The ruby, celebrated as the birthstone for July, is a gemstone steeped in history, symbolism, and enduring beauty. While the provided sources primarily focus on ruby within the context of contemporary jewelry – specifically anklets and bracelets – they offer insights into its perceived qualities and modern applications. This article will explore the ruby as presented in these sources, detailing its association with strength and courage, its use in personalized jewelry, and practical considerations for its care.
History and Lore
The sources highlight the ruby’s symbolic meaning of “strength & courage & remover of negative energy.” This aligns with historical beliefs surrounding the ruby, though the provided materials do not elaborate on the origins of these associations. The ruby has long been considered a stone of passion, protection, and prosperity. While the sources do not detail ancient civilizations’ reverence for the ruby, it is known historically that rubies were highly prized in various cultures, often associated with royalty and power.
Gemological Properties
The sources offer limited information regarding the gemological properties of the ruby. They identify the ruby as a “precious gemstone” and specify its use in jewelry construction. The anklets described are made with 6mm natural rubies, while the bracelet features a ruby pendant approximately 3.5mm in size. The materials used in the jewelry vary, including 18-karat white gold, rhodium plating, sterling silver, and stainless steel chains.
The sources do not provide details on the ruby’s chemical composition, hardness, or refractive index. However, it is noted that rubies are “natural gemstones,” implying they are not synthetic or lab-created. The bezel setting used in the sterling silver anklet suggests a method of securing the ruby that protects it while allowing light to pass through.
Ruby in Contemporary Jewelry
The provided sources showcase the ruby’s popularity in modern jewelry, particularly in personalized pieces. Custom family birthstone anklets, handmade with multiple 6mm natural gemstones, are presented as sentimental and meaningful gifts. These anklets feature a stainless steel chain with a lobster claw clasp closure and are available in various birthstone options, including ruby for July.
The ruby birthstone bracelet is crafted from 18-karat white gold with a rhodium plating and a high-polish finish. It is secured with a clasp and is available in a 16-inch length. The sources emphasize the quality and personalization offered, with a commitment to free personalization and a perfect gift guarantee.
Birthstone Selection and Availability
The sources list the ruby as the birthstone for July. A wider range of birthstone options are presented in the context of the anklet, including Garnet (January), Amethyst (February), Aqua (March), Cubic Zirconia (April), Emerald (May), Smokey Quartz (June), Peridot (August), Blue Sapphire (September), Pink Tourmaline (October), Citrine (November), and Blue Topaz (December). This demonstrates the breadth of birthstone jewelry available and the ability to personalize pieces with gemstones representing different birth months.
Artisan Craftsmanship and Ethical Sourcing
One source highlights the work of artisan borrowers involved in the creation of ruby jewelry. Asunta Pelaez, Nyoman Rena, and Tiraphan Hasub are featured as skilled craftspeople dedicated to their art form. This suggests a connection between the purchase of these items and support for independent artisans. The source does not provide details on the mining practices used to obtain the rubies, but the emphasis on artisan craftsmanship implies a focus on handmade, potentially ethically sourced, jewelry.
Care and Cleaning
The sources offer practical advice on caring for ruby jewelry. The delicate birthstone anklet should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth, avoiding chemically treated cleaning pads or solutions. This recommendation is consistent with the ruby’s relatively high hardness, but also acknowledges the potential for damage to other materials used in the jewelry, such as sterling silver or rhodium plating. The sources do not provide specific instructions for cleaning the ruby birthstone bracelet, but the general advice to care for SARAH & SEBASTIAN jewelry suggests following similar guidelines.
Customization and Gift Giving
The sources emphasize the customizable nature of the ruby jewelry. The custom family birthstone anklet allows for the selection of multiple gemstones, creating a personalized piece representing family members’ birth months. The anklets are presented as ideal gifts for various occasions, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, and holidays. The option to include a personal message with the gift further enhances its sentimental value. The sources also note that colors may appear slightly different on different screens and that minor differences between each bead are to be expected due to the natural origin of the stones.
Purchasing Considerations
The sources provide information on pricing and quantity discounts. The anklet is available at a discounted price when purchased in larger quantities. The sources also highlight a commitment to quality and a perfect gift guarantee, assuring customers of satisfaction with their purchase. The anklet measures 8" with a 2" extender and lobster clasp, allowing for adjustable sizing. The sources recommend measuring the wrist before choosing the anklet length to ensure a comfortable fit.
Table of Available Gemstones (from Source [4])
| Birthstone Month | Gemstone |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aqua |
| April | Cubic Zirconia |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Smokey Quartz |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot |
| September | Blue Sapphire |
| October | Pink Tourmaline |
| November | Citrine |
| December | Blue Topaz |
Conclusion
The ruby, as presented in these sources, is a gemstone associated with strength, courage, and enduring beauty. Its use in contemporary jewelry, particularly personalized anklets and bracelets, reflects its continued popularity and symbolic significance. While the sources offer limited technical details regarding the ruby’s gemological properties, they provide valuable insights into its modern applications, care requirements, and the craftsmanship involved in its creation. The emphasis on artisan work and ethical sourcing adds another layer of appeal to this timeless gemstone.