The ruby, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red hue, holds the distinguished position as the birthstone for July. Revered throughout history as a symbol of passion, protection, and prosperity, the ruby continues to captivate with its beauty and enduring allure. This article will explore the ruby’s presence in contemporary jewelry, its association with the month of July, and the characteristics that make it a treasured gemstone.
History and Lore
The ruby’s history is steeped in lore and legend. While the provided sources do not detail ancient origins, they establish its current association with July as a birthstone. Modern interpretations link the ruby to qualities such as confidence, motivation, and success, characterizing it as a “stone of power and determination.” This symbolism suggests a long-held belief in the ruby’s ability to inspire and empower its wearer. The sources indicate that the ruby is celebrated through jewelry, specifically earrings, as a way to commemorate a July birthday.
Gemological Properties
The sources primarily describe rubies as appearing in jewelry, specifically earrings. The color is consistently noted as a “bright, pink-red” or simply “ruby,” indicating a characteristic red coloration. The materials used in the jewelry featuring rubies include sterling silver, often with rhodium plating, and brass with 18K gold plating.
The size of the rubies used in the jewelry ranges from 2mm solitaire CZ rubies to 3mm triangular CZ rubies, and 6mm cubic zirconia charms. These are presented as alternatives to natural rubies. The earrings themselves vary in style, from simple stud earrings to hoop earrings with a diameter of 1.5cm, with the option to remove the birthstones from the hoops.
While the sources do not provide detailed gemological data such as hardness, refractive index, or chemical composition, they do highlight the ruby’s aesthetic qualities as they appear in jewelry.
Here's a table summarizing the ruby characteristics as presented in the sources:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Bright, pink-red; Ruby |
| Material (Jewelry) | Sterling Silver, Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver, Brass with 18K Gold Plating |
| Size (CZ Rubies) | 2mm (solitaire), 3mm (triangular), 6mm (charm) |
| Earring Style | Stud, Hoop (1.5cm diameter) |
Ruby in Jewelry
The provided sources showcase a variety of ruby jewelry, primarily focusing on earrings. Several retailers offer ruby birthstone earrings, including stud earrings, hoop earrings, and more elaborate designs. These earrings are often crafted from sterling silver, sometimes with rhodium plating to enhance durability and shine. The use of cubic zirconia as a ruby substitute is also prevalent, offering a more affordable option while maintaining the desired aesthetic.
The sources highlight the thoughtful nature of these pieces, positioning them as “the perfect gift” for those born in July. Packaging is also considered, with items carefully packaged in boxes or logo'd jewelry bags, and efforts made to minimize packaging waste.
Purchasing and Delivery
The sources indicate that these ruby-themed items are available for purchase online, with shipping options to various countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Delivery times vary depending on the destination and shipping method chosen, with options for standard and expedited courier services.
Customs duties and taxes may apply to orders shipped internationally, particularly to Canada and Australia, and are the responsibility of the recipient. Notably, some products are exempt from customs charges or GST (Goods and Services Tax) depending on the order value and destination.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
As noted previously, the ruby is associated with boosting confidence, motivation, and success. It is described as a stone of power and determination. While the sources do not elaborate on the historical or cultural origins of these beliefs, they present the ruby as a gemstone imbued with positive energy and symbolic significance. This aligns with broader historical perceptions of rubies as symbols of royalty, courage, and protection.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care instructions for rubies. However, given the materials used in the jewelry – sterling silver, gold plating, and cubic zirconia – general jewelry care guidelines apply. These include avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals, storing the jewelry in a dry place, and cleaning it gently with a soft cloth. The sources do mention that the jewelry has a “tarnish free - long lasting protective coating safeguarding your jewelry from sweat, water, and more.”
Conclusion
The ruby, as the birthstone for July, represents more than just a beautiful gemstone. It embodies qualities of passion, power, and success, making it a meaningful and cherished symbol for those born in this month. The available sources demonstrate the ruby’s continued popularity in contemporary jewelry, particularly earrings, and highlight the thoughtful craftsmanship and convenient purchasing options available to consumers. While the sources lack detailed gemological information, they effectively convey the ruby’s aesthetic appeal and enduring symbolic significance.