RUBY
BIRTHSTONE OF JULY
15TH & 40TH ANNIVERSARY STONE
Ruby is associated with passion, excitement, and luxurious opulence. These are just a few words that describe our fascination with the most precious of gems. Celebrated in the Bible and in ancient Sankrit writings as the most precious of all gemstones, Rubies have been the prized possession of emperors and kings throughout the ages. The inner fire has been the inspiration for innumerable legends and myths, and to this day, no red gemstone can compare to its fiery, rich hues.
Many people associated its brilliant crimson colors with passion and lovemaking. Ruby is an ideal choice for an engagement ring. Ruby is the red variety of the corundum mineral species, while all other colors of corundum are called Sapphire.
Ruby comes from the Latin word “rubber” which means red. Ruby is also known as the “King of Gems,” which comes from the Hindu word “ratnaraj.” In the Bible, Job says, “The price of wisdom is above Rubies.” Many believed the wearer was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and success in affairs of the heart. It was thought that the stone’s powers would be greater if worn on the left side, near the heart. The power of Rubies has made them an important part of royal insignia and other famous jewelry.
For thousands of years, men have sought to own precious Rubies as symbols of devotion and objects of desire. Before 1800 the Ruby was not recognized as part of the Corundum group of gemstones. To that date, red Spinel and Garnet were also designated as Rubies.
Fine Rubies are one of the most desirable and expensive gemstones. Better quality Rubies are becoming rare, and are usually seen in oval or cushion cuts, because these cuts can yield the largest and most brilliant stones.
In readily available small sizes, Ruby makes an excellent accent gemstone because of its intense, pure red color.
Chromium gives Rubies rich red shades, and also causes red fluorescence in some stones, which enhances their eye-catching hue even further. Crystals are normally flat tubular and are strongly pleochroic. This means they must be skillfully cut and angled to bring out their best color.
Ruby is a variety of Corundum
