| Ruby is a semi-precious gemstone frequently | | | | found, the emperor/royalty sent out people to |
| incorporated into some of the most modern, | | | | see and welcome the precious stone. The ancient |
| beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is | | | | Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies |
| most often found in shades of opaque or | | | | to the God Krishna could be granted the life of an |
| translucent red, and is widely recognized as the | | | | emperor in their next lives. The ruby is often |
| July Birthstone as well as the gemstone for the | | | | associated with the emotions of love, passion, |
| 15th and 40th anniversaries. But beyond its | | | | majesty, power and anger. Rubies are also |
| modern-day uses and associations, ruby holds a | | | | believed to open the heart, attract others, and |
| decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological | | | | overcome fear. They were also said to help |
| history that adds nostalgic value to its already | | | | predict the future if they change color or intensity. |
| strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more | | | | Rubies were first mined 2500 years ago. While |
| information that will help you fall in love with your | | | | they originated in Sri Lanka, today rubies are |
| ruby jewelry - or inspire you to buy some today! | | | | found in Thailand, Mynamar, and Kenya. Mohs' |
| Ruby is a variety of the species Corundum, and is | | | | Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale |
| one of the most sought-after precious colored | | | | where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, |
| gems in the world. The word ruby is said to come | | | | and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Ruby gets |
| from the Latin word "rubber" or "rubens," which | | | | a score of 9, meaning that it is very scratch |
| means red. In ancient Sanskrit, ruby is called | | | | resistant and therefore suitable as a component |
| "ratnaraj," or "king of precious stones." Centuries | | | | of jewelry. Ruby gemstones should be regularly |
| ago, people believed that if a ruby were placed in | | | | cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and |
| a pot of water, it would cause the water to boil. | | | | mild soap and water. Other methods, including |
| People also believed that if rubies were placed | | | | ultra-sonic cleaners, are also okay as long as they |
| beneath the skin, they would generate a mystical | | | | are not oiled. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning |
| force field that would protect the wearer from | | | | your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these |
| mishaps. Red is also the color of blood--the life | | | | elements can damage semi-precious and precious |
| force of all mankind. Ruby gemstones look best | | | | gemstones and pearls. Learn more about all |
| as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired | | | | semi-precious gemstones, including amethyst, |
| with diamonds, black onyx or dark blue sapphire. | | | | apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, |
| More casual combinations include softer contrasts | | | | chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, |
| of brilliant ruby reds with clear quartz, emerald or | | | | crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, |
| pearls. To see a selection of handmade artisan | | | | moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, |
| jewelry featuring ruby, visit Ruby is typically | | | | ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, |
| considered a sophisticated gemstone that works | | | | tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out |
| well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially | | | | this gemstone chart: chart.html. |
| well to enhance the luster of green or hazel eyes. | | | | Sarah Stephens is the Fashion Director for Dasha |
| Rubies became a popular colored stone among | | | | Boutique. Visit our online shop today, featuring |
| European royalty and other nobility because of | | | | hundreds of handmade jewelry designs. |
| their intense red color. Whenever a ruby was | | | | Customize orders ship in 3 business days. |