Tuesday, July 5, 2011

THE HISTORY & BEAUTY OF JULY'S BIRTHSTONE-ETSY TRIBUTE

The birthstone for the month of July, is the beautiful Ruby.  Like a perfect red rose, the Ruby's rich color speaks of love and passion.  It was called the "Rajnapura" or King of Gems by ancient Hindus, and is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history. The Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and was worn by royalty as a talisman against evil.  It was thought to grow darker when peril was imminent, and to return to its original color once danger was past—provided it was in the hands of its rightful owner! 
 
These stones were also thought to represent heat and power.  Ancient tribes used the gem as bullets for blowguns, and it was said that a pot of water would boil instantly if a Ruby were tossed into it.  Some even ground rubies into powder, which when placed on the tongue, was used as a cure for many illnesses.  
 
The word Ruby comes from the Latin "ruber," meaning red.  It is a variety of the mineral Corundum, the second hardest mineral, after Diamond.  It comes in a variety of colors, and is considered a Sapphire in any color except red, which is designated as a Ruby.  Rubies range in hue from an orangey-red to a purplish-red, but the most prized gems are a true red in color, sometimes referred to as Pigeon's Blood Red.  Large sized Rubies are very rare and valuable. 

The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubt and anxiety.

I have had the pleasure of perusing etsy and have found a King's Ransom of gorgeous Ruby Jewels to help celebrate your birthday or the birthday of a loved one.  Or, if you are just in love with color of a Ruby, please take a moment to browse through these incredibly intoxicating creations!


From LeslieSavannah $15.00
TrashAndTrinkets $18.00

PristineJewlery $530.00
      
Luckyduct $220.00 


I hope you enjoyed these varied but equally beautiful Ruby treasures from etsy.com.  Please drop me a post and let me know about your July birthdays.  In the meantime, here is wishing you and your family La Vie en Bonheur!
Holley
 

2 comments:

  1. Very interesting! I had no idea the ruby was a part of the sapphire family. I live right next to the Sapphire Mountains here in MT and they mine there still. Beautiful etsy choices!

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  2. Thanks! I actually mined sapphires in Montanta when I was working there. I found a great one too and sent it off to be cut and polished. Great fun!

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