Ruby Lore – Learn About This Month’s Birthstone

Perhaps no gemstone has been as prized throughout history as the ruby. Celebrated in ancient Sanskrit writings as the most precious of all gemstones, rubies have adorned emperors and kings and inspired countless legends and myths with their rich, fiery hues.

As the ultimate red gemstone, rubies have symbolized passion and romance for centuries. Ruby is the birthstone for July and is also the recommended gem for couples celebrating their 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

Also the color of blood, the stone is symbolic of courage and bravery. Warriors were said to have implanted rubies under their skin to bring them valor in battle and make them invincible. The stone has also been used as a talisman against danger, disaster, to stop bleeding, and a number of other ailments. Its intense color was thought to come from an undying flame inside the stone - or, as some legends would have it, a piece of the planet Mars.

Ruby is the red variety of corundum, a sister of sapphire. Like sapphire, ruby rates a "9" on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it the second hardest material known after diamonds.


The most important factor to consider when buying a ruby is its color. It comes in a variety of shades ranging from purplish- and bluish-red to orange-red. Like sapphire, there is also a translucent variety of ruby that can display a six-point star when cut in a smooth domed cabochon cut.


Rubies are rarely found perfect in nature - which is why many are heat-treated to intensify or lighten their color or improve their clarity. Heat enhancement is a permanent, stable process. Some rubies also have surface fractures and cavities that are filled with glass-like materials to improve their appearance.

For both treated or untreated stones, the safest cleaning method is to just use soapy water or a mild commercial solvent and a brush.

Rock it in Rubies for the 4th

Can it be possible that it’s already time to July 4th our way through the weekend? Aside from strategic blanket placement at the fireworks display and avoiding drunk Uncle Joe at the family BBQ, the only thing you really have to worry about is adding a little red, white and blue to your wardrobe.

Luckily, the JI has your back.


Nothing says July more than the month’s birthstone – the rockin’ red ruby. And I say rockin’ because these days the stone is finding it’s way on more hip jewelry styles than your traditional cross necklace and simple pair of studs (the blood-thirsty Twilight vampires would surely agree).



Now, rubies are generally not thought of as an ‘affordable’ stone. They fall into the precious gemstone category along with sapphires and emeralds so are often found in higher price points than the frugalista budget allows.

But with your super secret code to the Friends and Family site, JewelClub, you have access to a whole host of ruby styles at 60% - 70% off the suggested retail price.



I just did a search through their stash, and there are plenty of cool styles that would go perfectly with your Americana garb this weekend – from bold cocktail rings to fun fashion pieces like this ruby purse pendant that is only $60 with their special July discount on selected ruby merchandise. And the original price? $279!!



So whether you’re in the market for the 4th or want to get a meaningful gift for the July birthday girl in your life, take a gander at the JewelClub treasure chest (www.jewelclub.com), enter the special code: INSIDER and walk away with savings you won’t get anywhere else.

Happy birthday to America, happy birthday to you.

Jessica Alba – Campari’s Coruscating Calendar Girl

A luminous Jessica Alba dazzled in Milan last week for the red carpet launch of her 2009 Campari calendar. The lady in red paired a stunning scarlet Dolce and Gabana dress with Bulgari vintage ruby and diamond jewels that made this jewelry hound drool on first sight.
Rubies haven’t looked this good since the red slipper renaissance!

Hunky husband, Cash Warren, attended the event with his lovely leading lady, and Donatella Versace, Alegra Beck and other glittering Milan residents kept them company.

The 10th anniversary edition of the Campari Catalog was directed by Jean Paul-Goude and photographed by world renown, Mario Testino, in Malibu – the perfect place to capture the “Club Campari” theme. Pics feature a curvy, post-baby-bod Alba in black and white swimsuits and elegant evening wear.

"I'm usually walking around in comfy clothes with a baby on my arm, and it's nice to dress things up and feel sophisticated, sexy and surrounded by so much beauty," Alba said of her sexy shoot. "Also being surrounded by Brazilian models made it even easier!"

Glamazons, Eva Mendez and Salma Hayek, have graced the pages of the calendar in year’s past, and I think we all can agree that Ms. Jessica has successfully carried the torch.

Campari will distribute the calendar internationally, but will only print 10,000 copies - -so get your guys a glittering eye-full before Santa runs out this season! You can, of course, always get a glimpse on their website: www.campari.com.