July birthstone: the ruby

Birthstone: July

Robijn

The ruby is strong, has a beautiful red color, and is rare. Due to its intense color, the ruby symbolizes love, passion, courage, and emotion. For centuries, the ruby has been considered one of the most precious stones on earth. That is why many kings wore the ruby as jewelry and in their clothing. The ruby is attributed with healing properties: the stone is said to cure infections, improve the immune system, and cleanse the blood, the body, and the lymph nodes.

History of the ruby

The oldest written record of rubies indicates that they were already being mined in Burma in ancient times. From there, they were traded and eventually reached the Egyptians and the Greeks. Rubies have been immensely popular ever since. Their deep red color gives the ruby a regal aura. However, rubies are also available in purple/bluish to orange-red shades. The clearest and most valuable type of ruby is the 'Burmese Ruby', which, with its rich red color and a hint of blue, evokes feelings of wealth and passion. The Burmese Ruby is mined exclusively in the Mogok Valley mines in Myanmar.

Feeling like a royal with a ruby

Adding a ruby to your outfit instantly gives it a royal look. The color red is fiery and radiates energy. So go for a ruby ring if you want to make a simple outfit sparkle. A ruby pendant or necklace looks beautiful with a dress with a simple neckline, and a bracelet with a row of rubies instantly adds elegance to your look. Gwyneth Paltrow combined her long pink evening dress with ruby earrings and a ruby ring at the Oscars in 2015. Rubies also look beautiful in engagement rings. Jessica Simpson's engagement ring, for example, consists of a ruby with two diamonds, one on each side. Choose this month's gemstone yourself to brighten up your outfit!

Special Powers

Throughout the centuries, various myths about the ruby have emerged. Oriental legends described the ruby as the deepest drop of blood from Mother Nature's heart. The gemstone was also said to change color: when disaster was approaching, the ruby would darken, and when the disaster passed, the ruby would lighten again.

Magical powers were also attributed to the ruby. For example, wearing a ruby was said to benefit your physical health: wearing a ruby would help heal infections and improve your immune system. In addition, the ruby was believed to give you courage and authority, and bring you financial good luck. A powerful gemstone indeed!

Famous ruby

Rubies are still highly prized and widely worn. A famous ruby is the DeLong Star Ruby, which can be found in the American Museum of Natural History in New York. In 1964, this ruby was stolen, but after a $25,000 ransom was paid, the ruby was recovered from a telephone booth.

BIRTHSTONES

About the stone of the month

Gemstones have been worn as jewelry for decades. It is therefore interesting to learn about the history behind the stone. Many cultures and individuals also attribute magical powers to gemstones. They serve as talismans and are said to improve or protect your life. Furthermore, if you wear the stone that corresponds to your birth month or zodiac sign, its effect is even more powerful. For each type of stone, certain properties are also attributed to the stones that suit the person born in that month. It is therefore extra fun to choose a gemstone that enhances your character, or that of the person for whom it is a gift. The ruby belongs to the month of July and is also a perfect gift for a 40th wedding anniversary.

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