Ah, July, the month of sunshine, fireworks, and most importantly the king of gems, rubies! As the birthstone of July, the ruby is a precious gemstone that is admired for its rich color and history. So, grab your iced tea, and let's delve into the world of rubies!
Ruby was referred to as the "king of precious stones" in ancient India because of its scarcity, hardness (second only to diamond), beauty, and what appeared to be supernatural qualities. The ruby is a red variety of the mineral corundum, and it has been highly valued since ancient times. The word "ruby" comes from the Latin word "ruber," which means "red," and it is believed that the first rubies were discovered in Burma, now known as Myanmar, over 2,500 years ago. In ancient times, rubies were associated with power, protection, and prosperity, and they were often worn by royalty and warriors.
Rubies have a long-standing place in folklore and symbolism. In Hindu mythology, the ruby was believed to be the "king of gemstones" and was associated with the sun. It was also thought to bring good health, wealth, and wisdom to its wearer. In ancient Greece, rubies were associated with the god of war, Mars, and were believed to bring courage and strength to warriors.
The deep red color of rubies also holds symbolism. Red is often associated with love, passion, and energy, and rubies have been used as symbols of love and commitment for centuries. In fact, they are sometimes referred to as the "stone of love" and are a popular choice for engagement rings.
Rubies are found in many parts of the world, including Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Madagascar. The quality of rubies varies depending on their origin, with Burmese rubies often considered the most valuable due to their rich, deep red color.
While rubies are known for their deep red color, they can actually range in color from pink to blood-red to purplish-red. The color of a ruby is determined by the presence of trace elements such as chromium, iron, and titanium. The more chromium, the stronger the red.
As with all precious gemstones, it's important to take proper care of your rubies to keep them looking their best. To clean your ruby jewelry, simply use a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the stone. It's also a good idea to remove your ruby jewelry before engaging in activities such as swimming, exercising, or doing household chores, as these activities can scratch or damage the stone.
Rubies deep red color and association with love make it a popular choice for jewelry, especially engagement rings. So, whether you're a July baby or just love the color red, consider adding a ruby to your jewelry collection – and be sure to take good care of it!
Five-Stone Ruby ring from the case at Morris Jewelry.
Ruby was referred to as the "king of precious stones" in ancient India because of its scarcity, hardness (second only to diamond), beauty, and what appeared to be supernatural qualities. The ruby is a red variety of the mineral corundum, and it has been highly valued since ancient times. The word "ruby" comes from the Latin word "ruber," which means "red," and it is believed that the first rubies were discovered in Burma, now known as Myanmar, over 2,500 years ago. In ancient times, rubies were associated with power, protection, and prosperity, and they were often worn by royalty and warriors.
The deep red color of rubies also holds symbolism. Red is often associated with love, passion, and energy, and rubies have been used as symbols of love and commitment for centuries. In fact, they are sometimes referred to as the "stone of love" and are a popular choice for engagement rings.
Rubies are found in many parts of the world, including Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Madagascar. The quality of rubies varies depending on their origin, with Burmese rubies often considered the most valuable due to their rich, deep red color.
While rubies are known for their deep red color, they can actually range in color from pink to blood-red to purplish-red. The color of a ruby is determined by the presence of trace elements such as chromium, iron, and titanium. The more chromium, the stronger the red.
A ruby crystal (corundum) from Dodoma Region, Tanzania. (Image courtesy of google creative commons.)
As with all precious gemstones, it's important to take proper care of your rubies to keep them looking their best. To clean your ruby jewelry, simply use a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the stone. It's also a good idea to remove your ruby jewelry before engaging in activities such as swimming, exercising, or doing household chores, as these activities can scratch or damage the stone.
Rubies deep red color and association with love make it a popular choice for jewelry, especially engagement rings. So, whether you're a July baby or just love the color red, consider adding a ruby to your jewelry collection – and be sure to take good care of it!
Five-Stone Ruby ring from the case at Morris Jewelry.