds and calibré-cut sapphires in a ribbon with the Latin phrase in gold “Verbum carro.” Roughly translated it is believed to mean “The word made flesh” or “A word to my dear one.”