When it comes to rubies, the captivating red color can vary widely depending on where the gemstone was formed. This range of hues is like a journey through different landscapes, each offering its own unique beauty. If you’ve ever wondered where the most stunning rubies come from, let’s take a little tour around the world to explore their origins.

One of the most famous ruby sources is Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. When gemstone experts talk about a "Burmese ruby," they’re referring to the highest luxury of ruby colours—a rich, vibrant red with a hint of blue, sometimes called "pigeon-blood-red." This term, however, doesn’t always mean the stone is from Myanmar; rather, it’s an indicator of the gemstone’s exquisite colour. The legendary Mogok Stone Tract in northern Myanmar is home to some of the world’s most prized rubies, known for their exceptional luminosity that dazzles in both natural and artificial light. Although rubies of this quality are rare, they are truly the pinnacle of what makes these gems so special.

Another key source is the small town of Mong Hsu in northeastern Myanmar, which rose to prominence in the 1990s. Mong Hsu rubies were initially thought to be unsuitable for jewelry due to their two-toned appearance—a dark core with a bright red outer layer. But once it was discovered that heat treatment could enhance the red colour, these rubies became a significant presence in the jewellery market, offering vibrant gems in sizes typically ranging from 0.5 to 3 carats.

Moving a bit further east, we find ruby deposits in Vietnam, near the Chinese border. Vietnamese rubies are known for their slight purplish hue, offering a different but equally charming take on the classic ruby red. Meanwhile, Thailand, another traditional ruby supplier, produces gems with a darker red, leaning towards brown—a shade known as "Siamese color." This deep, muted red is particularly beloved in the United States, ranking just behind the Burmese colour in terms of beauty.

In the Indian subcontinent, Ceylon rubies from Sri Lanka are a rare find today, often displaying a light, raspberry-red color. Northern Pakistan, particularly in the Hunza Valley, along with regions like Kashmir, Tadzhikistan, Laos, Nepal, and Afghanistan, also contribute to the global ruby supply, each offering stones with their own distinctive characteristics.

India has its own share of ruby deposits, especially in the states of Mysore and Orissa, where relatively large crystals are found. These rubies often have more inclusions, making them perfect for crafting into beads or cabochons, which still showcase the gem's inherent beauty.

In recent years, East Africa has emerged as a notable source of rubies, with Kenya and Tanzania surprising experts with their strong, beautiful red stones. These African rubies, ranging from light to dark red, have added a new dimension to the global ruby market. However, as with many other locations, finding rubies that are both fine in colour and clarity is a rare treat.

Each of these regions contributes to the fascinating diversity of rubies available today. Whether it’s the legendary Burmese ruby or the surprising beauties from East Africa, each stone carries with it a story of its unique origins and the journey it has taken to become the gemstone we admire.