| Ruby is a semi-precious gemstone frequently | | | | their intense red color. Whenever a ruby was |
| incorporated into some of the most modern, | | | | found, the emperor/royalty sent out people to |
| beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is | | | | see and welcome the precious stone. The ancient |
| most often found in shades of opaque or | | | | Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies |
| translucent red, and is widely recognized as the | | | | to the God Krishna could be granted the life of an |
| July Birthstone as well as the gemstone for the | | | | emperor in their next lives. |
| 15th and 40th anniversaries. But beyond its | | | | The ruby is often associated with the emotions |
| modern-day uses and associations, ruby holds a | | | | of love, passion, majesty, power and anger. |
| decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological | | | | Rubies are also believed to open the heart, |
| history that adds nostalgic value to its already | | | | attract others, and overcome fear. They were |
| strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more | | | | also said to help predict the future if they change |
| information that will help you fall in love with your | | | | color or intensity. Rubies were first mined 2500 |
| ruby jewelry - or inspire you to buy some today! | | | | years ago. While they originated in Sri Lanka, |
| Ruby is a variety of the species Corundum, and is | | | | today rubies are found in Thailand, Mynamar, and |
| one of the most sought-after precious colored | | | | Kenya. |
| gems in the world. The word ruby is said to come | | | | Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale |
| from the Latin word "rubber" or "rubens," which | | | | where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, |
| means red. | | | | and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. It gets a |
| In ancient Sanskrit, ruby is called "ratnaraj," or | | | | score of 9, meaning that it is very scratch |
| "king of precious stones." Centuries ago, people | | | | resistant and therefore suitable as a component |
| believed that if a ruby were placed in a pot of | | | | of jewelry. Ruby gemstones should be regularly |
| water, it would cause the water to boil. People | | | | cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and |
| also believed that if rubies were placed beneath | | | | mild soap and water. Other methods, including |
| the skin, they would generate a mystical force | | | | ultra-sonic cleaners, are also okay as long as they |
| field that would protect the wearer from mishaps. | | | | are not oiled. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning |
| Red is also the color of blood--the life force of all | | | | your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these |
| mankind. | | | | elements can damage semi-precious and precious |
| They look best as parts of formal evening | | | | gemstones and pearls. |
| jewelry when paired with diamonds, black onyx or | | | | Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, |
| dark blue sapphire. More casual combinations | | | | including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, |
| include softer contrasts of brilliant ruby reds with | | | | carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white |
| clear quartz, emerald or pearls. This is typically | | | | topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, |
| considered a sophisticated gemstone that works | | | | Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, |
| well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially | | | | rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, |
| well to enhance the luster of green or hazel eyes. | | | | tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you |
| Rubies became a popular colored stone among | | | | check out this gemstone chart. |
| European royalty and other nobility because of | | | | |