The ruby, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red hue, holds a prominent position as the birthstone for July. Revered throughout history for its beauty and perceived powers, the ruby continues to be a popular choice for jewelry, symbolizing love, passion, and vitality. This article will explore the history, characteristics, and significance of the ruby, drawing upon available information regarding its use in contemporary jewelry and enduring cultural symbolism.
History and Lore
The ruby’s history is steeped in lore and legend. While the provided sources do not detail ancient origins extensively, they consistently associate the ruby with powerful emotions and symbolism. Modern interpretations, as reflected in current jewelry offerings, emphasize the ruby’s representation of love, passion, and energy. This association is deeply ingrained in the gem’s cultural significance, making it a meaningful gift, particularly for those celebrating a July birthday. The sources highlight the ruby as an “eternally classic” gemstone, suggesting a long-standing appreciation for its aesthetic and symbolic qualities. One source specifically notes the ruby symbolizes “passion, strength and love,” reinforcing its connection to deep emotional resonance.
Gemological Properties
The ruby is known for its striking color, a rich and vibrant red. The sources do not provide a detailed chemical composition or specific refractive index, but they do describe the ruby as a “natural” gemstone, implying its origin from the earth. The size of rubies featured in current jewelry varies, with one pendant featuring a ruby approximately 5 x 10 mm in size. The weight of a ruby and silver pendant is approximately 3.042 g, while a 9kt gold ruby pendant weighs around 0.47g.
The sources indicate that rubies are often set in precious metals like sterling silver, rhodium-plated silver, and 9kt gold. The setting styles include star settings and bezel settings, showcasing the ruby’s brilliance. One source mentions a “woven gold surround” as a design element, demonstrating the artistry involved in showcasing the gemstone. The ruby’s color is described as a “rich robijnrode” (Dutch for ruby red), emphasizing its intense hue.
Contemporary Jewelry and Market Availability
The provided sources showcase a range of ruby jewelry available in the UK and internationally. Ruby birthstone pendants are a popular choice, often designed as dainty and wearable pieces. Several retailers offer ruby pendants in silver and gold settings, catering to different preferences and budgets. The price of a ruby birthstone necklace can vary, with options available around £163.00 GBP and €153,36 - €158,43.
Several retailers offer customization options, including varying chain lengths and the addition of personalized engravings, such as names or dates. This personalization adds a sentimental value to the jewelry, making it a particularly thoughtful gift. The sources also mention the availability of ruby earrings, bracelets, and rings, indicating a broad market for ruby jewelry. Retailers like Luceir and Honey Willow offer a variety of ruby pieces, while Seoidín features ruby birthstone pendants set in their signature woven gold style.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of ruby jewelry requires careful attention. The sources provide specific guidance on caring for the different metals used in ruby settings. Silver jewelry is prone to tarnishing and should be stored in a sealed bag or airtight box. Regular cleaning with a polishing cloth helps maintain its shine. Gold jewelry should also be cleaned regularly with a polishing cloth, and harsh chemicals should be avoided. Rhodium-plated jewelry requires similar care to silver, as the rhodium plating can be damaged by chlorine and soapy water.
While the sources do not provide specific cleaning instructions for the ruby itself, they advise avoiding hot water, harsh chemicals, and cleaners for gemstones in general. Diamonds, often set alongside rubies, can be cleaned with a diamond cleansing pen or warm soapy water and a soft brush, but harsh chemicals should be avoided to protect the metal settings.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The ruby is widely recognized as a symbol of love, passion, and courage. The sources consistently link the ruby to these powerful emotions, reinforcing its association with vitality and strength. One source explicitly states that the ruby symbolizes “love, vitality and strength.” This symbolism makes the ruby a particularly meaningful gift for those celebrating a July birthday or commemorating a special occasion. The deep red color of the ruby is often associated with the heart and blood, further enhancing its connection to passion and energy.
Purchasing and Retail Locations
The sources indicate that ruby jewelry is readily available both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Seoidín has multiple locations in Ireland, including shops in Ennis and Limerick, as well as one in Skerries, Dublin. Honey Willow is based in Bath, England, and offers handmade ruby jewelry. Online retailers like Jewels.com, Seoidin.com, Honeywillow.com, Luceir.com, and Songsofinkandsteel.com provide a wide selection of ruby birthstone necklaces and other ruby jewelry. The availability of both online and in-store options provides consumers with convenient access to this beautiful gemstone.
Table of Ruby Jewelry Characteristics (Based on Sources)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Birthstone Month | July |
| Symbolism | Love, passion, energy, vitality, strength |
| Color | Rich red |
| Typical Setting Metals | Sterling Silver, Rhodium-plated Silver, 9kt Gold |
| Setting Styles | Star Setting, Bezel Setting, Woven Gold Surround |
| Typical Ruby Size | Approximately 5 x 10 mm |
| Pendant Weight (Silver) | ~3.042 g |
| Pendant Weight (9kt Gold) | ~0.47 g |
| Price Range (GBP/EUR) | £163.00 / €153,36 - €158,43 |
Conclusion
The ruby, as the birthstone for July, embodies a rich history and enduring symbolism. From its association with love and passion to its vibrant red hue, the ruby continues to captivate and inspire. The available sources demonstrate the ruby’s continued popularity in contemporary jewelry, with a wide range of pendants, earrings, bracelets, and rings available to suit diverse tastes and budgets. Proper care and cleaning, tailored to the metal setting, will ensure that ruby jewelry remains a cherished possession for years to come. The ruby’s timeless appeal and powerful symbolism solidify its position as a truly remarkable gemstone.