Ruby, gemstone for July
Handcrafted jewellery with ruby. Pieces by LaParra Jewels, Catherine Marche, Danny Ries
Rubies, with their deep red hue have long been cherished in the world of jewellery. As one of the most precious gemstones, rubies have a rich history and a timeless elegance that continues to captivate jewellery lovers around the world.
Ruby is a pink to red gemstone and is a variety of the mineral corundum, its red colour is caused mainly by the element chromium. It has high durability and hardness, measuring 9 on the Mohs scale.
Rubies have been traded and prized for thousands of years, with some of the earliest known sources of rubies being located in regions such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Rubies are rare gemstones, valued for their scarcity and unique beauty. The most prized rubies exhibit a rich red colour with exceptional clarity and brilliance. Burmese rubies, known for their deep crimson hue, are among the most sought after gemstones in the world. This includes the famous Sunrise Ruby that weighs over 25 carats, with exceptional clarity it was sold for over $30 million dollars.
Another famous ruby is the Black Prince's Ruby, which is not actually a ruby but a spinel. This large red gemstone has been part of the British Crown Jewels for centuries and is believed to have been mined in the 14th century. It was set into the Imperial State Crown of England for Queen Victoria in 1838.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, rubies are believed to possess healing properties and spiritual significance. Throughout history they have been associated with vitality, passion, and protection. It was believed that wearing a ruby promotes courage, confidence and stimulates creativity.
Rubies are a versatile gemstone that can be incorporated into a variety of jewellery designs. From classic solitaire rings to intricate necklaces and earrings, rubies add luxury and sophistication to any piece of jewellery. Whether set in yellow gold, white gold or platinum, rubies shimmer and shine with unmatched beauty.
Ruby is the birthstone associated with July.
necklace by Sarah Goldwater
Click to see a selection of Jewellery with rubies
