THE STONE OF THE MONTH OF JULY

The ruby is the stone of the month in July and is certainly one of the most coveted gems.

Its name is derived from the Latin word rubermeaning 'red' as the colour of love and passion.

When this stone has a deep red colour with a hint of purple, the ruby is commercially called 'pigeon blood'.

The more intense the red, the more chrome will be present in the stone.

Its historical traditions are manifold.

In ancient India, the ruby, the stone of the month of July, was nicknamed 'the king of precious stones' for its rarity, hardness (second only to the diamond), beauty and seemingly mystical powers. Long associated with the life force blood, the ruby was also a symbol of power and

youthful energy.

In centuries past, some believed that this stone could

predict misfortune or danger, and others claimed it would cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. Burmese warriors even believed it made them invincible in battle. Finally, medieval Europeans believed that rubies could confer health, wisdom, wealth and success in love.

Today, rubies are often heat-treated to remove the purplish colouring, leaving only a purer red. This process can also remove 'silk' (tiny needle-like inclusions) that might make a gem appear lighter in tone.

In addition, rubies can also undergo reticular diffusion treatment and dyeing. In lower quality material, fractures and cavities that reach the surface can be filled with glass to reduce their visibility so that the gem appears more transparent. But be careful because some of these treatments can make the ruby more vulnerable to damage during normal wear and care.

Therefore, before buying one, always ask if your ruby has been treated and by which method.

Whether or not you have a ruby, one thing is certain: owning one is a rare and precious thing.

In most cases, this stone can then be safely cleaned with warm water, soap and a soft brush.

And if you love red gems in general, email us at [email protected] to get advice from our stylists and perhaps have a piece of jewellery made to measure for you.

July's Stone of the Month is an article from the Thais Bernardes Jewellery blog, read more articles HERE.