Birthstone of the Month: July

The birthstone for July is the incomparable ruby, a gemstone which has been coveted since ancient times for its fabulous colour, bright lustre and durability.

A selection of Ruby jewellery available at Buck & Co, Bodmin

​Named for the Latin for red ('ruber'), rubies are in the same gemstone species as sapphires, Corundum. Made of Aluminum Oxide which when pure is colourless, it is the presence of different colouring agents that create the different colours. Chromium is the element which gives rubies their deep red colour, and also causes red fluorescence under ultraviolet light. This fluorescence also enhances the red glow of these gemstones in daylight, making the red hue appear as more saturated and vibrant.

Rubies often grow as short tabular crystals in high temperature and medium pressure conditions, and have been mined for centuries in Myanmar (Burma) where the finest quality stones come from the Mogok district. Rubies have been mined since at least 600AD in Myanmar, where warriors believed that these beautiful stones would grant them invincibility in battle.

Often used in celebration of the 40th wedding anniversary, rubies are traditionally believed to symbolise passion and blood, and are believed to protect against illness and enhance the life force of the wearer.

Pictured are some antique and secondhand ruby rings available for viewing at our shop in Bodmin. These include a 22ct five ruby ring dating to 1864 and featuring the hallmark of the young Queen Victoria. The beautiful star and moon ring features both a ruby and diamonds, and is 18ct gold throughout. The octagonal ruby and diamond ring is modern and in pristine condition, giving an antique feel but with the robustness of a new piece. For more information please pm, or visit us at our shop in Bodmin.