July Birthstone
The heat of the summer is beautifully mirrored in its birthstone: the vibrant, radiant ruby. Considered the king of precious gemstones, the ruby symbolizes passion, protection, and prosperity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of this stunning July birthstone.
What is the Birthstone for July?
Rubies, glorious in their fiery red hue and stunning brilliance, claim the honor of being July’s birthstone. These precious stones are a variety of the mineral corundum, akin to their sapphire siblings. What sets them apart is chromium, a trace element that gives rubies their unique, distinctive red color. Their value ascends with the depth of this red, the most valuable being the “pigeon’s blood” rubies, which display an intense, rich red with a slight hint of blue.
Ruby’s History and Meaning
Rooted deeply in history and culture, rubies are associated with enchanting mythology and symbolism. Their vibrant red color, which can range from fiery vermilion to rich violet, has captivated the hearts of humans for centuries.
In ancient cultures, rubies were held in high regard and considered to be the “king of precious stones.” Revered for their beauty and the aura of power they carried, they were thought to bring safety and prosperity to their owners. Rubies also make an appearance in the Bible, with several references to their beauty and wisdom. Many monarchs and leaders throughout history have adorned themselves with rubies for their beauty and the protection they were believed to provide.
Rubies’ deep, intense color has naturally associated them with love and passion, making them popular gifts between lovers. They’re also a symbol of power, courage, and good fortune, embodying qualities that are as beautiful as the stone itself.
Facts About Ruby Birthstones
Rubies are second only to diamonds in terms of hardness, rating a nine on the Mohs scale. This high hardness level contributes to their suitability as a choice for everyday jewelry.
Rubies have the unique ability to glow under UV light, a property known as fluorescence. This quality enhances their red color, making them appear more vibrant.
A phenomenon known as asterism can occur in certain rubies, creating a six-ray star pattern when the stone is viewed under direct sunlight or a spotlight. These “star rubies” are rare and highly valued.
The appeal of rubies isn’t a recent trend. These exquisite gems have been admired for their beauty and associated symbolism for thousands of years. They’ve found their way into religious texts, royal jewelry, and cultural folklore, reinforcing their status as one of the most precious gemstones.
Their color and clarity are valuable. High-quality ‘pigeon’s blood rubies,’ boasting an intense, pure red color, can often fetch higher prices than even diamonds.
Where Are Rubies Found?
Rubies are sourced from various corners of the world. Significant deposits have been unearthed in Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Myanmar (formerly Burma) has traditionally been associated with some of the world’s finest rubies. The rubies from this region are highly esteemed for their “pigeon’s blood” red hue—a rich, high-intensity color that’s considered the benchmark for the finest rubies.
Physical Properties of Rubies
As part of the corundum family, rubies possess remarkable physical properties. They’re among the hardest natural gemstones, ranking a nine on the Mohs scale, making them highly durable and suitable for all types of jewelry.
The color of rubies can vary from pinkish-red to deep, blood-red, with the most prized hue being the “pigeon’s blood” red. The color is influenced by the presence of the element chromium and, occasionally, iron. The crystal structure of a ruby can also cause it to exhibit pleochroism, meaning it can show different colors when viewed from various angles.
July Birthstone Jewelry Options
With its intense and vibrant hues, the July birthstone Ruby makes for eye-catching gemstone jewelry that adds color and elegance to any outfit. Whether it’s a stunning ruby necklace that sits gracefully around your neck or a pair of delicate ruby earrings that sparkle with every turn of your head, ruby jewelry is undeniably captivating. Not to mention, a ruby ring can make an impactful statement, symbolizing love and passion. How to Care for Ruby Birthstone Jewelry
Ruby jewelry, with its mesmerizing brilliance, is undoubtedly a treasure. Caring for these precious gems is essential to maintain their vibrant beauty. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your rubies remain as stunning as the day you got them:
The first step in caring for your ruby jewelry is regular cleaning. Use a gentle solution of warm water and mild dish soap to clean your rubies. Immerse your jewelry in the solution and gently brush the gemstones with a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt or oils.
Once clean, carefully pat your jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. It’s important to ensure your ruby jewelry is completely dry before storing it to prevent any moisture damage.
When not wearing your ruby jewelry, store it in a fabric-lined jewelry box, or wrap it in a soft cloth. This step is crucial in preventing scratches and reducing exposure to humidity.
Although regular home cleaning is necessary, having your ruby jewelry professionally cleaned at least once a year will maintain its sparkle. Jewelers have the expertise and tools to clean and inspect your precious pieces without causing damage.
Keep your ruby jewelry away from harsh chemicals. Remove your jewelry when using household cleaning products, applying cosmetics, or swimming in chlorinated water. These substances can dull the ruby’s luster and damage its setting.
Finally, have your jewelry routinely inspected by a professional. Regular inspections can prevent such mishaps and ensure your jewelry remains in optimal condition.
Taking care of your ruby jewelry may require a bit of effort, but it is well worth it. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your rubies continue to shine brilliantly, reflecting their inherent beauty and value for years to come. Remember, the vitality of a ruby mirrors the love and care it receives. Treat your ruby jewelry as a cherished possession, and it will continue to enchant you with its radiance and charm.
What to Look for in Ruby Jewelry
When it comes to choosing ruby jewelry, it’s important to understand the characteristics that contribute to a quality gemstone. Here are key factors to consider while you’re browsing:
Ruby is famed for its rich, vibrant red color. However, rubies can range from pinkish-red to deep, almost purplish-red. The most desirable and valuable color is “pigeon’s blood” – a pure red with a hint of blue. Always choose a color that appeals to you personally.
While finding a completely flawless ruby is a rarity, look for a stone with minimal inclusions—the fewer, the better. Some rubies have surface-reaching fractures that are filled with glass to improve their clarity. Opt for rubies with few inclusions that don’t reach the surface.
Rubies are cut in a variety of shapes and styles, including oval, round, cushion, and emerald. The cut refers to the shape and how well the ruby has been cut from its raw form. A well-cut ruby will reflect light evenly across its surface, enhancing its brilliance.
Ruby size is measured by weight in carats. Larger rubies are rarer and, therefore, more valuable. However, it’s essential to consider the size in relation to the piece of jewelry. For example, a delicate necklace might benefit from a smaller ruby, while a statement ring could carry a larger stone.
High-quality genuine rubies are lab-created or naturally sourced globally, with the most prestigious ones coming from Myanmar (Burma). Other significant sources include Thailand, Cambodia, and Madagascar. The origin doesn’t necessarily dictate the quality but can affect the ruby’s value and color characteristics.
Many rubies undergo heat treatment to enhance their color and clarity. These treatments are permanent and widely accepted in the gemstone industry. However, untreated rubies with top-quality color and clarity are rare and typically command a high price.
While these factors are important in assessing a ruby’s quality, the most crucial aspect is how much you love the piece. The jewelry you choose should resonate with your style and the occasion you’re purchasing it. After all, a piece of ruby jewelry isn’t just a purchase but an investment in a timeless symbol of love and passion.
While these factors are important in assessing a ruby’s quality, the most crucial aspect is how much you love the piece. The jewelry you choose should resonate with your style and the occasion you’re purchasing it. After all, a piece of ruby jewelry isn’t just a purchase but an investment in a timeless symbol of love and passion.
Shop Lab-Created Ruby Birthstone Jewelry
at James Avery Artisan Jewelry
When you’re seeking that statement ruby piece, you want to ensure that you’re getting the highest quality possible. At James Avery, we’re committed to providing you with expert guidance and a carefully curated selection of lab-created ruby jewelry. Whether you’re looking for a piece to commemorate a July birth month or an anniversary or simply want to indulge in the magnetic allure of this gem, we’re here to help.
Explore our full collection of lab-created ruby gemstone jewelry today.