10 Jul July’s Birthstone: The Ruby

You do not have to be Dorothy on a quest to leave Oz in order to appreciate ruby accessories. Historically, rubies have been worn for both war and peace, and have been linked to love, health and wealth.

If you were born in July, you probably think of rubies simply as pretty birthstones. However, this powerful, captivating gem is deserving of the title “the king of birthstones.”

Origin and History:

• The word “ruby” derives from the Latin word ruber, meaning red. The closer the color of the gem to a deep red, the more valuable it is.
• Some rubies have a purple, pink or orange cast, not to be confused with sapphires that come in similar hues. Both rubies and sapphires originate from the mineral, corundum.
• In Sanskrit, rubies are called ratnaraj, which translates as “king of precious stones.” They are second only to diamonds in hardness.
• Historically, women and men wore rubies to attract love, good health and success in battle. Burmese warriors wore rubies to protect themselves during skirmishes, while people in India relied on rubies to bring peace with their neighbors. Rubies have also been associated with an ability to foretell danger or misfortune.
• Ruby mines are mainly found in Asia, Africa and the Middle East; specifically Afghanistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tanzania, Vietnam and Thailand.

Today, rubies are coveted for their beauty and rarity. They are used to make pendants, earrings and other jewelry, and can even be used as the center stone in an engagement setting for a non-traditional bride.

How to Choose High-Quality Rubies

No two rubies are exactly alike, but it is easy to tell if gems are equal in quality. High-quality rubies are generally cut into mixed ovals and cushions, because those styles make the gem more vibrant. The website James Allen reviews provides further information on cut gemstones and where to get them.

Another factor to consider is heat treatments. Most rubies are heated when mined and some are treated with lead-glass fillings. Not every jeweler discloses treatments. Some rubies come with GIA reports that include information such as treatments and origin of the gemstone. These reports will help you distinguish a desirable gem from a poor-quality one.

The most valuable rubies are dark, rich and vividly red. Lower-quality rubies may have a tinge of pink, purple or orange. The potential for different hues makes identifying rubies somewhat difficult, since sapphires can be very similar in color.

Care and Cleaning

Keeping July’s birthstone clean is a relatively simple process if your stone is new. Warm, soapy water works well to give rubies back their sparkle if a little dirt or dust has dulled their brilliance. Harsh chemical detergents should not be used, as they can harm the stone.

Scrubbing heavily soiled gems vigorously can damage them. Instead, take an older gem for steam or ultrasonic cleaning. As long as your stone is not cavity- or fracture-filled, professional cleaning is generally safe.

About the author, Benjamin Lindsay:
Benjamin freelances for fashion blogs and forums on the West Coast. The son of a runway model and a clothing designer, he has it in his genes. And his jeans.