July Birthstone: Ruby

Rubies are the red variety of the gemstone corundum, a mineral which also forms in a myriad of other colours, its other most famous hue being blue, more commonly known as sapphire.  Revered since ancient times, the Sanskrit word for red corundum is ‘kuruvinda’, translated as ‘King of Gemstones’, despite the modern dominance of diamonds, which have since taken that title.  Rubies, however, do not fall far behind, being the second most popular gemstone on the market today. 

 The name ‘ruby’ comes from the Latin word for red, ‘ruber’.  After diamond, corundum is the hardest gemstone, making it ideal to be set in jewellery. The most famous source of rubies is Burma, where historically stones of ideal intense bluish red colour, known in the trade as ‘pigeon’s blood’, coupled with superior brilliance are found.  Other main mining locations include Vietnam and Thailand, with Central Asia and East Africa being secondary sources. 

Rubies have long been associated with passion and love, and they were often set in European love jewellery at least since the fifteenth century.  The sixteenth century Italian gem expert Camillus Leonardus wrote that rubies would preserve their owners’ health, banish evil thoughts, control amorous desires and reconcile arguments.  By another account, dating from 1669, the ruby also, ‘resists poison, resists sadness, restrains lust, drives away frightful dreams, clears the mind, keeps the body safe, and, if a mischance be at hand, it signifies this by turning of a darker colour.’  Hindus believed that rubies stood for heat and sensuality, and was associated with the sun god Surya.  Today they are most commonly symbolic of passionate love.