Rubies, often called "the King of gems", is July's birthstone.
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One of the most amazing country I ever visited was Myanmar (Burma) which I was lucky enough to visit during the brief window when the country opened up, around 2010. There is so much to see and learn there. But one of it's marvels is that it is the source of the world's most sought-after rubies. Antique ruby jewelry in every form is gorgeous and sought after.
Rubies, ranging in colour from light pink through deepest pigeon-blood have long been used in jewelry and along with their blue brothers, the sapphires, come directly under diamonds in hardness and desirability. Mystical qualities attributed to this valuable gem confer power, energy and passion to the wearer. While the tone of colour is strictly personal - Asians tend to love the darkest pigeon blood, Americans, the pinker tones, always look for a clear gemstone that talks to you and that you would like to see on your great-great-grand-daughter's finger, or worn around her neck.
We can aspire to fabulous antique ruby set jewels, but given the price of the very best antique jewelry, it's often worth looking into alternatives.
For years, even the Georgians searched for more affordable jewelry choices, while maintaining their high standards of workmanship. Rubellite, actually tourmaline, named because of it's similarity to ruby, is one choice
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A gorgeous Edwardian pair of earrings, set with real diamonds and synthetic rubies was considered no less desirable than the real gemstone.
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On a slightly technical note, ruby as you may know is part of a mineral group called Corundum, the 2nd hardest mineral, after diamonds. The other form of corundum is sapphire and supposedly, the only difference between sapphire and ruby is the color (caused by traces of other substances). However, many pinkish corundums are appraised as sapphire when we might think of them as ruby. Confused yet? I am too. Just remember that not only rubies are red. Turns out there is a whole scale and range of red and pink tones and if the color doesn't quite fit onto that scale or within that range, we call it sapphire and not ruby. Perhaps it is nit-picking, but I don't make the rules. I just report them.
Looking at antique and modern jewelry, the buyer is presented with huge choices: Big-small, dark-light, deep-bright.
Here is a fabulous pair of paste earrings from the Georgian era. 
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Two rings might look superficially similar, especially when looking at enlarged 'photos on the internet. However, there may be a world of difference between them: both beautiful and with merits, but one way more valuable than the other.
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Compare these two ruby rings: One has a more valuable ruby than the other and the price is very different. So, list your priorities and decide accordingly.
Ruby jewellery is fabulous, yet entirely wearable. These modern earrings by Graf with diamonds and rubies can be worn daily and look great with your evening attire.
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Bracelets, more than any other accessory, finish off your look. For fun, wear bangles up your arm, let them jingle and play across one another as you move for subtle attraction and subliminal messaging.
Pair of antique bangles with rubies and natural pearls
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Lucky July babies have the ruby as their birthstone. We will write a lot more about these superb gems in the coming weeks.
Keep reading. Your comments are most welcome.
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