Romancing Rubies: Jaw-Dropping Jewels Featuring July’s Birthstone
From the novels of Oscar Wilde to William Shakespeare’s plays, the ruby is one of the most referenced coloured gemstones throughout literature. The gem most associated with romance, passion and life, the ruby has been the inspiration behind works of art across all cultures.
As one of the world’s most historically significant coloured stones, rubies are mentioned four times in the Bible and are associated with attributes such as beauty and wisdom. Their perfect red hue is the standard for the most prized and pure shades of red worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at the July birthstone and its uniquely special colour.
Qiu Fine Jewellery ruby and diamond ring
Long before Dorothy graced the silver screen in sequined ruby red slippers, rubies were prized for their beauty. With their deep red hue, few things catch the eye like these wonders. In addition to being one of the most coveted gems, they also represent one of the most important colours in the artistic world – “ruby red”. But what gives this gem its unique colour? As a variety of the mineral corundum, ruby is created when the element chromium plays a starring role in the crystal structure. Once this element is introduced to corundum, the translucent mineral becomes stained with a reddish hue, ranging from a light orangey-red to a darker purplish red. The equation is simple – the higher the chromium count, the darker the gem will appear and, therefore, the more valuable it is. The most sought-after shade of ruby is named “pigeon’s blood”. A deep red with a hint of purple, its name comes from Myanmar, the world’s original source of rubies, and is said to match the first two drops of blood from the nose of a killed pigeon.
Pragnell 40 Years Ruby Ring
Rubies started out as being adored for mystical reasons. Early civilisations treasured them for their likeness to the colour of human blood and believed that rubies held the power of life. Archaeologists point out that rubies were traded along the ancient Silk Road as early as 200 BC. In 600 AD, Burmese warriors would create a physical bond with the gem by inserting a ruby into their skin before battle, believing that becoming one with a ruby made you invincible against your enemies. Later in history, many medieval European royals wore rubies sewn into their garments and as talismanic jewels to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love. One of the most historic pieces of ruby jewellery today dates to the mid-1570s – the Chequered Locket Ring. Owned by Queen Elizabeth I of England, this piece of ruby jewellery is one of her few surviving jewels.
Ronald Abram ruby and diamond earrings
Although the health benefits have not been scientifically proven (yet!), what we do know for sure is that rubies are an important marker of beauty the world over. Rubies are as desired today as they have ever been, with pigeon’s blood rubies commanding the highest price per carat than any other coloured stone in the world, including diamonds.
Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond bracelet
So how do you wear such an important stone this summer? Symbolising the power of life and passionate love, we say wear it loud and proud. A ruby jewel is the ideal romantic gift for a loved one, or better, even for yourself! From a simple solitaire pendant to a full-on statement jewellery piece of artistic craftsmanship, any ruby jewel will bring warmth, colour and energy to your wardrobe, no matter the outfit!
The selection of pieces below are but a few of the jaw-dropping ruby designs fine jewellery are offering today.
Picchiotti
Picchiotti
State Property
State Property
Thelma West
Thelma West
Alies
Alies
ANANYA
ANANYA
Anita Ko
Anita Ko
Arman Sarkisyan
Arman Sarkisyan
Ashley Zhang
Ashley Zhang
Boghossian
Boghossian
Bulgari
Bulgari
Pomellato
Pomellato
Chanel
Chanel
David Morris
David Morris
Daniel Gregory
Daniel Gregory
Eden Presley
Eden Presley
Fernando Jorge
Fernando Jorge
Gemella
Gemella
MARIE MAS
MARIE MAS
Nana Fink
Nana Fink
Melissa Kaye
Melissa Kaye
Girard Perregaux
Girard Perregaux
Nadine Aysoy
Nadine Aysoy
Graff
Graff
Toktam
Toktam
Kavant and Sharart
Kavant and Sharart
Wilfredo Rosado
Wilfredo Rosado
Monan
Monan
Shahla Karimi
Shahla Karimi
Theodoros
Theodoros
Picchiotti
Picchiotti
Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels
Nak Armstrong
Nak Armstrong
Monan
Monan
Ruchi New York
Ruchi New York
Monan
Monan
Piaget
Piaget
WORDS
Katerina Perez With more than 12 years’ experience in the jewellery sector, Katerina Perez’s expert knowledge spans everything from retail sales and management to content creation, including brand building, jewellery writing and styling. Born and raised in St Petersburg, Katerina’s favourite hobby as a child was playing with the treasures in her grandmother's jewellery box, inspiring a lifelong love of jewellery from a very early age. She spent five years in St Petersburg University of Culture and Arts studying not journalism but business studies and languages, and her writing skills have developed as her passion for her favourite subject – jewellery – has grown. This is why her writing comes straight from the heart rather than the pages of a book. Daughter of an entrepreneur mother, Katerina exchanged her retail management job for jewellery writing in 2013 and hasn’t looked back since.
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