Ruby - July's Birthstone

Elements

Ruby-july's Birthstone

Back in 2012 I had the fortune of traveling around Myanmar. It was a world without internet or telephones and the most stunning landscapes, artisans and rubies! Experts believe the first ruby was discovered around 2500 BC in the Mogok region of Myanmar (Burma). Records from 200 BC in China show that they believed rubies were a powerful protection gem. This made them a common trade item along the North Silk Road. Back then the rubies I bought were uncut and full of inclusions, we are using Rose cut stones in July's Element's collections, but they bring to mind the earthy warmth of my first gem buying trip. 

xo Elaine 

Ruby

 

Rubies have been one of the most popular gems in jewelry making for decades. It is one of the most precious gemstones and is often valued for its unique beauty and durability. Rubies are so tough that they register a 9 on the Mohs Scale, just one behind diamond. 

Corundum is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide and a combination of other elements. Because of this, its form can take on so many variations. Corundum is typically dull, opaque, and colorless. However, because of the imperfections and presence of other transition metals there are two primary gem varieties, sapphire and ruby. The red color of a ruby is due to the presence of chromium. 

 

 

HISTORY AND LORE 

 

The name Ruby comes from the latin word "rubeus" meaning red. Many experts believe the first ruby was found as far back as 2500 B.C. in the Burma region of Myanmar. People believed so strongly in the protective effects of a ruby that noblemen would adorn them to their armor to shield them from harm.

Rubies have been known to have a religious significance as well, being seen throughout various religions.  They were commonly traded along the North Silk Road as they spread from Myanmar.  Within Hinduism, it was believed that an offering of a ruby  to the deity Krishna earned you a successful place in your next life. Rubies are often associated with wealth and prosperity in credit to their coveted beauty, making them the king of gems. The deep red color is also commonly associated with things like love and lust, symbolic of passion, energy, and success. It is even rumored that long ago people believed rubies to contain drops of blood from Mother Earth herself. 

CARING FOR Ruby JEWELRY

 

When you aren’t wearing your jewelry, it's always best to store it in its own box or compartment, away from other items. Ruby is a very hard stone, still we recommend a felt lining for the container you use if possible.

We are excited to help you find your next favorite piece of jewelry.

-xo team EBJ