All About July Birthstone – Ruby

July, the month of summer warmth, first monsoon showers, and vibrant energy, welcomes the exquisite beauty of the Ruby. Known as the July birthstone, this precious gemstone has captivated hearts for centuries with its deep red hue and mystical aura.

A Glimpse into History:

Rubies have a rich history that dates back to ancient times.Royalty treasured rubies, believing in their magical powers to protect wearers from harm. Rubies, often regarded as the “king of gemstones,” symbolize love, passion, and courage across various cultures. The mesmerizing red color of rubies symbolizes vitality and strength, making them a perfect choice for July-born individuals.

Formation and Characteristics of July Birthstone:

Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, with their red color attributed to the presence of chromium. Rubies form deep within the Earth’s crust under intense heat and pressure. The finest rubies exhibit a vivid, pure red hue with excellent clarity. Due tco their hardness, second only to diamonds, rubies are highly durable, making them ideal for various jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, and earrings.

Cultural Significance:

Throughout history, rubies have held immense cultural significance in different civilizations. Ancient Hindu culture believed rubies offered protection against enemies, with Burmese warriors donning them for invincibility. Medieval Europe associated rubies with wealth and power, often adorning royal crowns and jewelry. In contemporary times, rubies maintain their significance in various cultures, symbolizing love, passion, and prosperity.

Also Read- Precious Stones For Birth Months

Famous Rubies:

Several renowned rubies have gained legendary status over the years. One such example is the “Necklace of the Burmese Rubies,” a magnificent piece adorned with 27 rubies gifted to Queen Elizabeth II. Another notable ruby is the “Rosser Reeves Star Ruby,” known for its remarkable asterism – a star-shaped pattern that appears under light. These exceptional rubies have become iconic symbols of beauty and rarity.

Care and Maintenance for July Birthstone:

Caring for your ruby jewelry is essential to preserve its beauty and luster. Cleaning rubies should be done gently using mild soap and water, while avoiding harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Storing them separately from other jewelry pieces can prevent scratches. Additionally, it’s crucial to protect rubies from extreme heat and direct sunlight, as excessive exposure can affect their color and brilliance.

The Modern Appeal of July Birthstone:

In contemporary times, rubies continue to be a popular choice for jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike. Their timeless elegance and vibrant color make them a favorite for engagement rings, anniversary gifts, and special occasions. Jewelry designers often incorporate rubies into modern, trendy designs, appealing to a new generation of jewelry lovers.

As a symbol of love and passion or cherished as a precious heirloom, rubies continue to shine brightly, reminding us of the rich cultural heritage and mystical charm associated with these remarkable gemstones. For July-born individuals, the ruby stands as a timeless embodiment of their vibrant spirit and enduring strength, making it a truly special and meaningful birthstone.

Quick Tips for the Readers

• Learn About the 4 Cs: When buying a ruby, consider its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most desirable rubies have a vivid red color, good clarity, an excellent cut, and a significant carat weight.

• Beware of Synthetic Stones: Be cautious when purchasing rubies and ensure they are not synthetic or lab-created unless that’s what you desire. Natural rubies are generally more valuable.

• Jewelry Settings Matter: The setting of your ruby jewelry can enhance its beauty. Consider options like white gold, yellow gold, or platinum settings to complement the ruby’s red color.

• Routine Cleaning: Clean your ruby jewelry regularly with a soft brush and mild soapy water to maintain its sparkle. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.

• Storage: Store your ruby jewelry in a separate pouch or compartment to prevent scratches and protect it from direct sunlight and heat.

• Customize Your Jewelry: Consider customizing your ruby jewelry to create unique and personalized pieces that hold sentimental value.

• Celebrate Special Occasions: Rubies are often linked with love and passion, making them an ideal choice for anniversary gifts or engagement rings.

• Birthstone Jewelry: Explore various jewelry designs that feature rubies to celebrate your July birthstone in style.

• Explore the Market: Before making a purchase, research the market, and compare prices and designs from different jewelers to ensure you get the best value for your investment.

Interesting Facts and Figures of July Birthstone

• Historical Significance: Rubies, mentioned in historical texts dating back to 200 BC, were highly regarded in ancient cultures such as India, where they were believed to offer protection against evil forces.

• Rare and Precious: Rubies are rarer than diamonds. Large rubies can be even rarer than large diamonds, making them highly valuable and sought after by collectors.

• The Sunrise Ruby: The Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby, holds the record as the most expensive ruby ever sold, fetching over $30 million at auction in 2015 and setting a world record price per carat for a ruby.

• Color Variations: Rubies come in various shades of red, ranging from pinkish-red to deep purplish or brownish-red. The most valuable rubies have a pure, vibrant red color known as “pigeon’s blood.”

• Star Rubies: Some rubies exhibit a star-shaped pattern known as asterism. The phenomenon of a star appearing on the surface of a ruby is caused by needle-like inclusions of a mineral called rutile.

• Ruby Mining: Countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Tanzania are home to significant ruby deposits. Myanmar is particularly famous for its high-quality rubies.

• Birthstone Popularity: For centuries, rubies have symbolized July’s birthstone, embodying qualities of passion, love, and courage for those born in this month.

• Healing Properties: Ancient beliefs attributed healing properties to rubies, such as enhancing energy, promoting vitality, and improving blood circulation. Although not scientifically proven, these associations persist, adding to the allure of rubies in some cultures.

Also Read- Birthstones By Month: The Unique Meanings And Mystery Of Each Gem

Key Takeaways

• Historical Significance: Rubies, treasured for centuries, have a rich history and symbolize love, passion, and courage with their vibrant red color and cultural significance.

• Rarity and Value: Rubies are rarer than diamonds and are highly valuable, especially the ones with pure red color and exceptional clarity. Burmese rubies are among the most sought-after due to their intense red hue.

• Symbolism and Beliefs: Warriors and royalty in ancient times wore rubies for protection, believing in their mystical properties and association with positive qualities.

• Varieties: Rubies come in various shades of red, and some exhibit a star-shaped pattern called asterism. High-end jewelry pieces often use the most prized rubies, which have a vivid, pigeon’s blood red color.

• Care and Preservation: Proper care, including regular cleaning and safe storage, is essential to maintain the brilliance of ruby jewelry. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and direct sunlight to preserve its color and shine.

• Birthstone Significance: Individuals born in July believe that rubies, their birthstone, bring good fortune and positive energy. They make meaningful and cherished gifts for July birthdays and special occasions.

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