Ruby! The birthstone for July.

Known as the “King of Gemstones”, this month’s birthstone is Ruby (and also the traditional gift for a 40th wedding anniversary).  Deriving its name from the Latin ‘Ruber’ meaning red, rubies are dark red in colour.  For more than five centuries, Ruby has been found in the Mogok area in Myanmar (formally known as Burma) but is also found in Thailand, Vietnam and Mozambique.

Now you know I love myths and legends, especially when associated with gemstones and the ruby has plenty of these. Rubies have the ability to absorb natural light and then release that light a little while later, causing the gemstone to glow. Legend has it that this was a warning of impending danger or bad luck, giving the wearer time to prepare!  In more recent times, there is a belief that the glowing light from the ruby signifies the essence of life, a reminder that the wearer is full of life.

 In ancient Asia,the ruby’s unique features led people to believe it held mystical powers.  This belief was so strong among Burmese warriors that they wore necklaces of rubies, sure that it made them invincible. 

The root Chakra is represented by a deep red colour and so a connection was made with the ruby by ancient Hindu’s who believed that the gemstone could ward off negative energy, fight evil and treat inflammation.

Thought to contain passion and energy, Rubies can be found in the crowns of kings and queens, the armour and swords of warriors and in the jewellery of those who wanted to increase their energy, gain courage and bring success in gaining wealth and love...and were even buried in the foundations of buildings in China in the hope that it would bring good luck and fortune! 

If you want to bestow a little good luck, wealth and love on yourself or a loved one, get in touch to commission the perfect piece of jewellery.

Sapphire ~ September's Birthstone (and mine!)

What colour do you think of when I say “Sapphire”?  Blue? You wouldn’t be wrong…..but there are so many more!  

Rubies, for example, are a red sapphire.  The mineral Corundum makes a sapphire a sapphire but trace elements of different minerals give them their colour.  Blue is created by by having trace elements of titanium, chromium gives us the pinks and reds (rubies) depending on the amount, iron will produce yellow sapphires…..having more than one trace element will give us beautiful greens and purples too!

My personal favourite is the stunning Padparadscha sapphire, it’s a pale pinkish orange colour and it’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word for lotus flower.  They are also the rarest so can be very expensive.

Padparadscha Sapphire

Sapphires have traditionally symbolised sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility, and was also said to have healing powers.  In Medieval Europe, sapphires were thought to cure plague boils and diseases of the eye!

Deep blue sapphires have long been associated with royalty which is perhaps where the colour “royal blue” comes from.  Kings throughout history believed that the gemstone would protect them from their enemies.

Although Sapphires are found in many countries including Australia, USA and Thailand, historically Kashmir, Myanmar and Sri Lanka are important sources of this gemstone.  In 1881, Sapphires were discovered in Kashmir when a landslide in the Himalayas revealed a large pocket of cornflower blue crystals. As these gemstones started appearing further south, the Maharaja of Kashmir took control.  In the next six years, thousands of blue sapphires were found and it’s this that gives Kashmir it’s reputation for beautiful, covetable gemstones.

Jungle covered hills in the Magok region of Myanmar produce a rich, intense blue sapphire that is still known as “Burmese” sapphire.  It’s often found next to Ruby deposits but in lower quantities than it’s red neighbour.

Now, this is the one that most people would be familiar with when talking about Sapphires.  Sri Lanka has been a source of beautiful blue sapphires for more than 2000 years and display amazing saturation and brilliance.  It is also one of the few places where Padparadscha sapphire can be found.

Sapphires are rated 9 on the Moh’s scale of hardness, diamond being the only natural substance that can scratch it.  This makes it perfect for wearing in jewellery as it’s so durable.

So, with all these colours available, which would you choose?