Ruby: The Gem of Passion

Ruby is an elegant red gem that is the birthstone for Julyand the gem for the 15th and 40th anniversaries.

Ruby is the most valuable variety of the corundum mineral species, which also includes sapphire. All colors of corundum are considered to be a sapphire, except for ruby.

 

Red is the color of our most intense emotions - love and anger, passion and fury. It is associated with objects of power and desire, such as fast cars and red roses.

 

Early cultures treasured rubies for their similarity to the redness of the blood that flowed through their veins and believed that rubies held the power of life. Many ledgends have become associated with ruby over the centuries. In India, rubies were thought to enable the owner to live in peace with their enemies. Warriors in Burma would insert rubies under their flesh to make themselves invincible in battle.

 

Desire for ruby is just as great today as it always has been. As a symbol of passion, ruby makes an ideal romantic gift. The alluring, lush color of rubies signifies wealth and success.