Ruby, Ruby, Ruby
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby
Well, it's july and the beginning of my musings on birthstones. Hate your birthstone? Here's where you can find some others that may resonate a bit more. Looking to learn more about their history and meaning? You're in the right place for that too!
This month's stone is the ever sought after ruby which is most often associated with love, lust, power and vitality.
Rubies can come in a variety of colors from pink and fuchsia to blood and dark red. (Just as a little insiders tip here, keep your eyes peeled as these colors are forecasted to be trending in the next few years!) Rubies color is derived from the mineral corundum, as is the sapphire and therefore they share a lot of the same qualities. For one, they're both very hard and have a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale. It's worth a little peek if you're interested in stones. Jewelers use this scale often to see how a stone will withstand heat, polishing, or other daily wear and tear.
Second in their hardness only to the diamond, rubies are a great option for a lasting piece of jewelry. They've been desired throughout time and the world. They are depicted in Indian artwork and used in the Crown Jewels of England and France. In the ancient Orient they were thought of as the "spark of life" a literal drop of mother earth's blood.
It is said that if wearing a ruby in jewelry it should be worn on the left hand in order to aid in circulation and provide protection. Never worn near the solar plexus as that is thought to have a disquieting effect on the body. If you have bad dreams some believe that placing a ruby under your pillow will aid in the prevention of them. They help to increase passion, self- love and courage. Of course, you can always create your own intention and wear your ruby with that in mind. I'm a big fan of personalizing your jewelry for what you may need in your own life.
All rubies have in them some form of inclusions. Their inclusions shouldn't be viewed as a imperfection. Think of them more like a fingerprint, making each one truly one of a kind.
Not a fan of Rubies? Here's some alternatives. The Hindu birthstone is Sapphire while the Hebrew is Onyx and the arabic is carnelian. Find whichever you love most and chose that as your stone!
Sapphire
Onyx
Carnelian