JULY: RUBY

July Birthstone: Ruby
July’s birthstone, the ravishing Ruby, has long been known as the “King of Gemstones.”  A moniker that is the literal translation of Sanskrit’s word Ratnaraj! Ruby belongs to the Corundum mineral family, sharing illustrious company with its equally glamorous cousin, the Sapphire.  Whilst Sapphires dazzle in blues and beyond, the Ruby reigns supreme in shades of fiery red and vibrant pink.  With its intense colour, rarity and historical prestige, the Ruby has captivated collectors and royalty alike for centuries — a gemstone of unmistakable drama and allure.  Now the only corundum we have, is whether one goes for pyro pink or radiant red rubies!!  Boomshakalaka!!

Healing Properties:
Rubies have long been known as gemstones of vitality and courage, inciting passion and encouraging a zest for life — Tantric style!  They are also the gemstone of valour, radiating pure unadulterated happiness, hardly surprising given ruby’s gloriously joyful hues.  Little wonder its vibrant red colourful glow has sealed the Ruby as the ultimate gemstone of love!

Potted History & Magical Myths:
Rubies have been revered throughout history and were deemed to be God’s most precious gemstone!!  Ancient cultures across Asia believed the Ruby held divine power, whilst kings and emperors prized the stone as a symbol of protection, prosperity and status.  Ruby’s rarity only heightens its allure.  In 2015, the legendary Sunrise Ruby, a remarkable Burmese gemstone, sold for over $30 million, setting a world record for a ruby at auction.

A fascinating historical twist and a perfect dinner-table soundbite, lies within the British Crown Jewels.  The famous Black Prince’s Ruby, mounted in the Imperial State Crown, is in fact not a Ruby at all but a magnificent Red Spinel — proof that even history occasionally mistakes one glorious gemstone for another. Thankfully, Spinels are rare and highly sought after too!!

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