Red gemstones have long been cherished for their vibrant and captivating colours, making them a popular choice for jewellery. Among the various red gemstones suitable for jewellery, rubies, garnets, spinels, and red tourmalines stand out. Each of these gemstones possesses unique characteristics in terms of colour, hardness, and cost, making them distinct and appealing options for jewellery enthusiasts.
Ruby
Rubies are renowned for their mesmerizing red hues, ranging from deep red to pinkish red. The most coveted rubies display a pure red colour with a hint of blue, often referred to as “pigeon’s blood.” In terms of hardness, rubies are among the hardest gemstones, scoring a remarkable 9 on the Mohs scale. This exceptional hardness makes rubies highly durable and suitable for everyday wear. However, their beauty comes at a price, as high-quality pigeon’s blood rubies can command astronomical prices per carat. While lower-quality rubies are more affordable, they are still prized for their allure.
Garnet
Garnets come in various colours, with red garnets being a popular choice for jewellery. Red garnets exhibit a wide spectrum of shades, from deep crimson to orange red. While not as hard as rubies, garnets still boast a respectable hardness level, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes them suitable for various types of jewellery. Garnets are relatively affordable, making them an excellent option for individuals with budget constraints. They are more readily available compared to rarer gemstones.
Spinel
Spinels are celebrated for their bright and lively reds, which can span from vibrant pinkish red to rich ruby-like tones. In terms of hardness, spinels are rated at 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, providing good durability for jewellery. While high-quality spinels can be quite valuable, they are generally more affordable than rubies of equivalent quality. This affordability, coupled with their striking colours, makes spinels an attractive choice for those seeking a captivating red gemstone without breaking the bank.
Red Tourmaline (Rubellite)
Red tourmalines, often referred to as rubellites, present a diverse array of red hues, ranging from light pink to deep red. The finest rubellites bear a striking resemblance to top-quality rubies. In terms of hardness, tourmalines have a rating of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making them suitable for various jewellery styles. Rubellites fall within the mid-range in terms of cost, with prices dependent on factors such as size, colour, and clarity. Their versatility, coupled with moderate pricing, makes red tourmalines a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and attractive red gemstone for their jewellery collection.
Red gemstones for jewellery offer a wide range of colours and price points to cater to various preferences and budgets. Please visit Coloured Gemstones Australia to see a range of these gemstones and choose the best one for you.