Ruby enjoys a storied history extending back to the earliest recorded times. From the Bible we learn that wisdom was considered “more precious than rubies.” A Sanskrit text refers to ruby as the “king of precious stones.” Other ancient writings attest to this gem’s special powers. It was believed to banish evil thoughts, engender peace of mind, and protect the wearer from harm. During the Roman empire, ruby was ground up and ingested for its medicinal value. Medical texts from 13th-century India promote it as a cure for digestive disorders. Burmese soldiers were known to insert ruby beneath their skin for protection during battle. If its purported powers are now the stuff of apocryphal folklore, ruby today is still cherished for its beauty and rarity. A key factor affecting ruby’s value is the country of origin and in some instances the specific region from which the stone