‘There is no colored gemstone that fuels passion more than ruby. We live with color – 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.’ Joanna Hardy

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

Author and jewelry 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 gemstone 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
jewelry houses including Boucheron, Cartier, Chaumet, Graff, Mellerio dits Meller, and Van
Cleef & Arpels. The book examines the extraordinary jeweler techniques employed by the
expert houses, as well as guidance on the qualities of rubies.

Gemfields commissioned the book as part of its endeavors to educate the jewelry trade and
the public about colored 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, £75.

With over 30 years’ experience working with jewelry, Joanna Hardy is an Independent Fine Jewellery Specialist, frequently lecturing and conducting Jewellery Masterclasses worldwide. We talked to Joanna at the Gemfield’s Exclusive Ruby Masterclass held at DIFC, Dubai, where she shared her insight into the colorful world of gemstones and Rubies!