The Jewelry Blog: Rubies: Just a Bit Less Than Wisdom

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Rubies: Just a Bit Less Than Wisdom

I've been busy working on rubies when I haven't been visiting my mother and my best friend in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I do love working with rubies! Rubies are the July birthstone, of course, and how appropriate since it is the red-hot month of summer. Rubies, like Fourth of July fireworks are compelling; one has to look at them.
Rubies look good on everyone whether your complexion is dark or light, your haircolour brown, red, grey, blonde, or black (yes, rubies look soooo good on redheads!), whether you are big or small-boned, short or tall. Rubies are universal.
Above and below, a sterling silver ruby bangle bracelet is so flirtatious with its dangling ruby charms. The rubies here are faceted rounds that are a soft reddish-pink.

In ancient India, ruby was considered to be the "Lord of Gemstones." It symbolizes love and devotion and is the preferred gift for both the 15th and 40th years of marriage.

Above and below, large faceted ruby nuggets are combined with beautiful sterling silver handmade beads, Thai Karen Hill Tribes sterling silver, and some of the finest artist's lampwork beads we've ever had. The toggle clasp has a cabochon ruby bezel-set into it.

Rubies are supposed to help the wearer have happiness, good health, and wisdom. One of the famous ruby quotations is Biblical: " Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. .." Proverbs 31:10.
Below, 14 karat gold-filled bangle bracelet features a large faceted ruby nugget with two smooth good-sized oval rubies on either side.

Rubies are also said to bring good luck to gamblers as well as those who are in love.

Above, rubies play well with other gemstones. Here rubies are combined with apatite and 14 karat gold-fill.
Below, ruby earrings are made with large faceted nuggets and all 14 karat gold-filled components.

Above, 14 karat gold-filled fluted accents give these ruby earrings a formal touch, while, below, faceted ruby rondelles are cooled down a bit with genuine aquamarine and sterling silver.