[Kristin]

By: Stephanie Dray

Source: http://supremaorden.blogspot.com

July’s birthstone is ruby. Given that July is a month dedicated to Julius Caesar—a dictator who died in a pool of his own blood--the red gemstone seems somehow appropriate. But then, July has always been a month for red hot passions, whether murderous rages or ardent love affairs. In that respect, with its own internal fire, ruby is the ideal birthstone for the hottest month of the year.
Because ruby represents such fiery human passions, it’s a common alternative to birthstone gemstoned for engagement rings. This might also be because ruby is the red variety of corundum, an extremely durable mineral that scores a 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, second only to diamonds. As a birthstone it rates highly because of this hardness and also because it doesn’t require special care.

Whereas diamonds and most other translucent gemstones are valued primarily for their clarity, color is the most important factor for rubies. This is because it’s nearly impossible to find a flawless ruby. Inclusions are the main way that experts can tell genuine rubies apart from synthetics or simulated rubies. So while rubies range from orange to purple, the richer the red, the more costly they are.

Source: www.pinterest.com

In truth, there is something of a special glow to the reddest of the red rubies. Since ancient times, ruby admirers have commented on the stone’s ability to cast fiery light. Chinese Emperors claimed they could light up banquet halls with rubies alone. These stories are certainly exaggerated, but may have originated from an actual scientific property of rubies called fluorescence. Under certain conditions, a ruby absorbs blue light, goes into an excited state, and emits radiation on the red end of the spectrum. This quality led scientists to choose rubies for the creation of the first lasers.

But before July’s birthstone was put to use in modern technology, ruby beaded jewelry was prized purely for its symbolic qualities. For thousands of years, rubies have been one of the most sought after gems on earth, and one of the rarest. Ruby was one of the twelve gemstones on the breastplate of Aaron in the bible and has always represented fire and blood. Moreover, royals believed that if held by its rightful owner, ruby beaded jewelry would change color to warn of danger. Most famously, Katherine of Aragon is said to have foreseen her fall from political grace when her ruby darkened.

Source: www.treesculptgems.com

Ancient Indians called ruby the “king of gemstones” and when a large ruby was found, a diplomatic envoy was sent to officially greet the stone as if it were a demi-god. Ruby beaded jewelry was also prized by warriors who thought it stimulated their courage and willingness to die for a cause they passionately believed in.

As you can see, rubies have never been associated with any of the soft and lofty emotions that other gemstones bring to mind. Ruby is not meant for cool tempers and tender sentiments. It is a July birthstone, after all, meant to be worn by moody Cancers and fiery Leos. Intensely red and passionately beautiful, July’s birthstone continues to blaze its way through history as one of our most cherished treasures.


Article Source: www.swcreations.net

[Kristin]

Ruby - July's Gemstone of Hot and Spicy Fun

By: Stephanie White

Source: http://bkgstory.com/

Ruby is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of opaque or translucent red, and is widely recognized as the July Birthstone as well as the gemstone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, ruby holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong esthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your ruby jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!

Ruby is a variety of the species Corundum, and is one of the most sought-after precious colored gems in the world. The word ruby is said to come from the Latin word "rubber" or "rubens," which means red.

In ancient Sanskrit, ruby is called "ratnaraj," or "king of precious stones." Centuries ago, people believed that if a ruby were placed in a pot of water, it would cause the water to boil. People also believed that if rubies were placed beneath the skin, they would generate a mystical force field that would protect the wearer from mishaps. Red is also the color of blood--the life force of all mankind.

Source: www.miadonnadiamondblog.com

Ruby gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with diamonds, black onyx or dark blue sapphire. More casual combinations include softer contrasts of brilliant ruby reds with clear quartz, emerald or pearls. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring ruby, click here. Ruby is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of green or hazel eyes.

Rubies became a popular colored stone among European royalty and other nobility because of their intense red color. Whenever a ruby was found, the emperor/royalty sent out people to see and welcome the precious stone. The ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the God Krishna could be granted the life of an emperor in their next lives.

Source: www.rubymanikgemstone.com

The ruby is often associated with the emotions of love, passion, majesty, power and anger. Rubies are also believed to open the heart, attract others, and overcome fear. They were also said to help predict the future if they change color or intensity. Rubies were first mined 2500 years ago. While they originated in Sri Lanka, today rubies are found in Thailand, Mynamar, and Kenya.

Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10-point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Ruby gets a score of 9, meaning that it is very scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Ruby gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Other methods, including ultra-sonic cleaners, are also okay as long as they are not oiled. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.



Article Source: https://www.swcreations.net/blogs/articles/18490741-ruby-julys-gemstone-of-hot-and-spicy-fun

[Kristin]

The Powerfully Regal Ruby Gemstone

The ruby gemstone is the epitome of fiery luxury in the jewelry world. On the Mohs scale, rubies rate a hardness of 9, leveling up with diamonds and moissanite. A familiar structural relative to the sapphire, rubies are from the prized corundum category.

Rubies generally range in pinks and intense reds. Interestingly, the ruby is so close to the makeup of the sapphire, that pink rubies are considered pink sapphires in some regards. The line often gets blurred during the classification.

Source: www.minerals.net

In color psychology, intense hues of red remind oneself of their initiative and survival. During ancient times, warriors inserted rubies under their skin to make themselves undefeatable and powerful in battle. The magnetic lore of rubies captivated figures in royalty and politics.
The crystal system of the ruby is trigonal. Christianity is devout to the Holy Trinity, thus many priests wore red rubies that were cut to show the triangular attributes.

Rubies represent devotion and passion, a fitting gemstone for the astrological signs Leo and Cancer in their July alignments. Overall, this gemstone is powerful and enigmatic. Matched with willful thinking, rubies are a declaration of bravery, energy, and passion.

Source: http://ruby.org.in/

Rubies are mined in Thailand, Japan, and regions in various parts of Asia and Africa. Due to the rarity of the perfect ruby, many are of lower grade. The highest quality rubies are extraordinarily expensive. The most lavish rubies are found in Burma and scattered mines across the globe.

Oval and princess cut rubies show off the gorgeous tints of hidden colors. Cabochons and heart cuts are more exotic and vivid.



Article Source: https://www.swcreations.net/blogs/articles/36851585-the-powerfully-regal-ruby-gemstone