| Corundum is a durable mineral of aluminum oxide. | | | | Roman Emperor Claudius II banned the marriage |
| There are two classifications of gemstones within | | | | of soldiers because he believed that family |
| this family. The sapphire encompasses every | | | | distracted them from the duties. |
| color but red, which leaves that for the ruby. It | | | | Valentine was a priest who secretly continued to |
| may be surprising to learn that these two | | | | marry couples until he was caught and imprisoned |
| seemingly different stones are actually the same. | | | | for defying the Emperor. He died in prison and |
| The difference is the trace amounts of chrome | | | | February 14th was possibly the date of his burial. |
| which account for the shades of red. | | | | The first recorded Valentine card was sent by |
| Where are they found? | | | | Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife from his cell |
| For historical purposes, India is well known for its | | | | in the Tower of London in 1415. This card is now |
| rubies as well as its adoration of the gemstone. | | | | held in the British Library. Over the years, the |
| An exceptionally beautiful stone was received with | | | | holiday progressed from sending love notes to |
| all the pomp and circumstance of royalty as it | | | | tokens of affection. Jewelry became a popular |
| was brought into the city and to the ruler. | | | | token of affection and in particular the decadent |
| However, that was then. Today, the most | | | | red ruby pendant. |
| significant deposits come from Myanmar, formerly | | | | Caring for the jewelry |
| known as Burma. Other parts of Asia also | | | | All members of the corundum family rank 9 on |
| contribute to the world's supply such as Vietnam, | | | | the Mohs scale of hardness which means it is a |
| Thailand, Laos, Pakistan and Afghanistan. | | | | very strong mineral. As a result, the ruby |
| Special Days | | | | gemstone is easy to care for and can be worn |
| A classic expression of love and affection is a red | | | | every day in any kind of setting. |
| ruby heart pendant on Valentine's Day. | | | | For cleaning, soak the ruby pendant or other |
| Accompanied with a box of chocolates, a red | | | | piece in warm soapy water and scrub with a |
| rose or two and a card, it is a slam dunk gift. | | | | toothbrush if necessary. It is also safe to clean in |
| But, Valentine's Day is not the only occasion | | | | an ultrasonic or use a steamer. But, because |
| where a ruby necklace makes a great gift. The | | | | some stones have been heat-treated to bring out |
| rich red gemstone is also the birthstone for July | | | | a richer color, so limit the exposure to extreme |
| and the designated gem for commemorating the | | | | heat. |
| 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. | | | | Whether on Valentine's Day, birthday or wedding |
| A bit of Valentine's Day history | | | | anniversary, a ruby heart pendant is always a |
| February 14th was declared Valentine's Day by | | | | beautiful expression of love and adoration. Like |
| Pope Gelasius in 498 A.D. Of the various legends | | | | true love, this gemstone can withstand the test |
| surrounding the evolution of the holiday, there is | | | | of time. |
| one that really stands out. Around 270 A.D., the | | | | |