Ruby beads definition

Ruby beads are made from a gemstone that is a variety of the mineral corundum. Corundum that is a deep, dark red in color is generally referred to as ruby; the deep blue gemstone sapphire comes from the same mineral source, but has a different hue. Corundum also can be pink, orange and purple, but only beads made from the mineral’s dark red variants are referred to as rubies. Major sources of ruby are in Asia and include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Rubies also are mined in Africa, most notably in Kenya, Madagascar and Tanzania.
Ruby beads are available in strands and as small cabochons. Strung beads will have a hole drilled through them and are appropriate for use with stringing materials such as silk cord or flexible beading wire. Many strung ruby beads are faceted, which helps reflect light from several angles at once so that the gemstone appears to shine and sparkle. Some strung beads have a smooth surface.
Cabochons are smooth or faceted stones designed for display in a setting made of a precious metal, typically gold or silver. Common cabochon shapes are oval and square, though more exotic shapes, such as teardrop, also exist.