Ruby Birthstone

Ruby, the birthstone of July, is the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and the 40th years of marriage. It is said to give its wearers wisdom, happiness and health and to bring particularly good luck to gamblers and lovers. They are a scarlet-coloured gem, and fine rubies are rarer than diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. Their colour is beautiful and they are highly durable. Diamonds are considered the hardest natural substances on earth (rating a 10 on the Mohs scale) and rubies come a close second with a rating of 9. Fine rubies are the most expensive gem of them all (with the exception of some rare coloured diamonds) and the largest and finest ones are in museums. Most material sold today in jewelry is of commercial quality - small and heavily riddled with inclusions. Therefore, it is important to remember that although they are really hard, if they are included they can crack.

When buying, use a few simple guidelines. Size, quality colour and price are related. You can get a ruby twice the size of another for the same price if you compromise half the colour and clarity. Cut is not as important as it is for diamonds and some are faceted overseas creating what is called "native cuts." As well, clarity guidelines are not as rigorous as with diamonds, because a naturally flawless ruby is impossible. When buying make sure that you see the stone under a microscope to make sure that the inclusions don't take away from the gem and threaten the durability of it. It is best to avoid a ruby with so much inclusion that it looks cloudy or opaque.


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