The ruby, celebrated as the birthstone of July, has long been associated with passion, protection, and prosperity. Frequently found set in sterling silver, this gemstone offers a vibrant splash of color and a rich history. This article will explore the ruby’s characteristics, its historical significance, its presence in silver jewelry, and guidance for its care, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The ruby’s history is steeped in lore and symbolism. Throughout various cultures, the ruby has been revered for its perceived powers. Sources indicate the ruby symbolizes love, energy, and courage, making it an ideal choice for wedding rings, representing an eternal bond. It is also believed to offer protection against evil, a belief that dates back centuries. The association with July as its birthstone is a more modern convention, though the ruby’s historical importance is undeniable. The gemstone is consistently presented as a meaningful and personalized gift choice, particularly for those born in July.
Geological Formation and Sources
While the provided sources do not detail the geological formation of rubies, they do highlight their presence in jewelry. The materials focus on rubies as finished gemstones, often “lab-grown” or “created,” alongside “genuine” rubies. These sources do not specify natural mining locations. However, they do mention the use of rhodolite, a variety of garnet, as a ruby substitute in some silver settings. The sources primarily showcase rubies set in jewelry crafted from sterling silver, with options for 9k, 14k, and 18k gold, and platinum-coated sterling silver.
Gemological Properties
The ruby is known for its striking red hue, though the sources indicate that the rubies featured in the described jewelry are often lab-grown. These lab-grown rubies are presented as possessing the same symbolic qualities as their natural counterparts. The sources provide some specific details regarding the gemstones used:
- Color: Red, specifically “created red ruby” is mentioned.
- Cut: Rose cut is noted as a popular choice, enhancing the gemstone’s sparkle.
- Size: Main stones are frequently 11 x 6mm, while birthstones are approximately 6mm in diameter, and a 3mm lab-grown ruby is also available.
- Carat Weight: Not explicitly stated, but implied through size measurements.
- Material: Sterling silver is the most common setting material, often with rhodium or platinum plating for enhanced durability and shine. Gold-filled and solid gold options are also available.
- Clarity: The term “fracture-filled ruby” is used, indicating that some rubies may contain internal fractures that have been treated to improve their appearance.
A table summarizing these properties is provided below:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Red |
| Cut | Rose Cut |
| Size | 6mm - 11x6mm |
| Material | Lab-grown Ruby, Sterling Silver |
| Treatment | Fracture-filled (some stones) |
| Plating | Rhodium or Platinum (often) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The ruby is consistently linked to powerful symbolism. It represents love, passion, energy, and courage. Beyond these core associations, the ruby is also believed to provide protection, safeguarding the wearer against negative influences. The stone is considered a meaningful gift, particularly for those celebrating a July birthday, and is seen as a symbol of eternal love when incorporated into wedding rings. The sources emphasize the ruby’s ability to evoke strong emotions and its connection to vitality and strength.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of a ruby set in silver requires careful attention. Sources recommend cleaning sterling silver with a silver cloth to remove tarnish and restore its shine. Due to the platinum plating on some rings, traditional resizing methods are not recommended, as they could damage the plating. The sources suggest that the rings should be stored in a luxurious jewelry box to protect them from scratches and damage. The durability of the ring is enhanced by the platinum coating, ensuring its brilliance is maintained for years.
Silver Settings and Jewelry Styles
The provided sources showcase a variety of silver jewelry styles featuring rubies. These include:
- Rings: The most prominent style, ranging from simple adjustable rings with a single ruby to more elaborate wedding bands and birthstone rings.
- Adjustable Rings: Offer versatility, allowing the ring to be worn on any finger.
- Wedding Rings: Symbolize eternal love and commitment, featuring vibrant rubies set in sterling silver.
- Birthstone Rings: Personalized gifts for those born in July, celebrating their birth month with a beautiful ruby.
The rings are often described as dainty and sparkly, with rose-cut rubies adding to their aesthetic appeal. The availability of different metal options – sterling silver, gold-filled, and solid gold – allows for customization to suit individual preferences and budgets.
Purchasing Considerations
When purchasing a ruby and silver ring, the sources highlight several key considerations:
- Size: Rings are available in various sizes, with some vendors offering custom sizing.
- Metal: Choose between sterling silver, gold-filled, or solid gold based on preference and budget.
- Ruby Type: Be aware of whether the ruby is lab-grown or natural, and whether it has undergone any treatments (e.g., fracture-filling).
- Plating: Consider the benefits of platinum plating for enhanced durability and shine.
- Processing Time: Custom orders may require additional processing time, typically ranging from 1-3 business days for gold-filled and sterling silver to 3-5 business days for 14k solid gold.
Conclusion
The ruby, as the July birthstone, continues to captivate with its vibrant color and rich symbolism. When set in sterling silver, it offers an accessible and elegant option for those seeking to embrace the gemstone’s beauty and meaning. The sources consistently portray the ruby as a symbol of love, passion, protection, and courage, making it a cherished gift and a timeless addition to any jewelry collection. Careful consideration of the gemstone’s properties, the setting material, and proper care will ensure that a ruby and silver piece remains a treasured possession for years to come.