The ruby, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red hue, holds a prominent position as the birthstone for July. This article delves into the characteristics of the ruby as presented by Nomination, exploring its material composition, size, origins, and broader cultural significance as a symbol of passion and luck. While the available sources primarily focus on the ruby within the context of Nomination jewelry, they offer a glimpse into the gem’s enduring appeal and its role in personal expression.
A Gemstone of Passion and Protection
The ruby is prominently featured within Nomination’s “Composable” collection, specifically as a charm link designed for their bracelets. This collection allows for personalized jewelry, enabling individuals to express their unique style and commemorate significant moments. The ruby charm, crafted from stainless steel and decorated with yellow gold, incorporates a natural semiprecious stone measuring 6x4 mm. This detail highlights Nomination’s commitment to using quality materials in their “Made in Italy” products. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the ruby is often associated with positive energy and is considered a protective amulet, aligning with broader beliefs surrounding birthstones and their influence on the wearer’s spirit.
Historical Context and Nomination’s Brand Identity
Nomination’s history, beginning in the 1980s in Tuscany, Italy, is interwoven with the concept of accessible and personalized jewelry. The brand’s founder, Paolo Gensini, envisioned creating pieces that were affordable and reflective of the wearer’s personality. This philosophy is clearly embodied in the Composable collection, where the ruby birthstone charm serves as a tangible connection to individual identity and meaningful dates. The brand’s expansion to cities like London further emphasizes its global reach and its dedication to staying abreast of current fashion trends. Nomination’s blog posts and event updates demonstrate a commitment to sharing stories and inspiring customers, linking jewelry to experiences and memories.
Gemological Properties: A Focus on the Nomination Ruby
The provided sources offer limited detailed gemological information beyond the ruby’s basic identification as a gemstone. However, it is stated that the Nomination charm features a natural ruby. This implies the stone is not synthetic, and possesses the characteristics inherent to naturally formed rubies. The size of the stone, 6x4 mm, provides a concrete detail regarding the charm’s dimensions. While hardness, refractive index, and chemical composition are not explicitly mentioned, the ruby is generally known as a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide), ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This high hardness contributes to its durability and suitability for jewelry.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
The sources touch upon the broader symbolism associated with gemstones, referencing legends that diamonds are “tears of the gods” and sapphires adorned priests of Zeus. While not directly linked to the ruby, this context suggests a historical and cultural tradition of attributing symbolic meaning to precious stones. The ruby itself is widely recognized as a symbol of passion, love, and courage. Its vibrant red color has historically been associated with vitality and energy. The idea of birthstones transmitting positive energy, as mentioned in relation to crystal therapy, further reinforces the ruby’s perceived metaphysical properties.
Nomination’s Composable System and Customization
The core of Nomination’s appeal lies in its Composable system, a modular bracelet that allows for endless customization. The ruby birthstone charm is designed to be integrated into this system, alongside other charms representing initials, symbols, or personal interests. This modularity encourages self-expression and allows individuals to create jewelry that tells their unique story. The brand’s Extension Collection, featuring details like sapphires, amethysts, and 18k gold, demonstrates the breadth of options available for personalization. The emphasis on combining different bracelets and shapes further highlights the creative possibilities offered by the Composable system.
Care and Maintenance
While specific care instructions for the Nomination ruby charm are not provided, general guidelines for ruby jewelry apply. Rubies are relatively durable due to their hardness, but they can still be susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Cleaning the charm with warm, soapy water and a soft brush is recommended. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as they may damage the stone. Given the charm’s stainless steel and yellow gold components, appropriate cleaning methods for these metals should also be followed. Regular inspection of the setting is advisable to ensure the ruby remains securely in place.
The Ruby in the Context of Travel and Memory
Nomination’s blog posts frequently connect jewelry with travel and personal experiences. The imagery of Paris, with its romantic ambiance and artistic heritage, is used to inspire customers to create lasting memories. The idea of capturing these memories through Nomination jewelry, including the ruby birthstone charm, adds another layer of meaning to the product. The brand encourages customers to “make the memories of your travels even more unforgettable,” positioning jewelry as a tangible reminder of cherished moments.
A Modern Interpretation of Tradition
Nomination’s ruby birthstone charm represents a modern interpretation of a centuries-old tradition. While the historical and metaphysical significance of the ruby remains relevant, the brand’s focus on personalization and contemporary design appeals to a wider audience. The Composable system allows individuals to embrace the symbolism of their birthstone in a way that reflects their personal style and values. The “Made in Italy” quality and the use of materials like stainless steel and yellow gold further enhance the charm’s appeal.
Conclusion
The Nomination ruby birthstone charm embodies a blend of tradition, personalization, and contemporary design. While the provided sources offer a focused view of the ruby within the context of the Nomination brand, they reveal its enduring appeal as a symbol of passion, protection, and individuality. The charm’s integration into the Composable system allows for creative expression and serves as a tangible reminder of personal stories and cherished memories. The ruby, as presented by Nomination, is not merely a gemstone; it is a component of a larger narrative of self-discovery and meaningful connection.