Ruby

Gemstone for July birthdays

in Gemstones

"Ruby is a regal stone. I love its vibrancy and deep red color.

Ruby is a perfect gemstone to add a pop of color to fine jewelry. It was one of the first gemstones that came to mind when creating the Supernova Collection which sparked from my love of Pop Art and Peter Max.

Ruby can really make a statement but can also be very wearable when mixed with other unique gemtones such as Tourmaline, Opal or Spinel."

Legend states that the owner of a ruby is assured a life of peace and plenty. Ruby has long been attributed with the ability to protect its wearer from injury and to cure blood disorders. The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning 'red'. In the ancient language of Sanskrit ruby is called ratnaraj, or 'king of precious stones'. Throughout history rubies have been revered as a regal gemstone across many cultures.

In traditional Hindu belief systems, ruby is associated with Muladhara, or the base chakra. This chakra is concerned with Kundalini; spiritual energy, the power of pure desire, divine consciousness, opening of the mind and natural energy of the self.

Ruby is said to provide the wearer with energy, emotional strength, heightened awareness and focus.

Ruby is the traditional birthstone for July.

Ruby is one of the highest valued colored gemstones recognised by its rich glowing color ranging from deep red to pink. Color is the most important quality factor for a ruby - the most sought after being a strong pure red to red with a hint of blue.

Ruby is a member of the corundum group and gets its color from chromium. Corundom that occurs in any other color is know as sapphire. A light coloured ruby is classified as pink sapphire.

Although ruby has been mined for centuries, it was only in the early 1800s that Ruby was recognised as a distinct, red variety of the mineral Corundum. Prior to scientific improvements in gemstone identification at this time, coloured Spinel and Garnet were often attributed as Ruby.

The most important sources for ruby include Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. In 2000, new Ruby sources were discovered in Madagascar. These deposits turned out to be very extensive and productive and Madagascar is now one of the leaders in Ruby output.