July Birthstone: Rubies and How to Care for Them

The July Birthstone is Ruby which is said to bestow passion and power with its red color. It is considered one of the four precious gems along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. Of all precious gems, only diamonds are harder than rubies. Learn how to care for rubies so they last for years.

July Birthstone: Rubies and How to Care for Them

Avoid exposing ruby jewelry to cleansers, hairspray or perfume. Use these products before putting on ruby jewelry. Always wipe rubies with a soft cloth after wearing. This will remove any oils that might penetrate precious gems or the coating that might be over them.

July Birthstone: Rubies and How to Clean Them

Soapy water and a soft-bristled brush or commercial jewelry cleanser can be used to clean rubies. Do not use abrasive cleanser or toothpaste. It is important to rinse rubies thoroughly to remove cleanser. Then dry with a soft cloth or air dry.

If debris is still evident, soak rubies in alcohol or vodka overnight. This is effective for hard-to-remove dirt that isn't eliminated with a fine jewelry cleaner. You may want to take your rubies to a jeweler from time to time for ultrasonic cleaning.

July Birthstone: Rubies and How to Store Them

Rubies can scratch softer gemstones. So, to store rubies, separate them from the rest of your jewelry. Traditionally, rubies are stored in fabric-lined boxes.

July Birthstone: Ruby Legends

Ancient Egyptian legends say the "Lord of the Gems" ruby was once meant only for kings but brings happiness and luck to a woman once it touches her skin. The bravest Burmese warriors also went into battle with a ruby under their skin so the precious gem could emanate its magic properties. For this reason, jewelry designer Roberto Coin hides a ruby in all his pieces so that it touches the skin.

Traditionally India is considered the source of rubies. However, a new field of rubies has developed in Greenland. The rubies lie so thick on the ground that workers trample them. This deposit is so rich it could change the global market for this precious gemstone. In just 48 tons of ore, 65,000 grams of precious gem-quality rubies were found. Some gems were single stones of more than 400 carats.

Nothing pleases like these precious gems. Ruby is the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th years of marriage and the birthstone for the month of July.

Click here and scroll to read, June Birthstone: Pearl.

Source:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5ggEo7H8KAyoewlx10_0P7Qepkj-g

July Birthstone: Rubies and How to Care for Them copyright 2009.