The month of July is traditionally associated with the ruby, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red hue and long-held symbolism of passion, courage, and prosperity. While the provided sources offer limited in-depth gemological detail, they illuminate the ruby’s personality associations and its modern representation in jewelry, particularly through the Alex and Ani brand. This article will explore the ruby’s characterization as a birthstone, its connection to July, and its presence in contemporary designs, drawing solely from the available information.
A Gemstone of Courage and Confidence
According to the sources, rubies embody traits of courage, confidence, and a determined spirit. They are described as “courageous, confident try-hards” who persistently pursue their goals, even in the face of setbacks. This resilience is a defining characteristic, though the sources also note a tendency for rubies to become overly invested in their endeavors, potentially creating challenges for themselves. Despite this, rubies are generally perceived as strong and charismatic individuals, often taking on leadership roles. This personality profile is linked to the concept of birthstones amplifying powers during their associated month, similar to astrological beliefs.
Historical Context and the Ratna Pariksha System
The idea of associating gemstones with specific months, and subsequently with personality traits, has roots in ancient traditions. The sources mention the Hindu system of Ratna Pariksha, originating around the 5th century. This system involved nine stones linked to the days of the week, with some reserved for royalty. The belief was that wearing a stone aligned with one’s astrological chart would foster harmony with the universe and protect against negative influences. This historical context suggests that the modern practice of assigning birthstones is part of a long-standing tradition of attributing symbolic meaning to gemstones. The sources also note that, historically, different powers were thought to be amplified during the month associated with a particular birthstone.
The Ruby as a July Birthstone
The ruby is explicitly identified as the July birthstone. The sources state that the ruby’s color is red, a characteristic that reinforces its association with passion and energy. The connection between birthstones and personality is highlighted, suggesting that individuals born in July may share the ruby’s traits of courage and determination. The sources present birthstones as offering insights into one’s character, making the selection of a birthstone a potentially meaningful act.
Alex and Ani’s Ruby Representation
The Alex and Ani brand features a specific ruby birthstone design: an expandable bangle with a “Light Siam Crystal Charm” for July. This charm, finished in shiny silver, represents the July birthstone. The sources also mention a Disney Mickey July Birthstone Silver Alex and Ani Bracelet, indicating a collaboration between the brand and Disney to create themed birthstone jewelry. The availability of these items suggests a strong market for birthstone-themed jewelry, particularly among those seeking personalized accessories. The bracelets are noted as being imported from Orlando and dispatched from a UK warehouse, indicating the brand’s international distribution network. The Disney bracelet is identified as a “final sale item.”
Limited Gemological Information
The provided sources are notably limited in their gemological detail regarding the ruby itself. There is no information on its chemical composition, hardness, crystal structure, or mining locations. The sources focus almost exclusively on the symbolic and personality-based aspects of the ruby, and its commercial representation through Alex and Ani jewelry.
The Broader Context of Birthstone Beliefs
The sources touch upon the broader appeal of birthstone beliefs, acknowledging that even those who do not subscribe to their deeper meaning find them “fun to think about.” This suggests a cultural fascination with the idea of gemstones possessing inherent qualities that can influence or reflect an individual’s personality. The association of birthstones with specific months provides a framework for self-discovery and a connection to ancient traditions.
Legal Context: Trademark and Infringement
Interestingly, one of the provided sources is a legal document (Case 1:12-cv-07887-AJN) related to a trademark dispute involving Alex and Ani. The document details a case concerning the distribution of infringing goods and attempts to limit liability by claiming an unaffiliated company was responsible. While not directly related to the ruby or July birthstones, this document provides context about the company’s legal operations and its efforts to protect its brand identity. The document identifies Alex and Ani, LLC as a Rhode Island-based company with offices in the judicial district, and names Randa and Rodney Reep as individuals operating under the name Bella Ryann, importing and selling jewelry.
Conclusion
The available sources present the ruby as a vibrant and empowering July birthstone, embodying courage, confidence, and a determined spirit. While lacking detailed gemological information, the sources highlight the ruby’s cultural significance and its modern representation in jewelry, particularly through the Alex and Ani brand. The historical context of birthstone beliefs, rooted in ancient traditions like the Ratna Pariksha system, adds depth to the ruby’s symbolic meaning. The inclusion of a legal document provides a glimpse into the company’s business operations. Overall, the ruby remains a compelling gemstone, celebrated for its beauty, symbolism, and enduring appeal.