July's birthstone is the precious stone ruby. I knew this long before I knew much about gemstones because I have the fortune to be born in the month of July.
Only 4 gemstones are said to be "precious": diamond, sapphire, emerald, and ruby. Why? This goes back to ancient times when the distinction reflected the rarity of the stones. However today a semi-precious stone could easily cost more than a precious stone, depending the stone's color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.
A ruby is actually a red sapphire. Sapphires are comprised of the colorless mineral corundum. The trace elements in the mineral determine the color of the stone. In the case of ruby chromium gives it its red color. Hence ruby's name is derived from the Latin word for red, rubens.
Because of its special allure and historical significance to royalty around the world, ruby has always been classified as an individual gemstone. Also sapphires of other colors are more abundant than rubies. The most renowned rubies come from Myanmar, the Himalayas and northern Vietnam.
I adore ruby because of its color, a palette runs from rich darkish red to pinkish red. Imperfections, like inclusions, do not reduce the value of rubies, as the color is what gives the stone its value.
These are my go-to earrings and necklace, when I want to spruce up an evening outfit. These rubies are paired with labradorite stones on gold-filled wire and chain.
Only 4 gemstones are said to be "precious": diamond, sapphire, emerald, and ruby. Why? This goes back to ancient times when the distinction reflected the rarity of the stones. However today a semi-precious stone could easily cost more than a precious stone, depending the stone's color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.
A ruby is actually a red sapphire. Sapphires are comprised of the colorless mineral corundum. The trace elements in the mineral determine the color of the stone. In the case of ruby chromium gives it its red color. Hence ruby's name is derived from the Latin word for red, rubens.
Because of its special allure and historical significance to royalty around the world, ruby has always been classified as an individual gemstone. Also sapphires of other colors are more abundant than rubies. The most renowned rubies come from Myanmar, the Himalayas and northern Vietnam.
I adore ruby because of its color, a palette runs from rich darkish red to pinkish red. Imperfections, like inclusions, do not reduce the value of rubies, as the color is what gives the stone its value.
These are my go-to earrings and necklace, when I want to spruce up an evening outfit. These rubies are paired with labradorite stones on gold-filled wire and chain.
My favorite creation is this heart pendant with a ruby cabochon. I enjoyed making this piece and look forward to getting back into a metal-smithing workshop one day. Meanwhile I'll set to working on a ruby creation as a birthday present to myself using the wire wrap technique!