The ruby, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red hue, holds a prominent position as the birthstone for July. Revered throughout history as a symbol of passion, protection, and prosperity, the ruby continues to captivate with its enduring beauty and rich symbolism. This article delves into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of the ruby, with a particular focus on its use in white gold settings, as reflected in contemporary jewelry trends.
History and Lore
The ruby’s history is steeped in lore and legend, dating back millennia. While the provided sources do not detail ancient origins extensively, they establish the ruby as a stone associated with positive attributes. Modern interpretations, as highlighted by Ben Garelick, identify the ruby as the “Stone of Divine Creativity,” believed to increase energy, self-esteem, and spiritual wisdom. This association with vitality and positive energy has made the ruby a favored gemstone for centuries.
The sources indicate a continuing tradition of gifting ruby jewelry for significant occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, and as “push presents” for new parents. This practice underscores the ruby’s enduring appeal as a symbol of love, loyalty, and good fortune. The ruby’s prominence as a July birthstone further solidifies its role as a meaningful and personalized gift.
Geological Formation and Sources
The ruby belongs to the corundum mineral species, renowned for its exceptional hardness. It is, aside from diamond, one of the hardest naturally occurring gemstones, making it suitable for everyday wear. The sources do not specify particular mining locations, but emphasize the ruby’s natural origin within the corundum family.
The sources focus on the modern availability of rubies, specifically “lab-grown” or “created” rubies. These lab-created rubies possess the same chemical composition and properties as their natural counterparts, offering an accessible and ethical alternative. The creation of rubies in a laboratory setting demonstrates advancements in gemological science and provides consumers with a wider range of options.
Gemological Properties
The ruby’s defining characteristic is its vibrant red color, though shades can range from pinkish-red to deep, almost purplish-red. The sources do not provide specific details on the causes of color variation within rubies. However, they highlight the ruby’s exceptional hardness, making it a durable choice for jewelry.
Here's a summary of the gemological properties mentioned in the sources:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Corundum |
| Color | Red (varying shades) |
| Hardness | Exceptionally hard (second to diamond) |
| Creation | Natural or Lab-Grown |
The sources also mention specific measurements for a created ruby found in an Art Deco ring: 7.94 x 10.11 x 3.71 mm. This provides a concrete example of the size and dimensions commonly found in ruby jewelry. The weight of the ring itself, including the ruby and white gold setting, is 4.18 grams.
White Gold Settings and Contemporary Jewelry
Several sources specifically mention white gold as a popular metal choice for ruby settings. A 1930s Art Deco ring features a created ruby set in 10k white gold, demonstrating the historical use of this metal pairing. Belais Brothers patented a white gold alloy in 1917, which became known as “Belais metal” and remains highly collectible today. This historical context highlights the enduring appeal of white gold as a setting for gemstones.
Contemporary jewelry designs also frequently incorporate rubies in white gold settings. William Edouard offers July birthstone rings in solid 9k, 14k, 18k yellow, white, rose gold, and sterling silver, indicating the versatility of the ruby and its compatibility with various metal colors. Saslow Shenebrys offers ruby rings with platinum plating over sterling silver, further demonstrating the popularity of bright, white metal tones for showcasing the ruby’s color.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
As previously mentioned, the ruby is associated with passion, energy, and protection. Ben Garelick describes it as a symbol of good fortune, loyalty, and love. While the sources do not delve deeply into historical or cross-cultural metaphysical beliefs, they establish the ruby as a gemstone imbued with positive symbolism. The association with “divine creativity” suggests a belief in the ruby’s ability to inspire and empower its wearer.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide detailed instructions on ruby care and cleaning. However, given the ruby’s exceptional hardness, it is likely durable enough for regular wear. Professional polishing and cleaning are recommended for vintage pieces, as demonstrated by the restoration of a 1930s Art Deco ring. For rings with platinum plating, as offered by Saslow Shenebrys, it is important to note that traditional resizing methods are not suitable, as they could damage the plating.
Conclusion
The ruby, as July’s birthstone, remains a captivating and highly sought-after gemstone. Its rich history, vibrant color, exceptional durability, and positive symbolism contribute to its enduring appeal. The increasing availability of lab-grown rubies, coupled with the popularity of white gold settings, ensures that this magnificent gemstone will continue to grace jewelry collections for generations to come. The ruby’s association with passion, protection, and prosperity makes it a meaningful gift and a cherished heirloom.