Gemfields Unveils Ruby, By Joanna Hardy

‘There is no coloured gemstone that fuels passion more than ruby.  We live with colour – it surrounds us during our waking hours, and indeed even in our dreams – but place a ruby in front of any man or woman and there will be an instant response to this vibrant red gem,’  says Joanna Hardy.

Following the success of Emerald, the first singular gemstone book commissioned by Gemfields, the world-leading supplier of coloured gemstones has now released Ruby, an ambitious survey of the king of gems, published by Thames & Hudson in association with Violette Publications.

Author and jewellery specialist, Joanna Hardy takes readers on a journey from the ancient mines of Burma along the harsh terrain of the silk trading routes of China, to the most exciting recent ruby deposit discovered, in Mozambique. Joanna examines the extraordinary, ancient cutting and polishing techniques, before leading readers to historical courts and palaces where rubies have been sourced and bought from intrepid gem stone dealers by royalty, dignitaries and the social elite throughout history. 

Alongside the many emperors and empresses, kings and queens and Maharanis featured, an array of style mavens and Hollywood royalty are also included, wearing iconic pieces that are now as much a part of their image as the myths and legends that surround them.  

A total of sixty pieces are featured in the book, many of which are previously unseen designs from royal and private collections. Historic creations sit alongside pieces from major modern jewellery houses including Boucheron, Cartier, Chaumet, Graff, Mellerio dits Meller, and Van Cleef & Arpels. The book examines the extraordinary jeweller techniques employed by the expert houses, as well as guidance on the qualities of rubies.

Gemfields commissioned the book as part of its endeavours to educate the jewellery trade and the public about coloured gemstones.  Joanna Hardy describes these efforts as ‘a wonderful gift to the industry’.

Ruby, by Joanna Hardy, published by Thames & Hudson, in association with Violette Editions will be available from the 12th October 2017, RRP £75.