BLOG

July’s Birthstone Is The Ruby

If you were born in July, your flower is larkspur, your sign is Cancer or Leo, and your birthstone is Ruby, the Stone of Contentment. According to some, the ruby symbolizes success, devotion, and integrity. Others think the ruby is the perfect symbol of love and passion. All can agree the ruby has a long history of evoking varied responses from all who wonder at its magnificence.

Since its discovery over 2,500 years ago, the ruby has been prized by both royalty and warriors. The earliest stones were found in Sri Lanka and Burma where the ancient Hindus called the ruby “Rajnapura,” meaning “King of Gems.” They believed that when the stone was placed under the skin, it would make a warrior invincible. Royalty used the ruby as a talisman, believing the stone would grow darker indicating impending doom. Legend states the first wife of Henry VIII foretold her imminent demise from the darkening of her ruby.

While there is a lack of empirical evidence that the darkening of the ruby is a signal of danger, color is a significant characteristic of the ruby when determining its relative worth. Ranging in hue from light to deep with orange to purple undertones, to be classified a ruby, the stone must be red corundum. Corundum is second only to diamonds in hardness, and is a sapphire in any color other than red (ruby) or green (emerald). Mostly found in the Mogok region of northern Burma, now Myanmar, the true red of “pigeon blood” rubies is considered the most beautiful and valuable.

Ironically, the term “Burmese ruby” has been used to describe stones which are perfect red but are not from Burma. These rubies can be found in India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States. Some regions  produce characteristic color traits. African rubies typically are darker red with brownish undertones. Sri Lankan rubies tend to have a lavender undertone that appears fuchsia red.

As with diamonds, clarity, cut and carat are important considerations when choosing a ruby. The fewer flaws, the higher the value of the ruby. The quality of the cut can also enhance the color and luminosity of the ruby. Natural rubies are usually smaller in size. Since higher carat stones are rare, the price per carat is not linear. For example, the price per carat of a five carat gem will be exponentially higher than that of a two carat stone of equal quality.

When purchasing a ruby, make sure to buy from a reputable dealer who can tell you the stone’s origin, authenticity, and whether it has been treated with any coating to enhance its appearance. Like other gems, rubies can be made in a laboratory. While a synthetic ruby may be a good option, your dealer should always disclose that it is not a natural stone.

Among the properties natural rubies are rumored to have, ancient lore says a ruby worn on the left hand will bring the wearer luck. If you’re not fortunate enough to have the ruby as your birthstone, consider the firey, red gem as an engagement or pinky ring to bring a little more luck and magic into your life.