July's birthstone is
ruby.
Given that July is host to the all-American 4th of July celebrations -you could say the July born are just like firecrackers!
Equally so, this red gemstone was named for one of Rome's biggest historical firecrackers, the dictator Julius Caesar, who died in a pool of his own blood. A rich blood red, the ruby is said to contain such heat that dropping it in a glass of water would make the water boil -now that it HOT!
July Birthstone Earrings
Crystal Ruby Gemstone Earrings (EBC106)
The fiery crimson red of the ruby is representative of love and passion, which also makes it a popular alternative to the classic diamond engagement ring. In fact, Fergie, the Duchess of York received a ruby engagement ring from Prince Andrew. Rubies arouse the senses, stir the imagination, and are said to be called the "king of gems" because it was believed to protect its wearer from evil. In fact, rubies were worn by royalty as a talisman against evil.
Ruby is the red variety of the gems species corundum and is found as crystals within metamorphic rock. Its durability is second only to diamonds and the fact that it does not require special care, makes it a highly prized jewel for everyday wear.
To find a flawless ruby is nearly impossible. As well, clarity is not the most important factor is determining a good quality ruby -it's the color. The richer the red, the more costly the gem. The most prized color is a medium or medium dark vivid red or slightly purplish red. A ruby is considered a Sapphire in any color except red. In essence, Ruby is a Sapphire, since both are identical in all properties except for color.
There is a special glow to a ruby -literally. The chromium present in the natural reddest of rubies cause a red fluorescence, or 'glow', which is stimulated by UV (ultraviolet) light. Since ancient times, stories abound of rubies being self-luminous and are often called the "glowing stone" or "lamp stone". Greek legends told the story of a female stork, who repaid the kindness of Heraclea by bringing her a brilliant ruby – a ruby so bright that it illuminated Heraclea’s room at night. Fast forward and in 1960, a synthetic ruby was used in the creation of the first laser.
However, long before rubies were used in modern technology, their special allure was purely for their believed symbolic qualities. Used in everything from ruby beaded jewelry to one of the gemstones used on the breastplate of Aaron. It was believed that the ruby held the power to warn its owner of coming misfortunes, illness, or death, by turning darker in color. More notably, Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII, predicted her downfall after seeing the darkening of her ruby.
From its history to modern times, this intensely red and passionate July birthstone continues to be a cherished treasure worn by all, especially when used in
birthstone jewelry.
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July Birthstone Earrings: Crystal Ruby Gemstone Earrings (EBC106)
Handmade beaded
gemstone earrings designed with ruby Swarovski Crystals, pink dyed agate gemstones, sterling silver bead caps, beads and .925 Bali spacers on sterling silver french ear wire hooks. The length is 1-1/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.
