Ruby crystals measuring up to 2cm with blue crystals of kyanite. Wikimedia Commons

Rubies spark fire.

Evoke passions. Are mysterious.
Ornaments that contain rubies

  • Rakkodi, used to hold hair spun into a chignon or bun, as Tamil women call it.

  • Jadainagam, or hair ornament that goes down the length of the long braid.

  • Surya pirai and Chandra pirai.  Round ornaments on either side of the head that resemble a sun and a moon.

  • Maannikka Addigai or Addiyal.  Ruby necklace worn close to the neck.  Like a choker but not as tight.

  • Maanga maalai, or mango shaped necklace.  Worn long or short.

  • Makara kanti.  Ruby-studded necklace worn long till the chest.  With a pendant shaped like a makara crocodile.

Antique ruby raakodi (hair ornament)
Ruby and diamond oddiyanam (waistbelt) Tamilnadu.

The colour of pigeon's blood

Tamil names for gemstones

  • Manickam: ruby

  • Vairam: diamond

  • Marakatham: emerald

  • Vaiduryam: cat’s eye

  • Manickam: Ruby

  • Neelam: sapphire

  • Pushparagam: yellow sapphire

  • Muthu: pearl

  • Pavazham: coral

Necklace. Thanjavur. Tamilnadu. India. 1800s. Gold, pearl, diamonds, rubies,emeralds. Dallas Museum of Art. Wikimedia Commons.
Antique ruby set containing addigai necklace, matching earrings and bracelet.

Ring like an open-mouthed fish

Ruby bracelet

Trousseau ornaments

Ruby addigai necklace

“Rubies, with pearls.  That’s nature’s jewellery.”

Sir Edwin Arnold

The colour of parijatha flowers

Ruby necklace, bracelet and earrings