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Ruby: Symbolic Meaning and Gemstone Care
Vibrant ruby's symbolic meaning is tied to the power of life, bestowing it with an ability to restore vitality. Learn how to style and care for July’s rich red birthstone.
The Meaning of Ruby
July’s birthstone, Ruby, has long been associated with the power of life, the heart, and an ability to restore vitality. Perhaps because of this symbolic connection to the circulatory system, these vibrant gemstones are said to bring strength and courage to all who wear them. Ancient lore also imbued rubies with an ability to protect people and their possessions from harm.
The Meaning of Ruby
July’s birthstone, Ruby, has long been associated with the power of life, the heart, and an ability to restore vitality. Perhaps because of this symbolic connection to the circulatory system, these vibrant gemstones are said to bring strength and courage to all who wear them. Ancient lore also imbued rubies with an ability to protect people and their possessions from harm.
Rubies are also intertwined with romantic love. The passionate red tones of Ruby rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings make them popular gifts for Valentine’s Day as well as anniversaries. Rubies have been used in Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands for centuries, both for their romantic symbolism, but also because they are a hard precious gemstone, perfect for everyday wear and able to hold up to everyday activities.
Rubies are also intertwined with romantic love. The passionate red tones of Ruby rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings make them popular gifts for Valentine’s Day as well as anniversaries. Rubies have been used in Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands for centuries, both for their romantic symbolism, but also because they are a hard precious gemstone, perfect for everyday wear and able to hold up to everyday activities.
For those studying chakras, the Ruby is associated with the Heart Chakra, enhancing spiritual wisdom. Ruby is the birthstone for July and is associated with the Zodiac signs Cancer and Leo. This passionate gemstone is also the anniversary stone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries.
For those studying chakras, the Ruby is associated with the Heart Chakra, enhancing spiritual wisdom. Ruby is the birthstone for July and is associated with the Zodiac signs Cancer and Leo. This passionate gemstone is also the anniversary stone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries.
Since ancient times, humans have associated gemstones with healing properties and spiritual significance.
The pull to attach special significance to gemstones continues in modern times, with the designation in 1912 of birthstones for each month by the American National Association of Jewelers. Whether you choose a stone for its traditional spiritual meaning, its connection to your birth month, or love the color of the stone, it is fun to understand these traditions.
Ruby is rated 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it is very durable and an excellent choice for everyday wear. In 1822 Friedrich Mohs created this scale to rate gemstones from 1 (softest) to 10 (exceptionally hard), based on their ability to withstand scratches. Ruby is just one level away from diamond, the hardest substance on earth, making rubies ideal for all types of jewelry from rings to bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Store your Ruby jewelry in your jewelry pouch or box to keep the gemstone from scratching softer stones.
Ruby is rated 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it is very durable and an excellent choice for everyday wear. In 1822 Friedrich Mohs created this scale to rate gemstones from 1 (softest) to 10 (exceptionally hard), based on their ability to withstand scratches. Ruby is just one level away from diamond, the hardest substance on earth, making rubies ideal for all types of jewelry from rings to bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Store your Ruby jewelry in your jewelry pouch or box to keep the gemstone from scratching softer stones.
Rubies are very durable and so are an excellent choice for everyday wear. You can wear your Ruby jewelry in the shower, while swimming, sleeping and exercising.
Rubies are very durable and so are an excellent choice for everyday wear. You can wear your Ruby jewelry in the shower, while swimming, sleeping and exercising.
How to Clean your Ruby Jewelry
Occasional cleaning with a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner or mild dye-free dish soap and water is a simple way to maintain the beauty of your Ruby jewelry. Let the jewelry soak in a small bowl (keep it away from the sink & drain) for a few minutes, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it completely and blot dry with a chamois cloth.
Styling Advice for Ruby Jewelry
July's sensual red birthstone is said to hold the power of life and bring love, energy and passion. You don’t need to be a Leo or Cancer to wear this rich toned gemstone to add vitality to your wardrobe.
Set off the rich reds of a Bayberry Grand and Classic Ruby Necklace off against a neutral toned blouse to let the vibrant red of the gemstones. Combining Classic (4mm) and Grand (6mm) stones adds visual interest to this stunning yet simle necklace.
Pair with Diamonds
Diamonds, which symbolize fidelity, are the perfect companion to rubies. Both stones are excellent for everyday wear as they are 10 and 9 on the Mohs hardness scale and extremely durable. The bright diamonds set against the warm rubies makes the color truly pop!
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FAQ
Rubies are a true red and Garnets often have a touch of earthy tones, including orange to brownish red. If you hold a Garnet so the light shines through it, the rainbow created should include yellow and green. Rubies will only show red when light passes through them. Rubies (9 on the Mohs scale) are harder than Garnets (6.5 - 7.5).
Both are precious gemstones made up of the same mineral, corundum, which also contains other colored sapphires like blue, white, yellow, purple. Ruby is the only form of corundum with a distinct name. Pink Sapphire is lighter in color than ruby. It has the same hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, therefore, and so is another excellent choice for jewelry. We use both Rubies and Pink Sapphires in our Grand collection.
Sustainably grown precious gemstones are genuine gemstones grown in a lab from a “seed” and are chemically, physically and optically identical to naturally mined stones.
These lab grown gemstones have beautiful, consistent color and fewer inclusions than naturally mined stones. They are rated the same hardness on the Mohs scale.