Ruby - The Birthstone For July
Each month of the year has its own birthstone, and if you were born in July, then yours is the stunning ruby. Apart from being breathtakingly beautiful, the ruby ranks as one of the most valuable, extremely sought-after gemstones on the planet!
The ruby is named after the Latin word “ruber,” which in English means “red,” and is derived from corundum, the mineral also referred to as aluminium oxide.
Where Do Rubies Come From?
Rubies are mined mainly in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Kenya, and Tanzania, but they have also been found in various areas of the United States, including Montana and the Carolinas.
Are Rubies Always Red?
Although people are most familiar with rubies that are deep red in colour, they are in fact, available in a wide range of colours, from a pale pink to a near-burgundy shade. The colour of a ruby determines its cost, with the stones that are darker and brighter in colour, being most expensive.
The Meaning of The Ruby Birthstone?
Due to its deep red colour, the July birthstone is a symbol of passion, romance, and love. Red rubies are the colour of blood, so are also associated with vitality and life. Many people compare the red colour of rubies with fire and wear it to symbolise the strength and determination burning inside them.
Rubies are mentioned four times in the Bible, each time associating the gemstone in a positive way, like wisdom and beauty. These days, rubies are frequently associated with status and wealth, because of their high cost.
With rubies symbolising so many different emotions and attractive traits, it is no wonder that they are so eye-catching when they are being worn.
Rubies Throughout History
Rubies have been admired for centuries. In ancient times, Hindus believed that the gemstones offered protection, and anyone who owned one would be safe at all times. It was also believed in this culture, that anyone who wanted to be reborn as an emperor, could offer gifts of rubies to the gods.
In the 8th century, a book written in Arabic by Achametis describes dreams involving rubies as being a symbol of fortune and great joy in the future.
Burmese warriors believed that rubies had the power to make them invincible, and would go so far as to insert the gems in their flesh before going off to war!
Chinese noblemen too, deemed rubies to be extremely valuable and would bury the gemstones under the foundations of buildings to ensure success and good fortune to their businesses.
The ruby has been around since ancient times, which shows just how much it is loved and admired by people everywhere in the world.
The Healing Properties of The Rubies
Besides being stunning gemstones, rubies are also believed to have certain healing properties, and several civilisations from ancient times believed that the stone could heal wounds and relieve inflammation.
Even today, there are people who say that rubies have energy-boosting properties, so wearing rubies could give the person the energy he/she needs to get them through those busy days.
Although modern medicine does not support these claims, the healing properties of the July birthstone have been documented countless times, for centuries.
Traditions That involve Rubies
Apart from being the birthstone for July, rubies are also connected to other different traditions.
For instance, since rubies are associated with wealth and success, they are the perfect gift for someone who is graduating. It is the ideal waytherefore, to wish a graduate good luck in their chosen career.
It is also a tradition to give a gift of ruby to those celebratinng 40 years of marriage.
Celebrities Who Share The July Birthstone
If the sparkling ruby is your birthstone, then you share it with many well-known actors, comedians, music artists, and models, including:
- Margot Robbie
- Liv Tyler
- Kevin Hart
- Tom Cruise
- Sofia Vergara
- 50 Cent
- Will Ferrell
- Gisele Bundchen
- Jessica Simpson
Best Way To Wear Ruby Jewellery
These brilliant gemstones add plenty of extra sparkle to most items of jewellery, and there are no hard and fast rules as to how you should wear them. In other words, it’s entirely up to you how you choose to wear your ruby jewellery!
Rubies are known to add that pop of colour to jewellery items, so many people choose them to be the centrepiece in diamond engagement rings.
Rubies, when set in precious metals like platinum, rose gold, and white gold, make jewellery items like necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and dress rings, look extremely sleek and sophisticated. With their intense colour, rubies make even the simplest of pendants of stud earrings incredibly eye-catching!
Looking After Ruby Jewellery
Rubies sometimes have a purplish tinge and are frequently heat-treated to give them a deeper, purer red colour. This procedure can also get rid of minute, needle-like “silk” inclusions, that can make the stone seem lighter in colour and have an opaque appearance. Heat treatment is accepted in the jewellery industry because it is a stable, normal part of the wear and care procedure.
On the other hand, however, these gemstones are sometimes also dyed and put through lattice diffusion treatment. Glass is also used to fill the surface cavities and fractures on lower-quality stones, to make the gem more transparent and have a better appearance.
Therefore, it’s a good idea before buying a ruby, to ask if it has been treated in any way, and if so, by which method.
Cleaning
Rubies can most times be cleaned quite safely with a soft brush and warm, soapy water.
Dyed, or glass-filled stones, however, should only be wiped clean with a soft, damp cloth.
Steam cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners are normally safe for cleaning stones that are heat-treated, untreated, or lattice diffusion-treated.
In Conclusion
Rubies are without a doubt, one of the most stunning, spectacular gemstones on the planet, so those born in July should be absolutely thrilled that it is their birthstone. They are also timeless, so a high-quality ruby will be an exquisite heirloom for generations to come.
Our stock of fine ruby jewellery is always changing so pease check back often.