Gemstones make for beautiful gifts, and with Valentine's Day now upon us there is no better time to surprise your loved one with a unique gemstone surprise.

For as long as we can fathom, red has been seen as the colour of love, passion and sensuality – and red gemstones, such as the iconic Ruby, are some of the most sought-after stones in the world for both their beauty and their associations with love.

So, if you are looking to gift your loved one something extra special, we have compiled a list of three of the world's most desirable red gemstones to help you get started.

RUBY

Ruby is arguably the most prolific red gemstone out there. It's long been associated with love, and is sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

Ruby and Sapphire hail from the same family, but chromium is responsible for Ruby's colour and causes the gem to appear in a range of hues from orangey-red to purple-red. The more chromium present inside the gem, the stronger the red colour.

Ruby is one of the most durable and long-lasting gemstones on Earth. It is also seen as a symbol of protection, making it a perfect gift for someone special.

GARNET

Garnet naturally appears in a range of different colours, which is what makes it so appealing to collectors. However, it's the iconic red hue of a Garnet that most are familiar with.

Since ancient times, Garnet has been considered the ultimate gift of love. Red Garnets have a long history and are by far the most abundant of Garnet's colours, making them much more affordable for collectors.

Garnet is lustrous, fiery and vibrant, which is why it is one of the most desirable red gemstones on the market right now.

SPINEL

Just like Ruby, Spinel gets its enticing red hue from the presence of chromium, and before modern identification technology the two gemstones were often confused with each other. This led to the infamous Black Prince's Ruby, found in the Imperial State Crown, to be eventually identified as a Spinel.

Among other places, Spinel is mined in multiple locations across Asia, and its popularity is quickly increasing. With its beauty and remarkable history, it's an extremely desirable red gemstone.

Irrespective of Valentine's Day, there's never been a better time to buy or own a red gemstone. All the gemstones on our website are desirable in their own way, but we believe that Ruby, Garnet and Spinel are exceptional must-haves for any gemstone collection.