July and December birthstone rings carry rich histories and deep symbolic meanings. These rings are not only beautiful adornments but also cultural artifacts that reflect centuries of human fascination with gemstones. July is symbolized by the ruby, while December is associated with turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. This article explores the geological properties, historical significance, and modern craftsmanship of these birthstone rings, drawing from the information provided in the sources.
Introduction
July and December birthstone rings are crafted with gemstones that have captivated people for centuries. July’s birthstone, ruby, is one of the most sought-after gems due to its vibrant red color and symbolic associations with love and vitality. December’s birthstone options include turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon, each with its own unique properties and meanings. These rings are not just decorative items; they are imbued with historical and cultural significance, making them meaningful gifts and personal talismans. The following sections will delve into the history, geological properties, symbolism, and care of these gemstones.
History and Lore
July Birthstone: Ruby
Ruby has been cherished since ancient times for its striking red color and symbolic associations. In ancient India, ruby was known as the “king of precious stones” due to its rarity, hardness (second only to diamond), and beauty. The gemstone was believed to possess mystical powers, including the ability to predict misfortune or danger. Burmese warriors historically carried rubies into battle, believing they would make them invincible. In medieval Europe, ruby was thought to bestow health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love. These beliefs contributed to ruby’s status as a powerful gemstone and reinforced its importance in jewelry and royal regalia.
Ruby is also associated with love and passion, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other romantic jewelry. The name “ruby” is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red.” The finest ruby exhibits a deep red color with a hint of purple, known in the trade as “pigeon’s blood.” This color is highly prized and is the result of trace amounts of chromium in the gemstone.
December Birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon
December has three birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. These gemstones each have their own unique histories and symbolic meanings.
Turquoise has been used for thousands of years in jewelry and adornment. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans, valued turquoise for its beauty and believed it had protective powers. It was often used as a talisman to bring good fortune and ward off negative energies. In modern times, turquoise continues to be a popular gemstone, especially in Southwestern and Native American-inspired jewelry.
Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, first discovered in Tanzania in 1967. It is known for its vibrant blue and violet hues and is believed to symbolize transformation and spiritual growth. Tanzanite is a type of zoisite and is only found in one location in the world—near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Its limited availability makes it a rare and valuable gemstone.
Zircon has a long history of use in jewelry and is available in a range of colors, including blue, green, and red. Zircon is known for its brilliance and is believed to bring wisdom and prosperity. The gemstone has been used in jewelry for centuries and is still appreciated for its beauty and affordability.
Geological Formation and Sources
Ruby
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The red color of ruby is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium. The more chromium present in the gemstone, the stronger the red color. The finest ruby exhibits a deep red hue with a slight purple overtone, known as “pigeon’s blood” in the trade. This color is highly prized and is considered the most valuable ruby color.
Rubies are found in several locations around the world, but some of the most famous ruby sources include:
- Burmese Rubies: Rubies from Myanmar (formerly Burma) are among the most valuable and are known for their deep red color and high quality.
- Thai Rubies: Rubies from Thailand are also highly regarded and are known for their vibrant red color.
- Afghanistan: Afghan rubies are known for their fine quality and are some of the most affordable high-quality rubies on the market.
- Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is a significant source of ruby and produces a range of ruby colors.
Ruby is one of the hardest gemstones, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes it durable and suitable for use in jewelry, especially rings that are worn daily.
December Birthstones
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper, with the chemical formula Al₂(OH)₃PO₄·4H₂O. It forms in arid regions where the weathering of copper minerals creates the conditions necessary for turquoise to develop. The color of turquoise can vary from deep blue to green, depending on the presence of copper and iron.
Tanzanite is a type of zoisite, a calcium aluminum silicate with the chemical formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH). The blue and violet colors of tanzanite are due to the presence of vanadium. Tanzanite is only found in one location in the world—near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The gemstone is relatively new to the jewelry market and is prized for its vibrant colors and limited availability.
Zircon is a zirconium silicate with the chemical formula ZrSiO₄. It is available in a range of colors, including blue, green, and red. The blue color of zircon is due to heat treatment, which enhances its natural color. Zircon is known for its brilliance and is often used as a diamond substitute due to its high refractive index.
Gemological Properties
Ruby
Ruby is a variety of corundum, a mineral composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The red color of ruby is due to trace amounts of chromium. The finest ruby exhibits a deep red color with a slight purple overtone, known as “pigeon’s blood” in the trade. This color is highly prized and is considered the most valuable ruby color.
Ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones and suitable for use in jewelry, especially rings that are worn daily. The gemstone has a refractive index of 1.76–1.78 and a specific gravity of 3.95–4.10. Ruby can exhibit pleochroism, meaning it can display different colors when viewed from different angles.
December Birthstones
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper, with the chemical formula Al₂(OH)₃PO₄·4H₂O. It forms in arid regions where the weathering of copper minerals creates the conditions necessary for turquoise to develop. The color of turquoise can vary from deep blue to green, depending on the presence of copper and iron.
Tanzanite is a type of zoisite, a calcium aluminum silicate with the chemical formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH). The blue and violet colors of tanzanite are due to the presence of vanadium. Tanzanite is only found in one location in the world—near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The gemstone is relatively new to the jewelry market and is prized for its vibrant colors and limited availability.
Zircon is a zirconium silicate with the chemical formula ZrSiO₄. It is available in a range of colors, including blue, green, and red. The blue color of zircon is due to heat treatment, which enhances its natural color. Zircon is known for its brilliance and is often used as a diamond substitute due to its high refractive index.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
July Birthstone: Ruby
Ruby is associated with a wide range of symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. In ancient times, ruby was believed to possess mystical powers, including the ability to predict misfortune or danger. Burmese warriors historically carried rubies into battle, believing they would make them invincible. In medieval Europe, ruby was thought to bestow health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love. These beliefs contributed to ruby’s status as a powerful gemstone and reinforced its importance in jewelry and royal regalia.
Ruby is also associated with love and passion, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other romantic jewelry. The name “ruby” is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red.” The finest ruby exhibits a deep red color with a hint of purple, known in the trade as “pigeon’s blood.” This color is highly prized and is the result of trace amounts of chromium in the gemstone.
December Birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon
Turquoise has been used for thousands of years in jewelry and adornment. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans, valued turquoise for its beauty and believed it had protective powers. It was often used as a talisman to bring good fortune and ward off negative energies. In modern times, turquoise continues to be a popular gemstone, especially in Southwestern and Native American-inspired jewelry.
Tanzanite is believed to symbolize transformation and spiritual growth. It is a relatively new gemstone, first discovered in Tanzania in 1967. The gemstone is known for its vibrant blue and violet hues and is prized for its limited availability. Tanzanite is thought to enhance intuition and promote emotional healing.
Zircon is believed to bring wisdom and prosperity. The gemstone has a long history of use in jewelry and is known for its brilliance. Zircon is available in a range of colors, including blue, green, and red. The blue color of zircon is due to heat treatment, which enhances its natural color. Zircon is often used as a diamond substitute due to its high refractive index.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of July and December birthstone rings. These rings are crafted with gemstones that have different properties and care requirements.
Ruby
Ruby is one of the hardest gemstones, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes it durable and suitable for use in jewelry, especially rings that are worn daily. However, ruby can still be damaged by harsh chemicals and abrasive materials. To clean ruby, use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the gemstone. Store ruby in a soft pouch or jewelry box to protect it from scratches.
December Birthstones
Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 5–6 on the Mohs scale. It is also porous and can be sensitive to moisture and chemicals. To clean turquoise, use a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steamers, as they can damage the gemstone. Store turquoise in a dry, cool place to prevent it from drying out.
Tanzanite is a moderately hard gemstone, with a hardness of 6–7 on the Mohs scale. It is also sensitive to heat and light. To clean tanzanite, use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steamers, as they can damage the gemstone. Store tanzanite in a dark, cool place to prevent fading.
Zircon is a relatively hard gemstone, with a hardness of 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is also sensitive to heat and can be damaged by high temperatures. To clean zircon, use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steamers, as they can damage the gemstone. Store zircon in a cool, dry place to protect it from damage.
Modern Craftsmanship
Modern July and December birthstone rings are crafted with a combination of traditional techniques and contemporary design. These rings are often made with high-quality materials and are designed to highlight the natural beauty of the gemstones.
July Birthstone Rings
July birthstone rings are typically set with ruby and are designed to showcase the gemstone’s vibrant red color. These rings can be crafted with a variety of metals, including gold, silver, and platinum. The design of the ring can vary from simple and elegant to intricate and ornate, depending on the preferences of the wearer.
Some July birthstone rings are designed as stacking rings, allowing the wearer to layer multiple rings for a personalized look. These rings are often crafted with ruby CZ (cubic zirconia) and gold vermeil, making them more affordable while still maintaining the beauty and symbolism of ruby.
December Birthstone Rings
December birthstone rings can be crafted with turquoise, tanzanite, or zircon, each with its own unique properties and design possibilities. These rings are often designed with a combination of gemstones to create a visually striking piece. For example, a December birthstone ring might feature turquoise alongside white gemstones to create a contrast between the colors.
Modern December birthstone rings are often handcrafted and made with 14K gold-plated sterling silver. These rings are designed to be both beautiful and durable, making them suitable for daily wear. Some rings are also made with precision-cut luxury cubic zirconia to mimic the appearance of natural gemstones.
Conclusion
July and December birthstone rings are more than just beautiful jewelry; they are symbols of history, culture, and personal significance. July’s ruby symbolizes love, passion, and vitality, while December’s turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon each carry their own unique meanings and properties. These rings are crafted with a combination of traditional techniques and contemporary design, making them both timeless and modern.
Whether you are looking for a meaningful gift or a personal talisman, July and December birthstone rings offer a rich tapestry of history and symbolism. By understanding the geological properties, historical significance, and care requirements of these gemstones, you can make an informed decision when choosing a birthstone ring for yourself or a loved one.