JewelStruck Blog

Next with Gemstone Each Month Series (GEMS) for December are some facts on the historical and symbolic references of Ruby and current applications. Rarer than diamonds and also known as “the king of gems” to the ancients, with a color that symbolizes blood, anger, love, romance,  devotion, prosperity and courage ruby has played an important part in the myths and imaginations of cultures around the world throughout written history. Pre-historic tools found near the mining areas of Myanmar may suggest that man’s fascination with rubies predates language itself.

According to legend, because of the color of blood, ruby has come to symbolize courage and bravery. Warriors implanted rubies under their skin to bring valor in battle. Ground to a fine powder and placed on the tongue, it was believed by some ancient cultures to cure blood diseases, stop bleeding, ensure good health, bring peace, and treat indigestion. As a talisman, ruby would warn its owner against danger and disaster.

Throughout history, other red gems such as spinel and garnet were mistaken for ruby. Only recently, with help of technology ruby can be distinguished from its colorful “twins.”  In fact, most large historical red stones (several hundred carats) are spinels. The French and Russian crowns and the Iranian treasury were all found to be using spinels. The largest known gem-quality ruby–at 250 carats–is on the crown, ordered in 1346 by Charles IV of Luxembourg, king of Bohemia (1316-78), for the shrine containing the skull of Saint Wenceslas, duke of Bohemia (921-29).

Today, rubies have numerous applications. They are used as styluses in turntables. Aldo in expensive wristwatches as tiny bearings. They form a crucial component at the laser’s core as well. This gem was thought to attract and maintain love and friendship and so it’s a great choice for an engagement ring. It is the traditional wedding anniversary gift for a couple’s 15th and 40th year.

So this was all about history behind Ruby, if you have anything related to ruby to share with our readers, please email us at info@jewelstruck.com. Also its just a week left with December, so sooner you send better it would be.

Image credit – franny_b