By Caitlin Goodman for Robert’s Jewelers –
Remember the famous ruby red slippers Dorothy wore in the 1939 American musical fantasy film, “The Wizard of Oz”? Of course you do! The ruby red slippers were a representation of power and one of the most important signs in the film. Coincidentally, the Ruby gemstone is known as “King of the Gems”, representing courage, integrity, confidence and strength. Lucky for all of you July birthdays- what a gem you have!
As for this week’s blog – if you can’t already tell – we will be talking a little bit about rubies and the meaning and history behind this beautiful gemstone. Also, we will be providing you with some creative ideas on how brides are now using this luscious red gemstone as one of their signature colors in their wedding – including their wedding bands.
Just as Diamonds have become the gem of romance, ruby is the gem of passion. The ruby is also thought to bestow wisdom, health and luck. It is a member of the corundum family. This gem is also very durable – which makes it perfect for everyday wear. The ruby can range from an orange to a purple-red in color, but is most common in the deep red. Check out the celebrities who are flaunting their vibrant ruby red engagement rings instead of the traditional diamond.
Pictured above: SARAH FERGUSON‘s engagement ring from Prince Andrew, who she wed in 1986, was a fiery red Burmese ruby surrounded by diamonds from Garrards.
Pictured above: PRINCESS MATHILDE married Belgium’s heir apparent Prince Philippe in 1999. He proposed with a large oval cut ruby engagement ring.
Pictured above: MARY DONALDSON married Frederick, the Crown Prince of Denmark in 2004 and wears a massive 8 carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring with ruby side stones. Her Uffe Frank designed wedding dress is one of our absolute favorites.
Eric Johnson gave Jessica Simpson a 5-carat ruby ring in honor of her July birthday. “The ruby design for Jessica was perfection,” says Neil Lane, the celebrity jeweler behind Simpson’s engagement ring. “It’s a classic design with a twist because the side stones are pear-shaped.”
Ruby was considered an alternative stone to wear as an engagement ring – which meant eternal love. It symbolizes passion alive and promotes lasting love and contentment in a marriage. If worn on the left hand, it is believed that the ruby will bring good fortune to its wearer. Ruby is traditionally given as a gift on the 15th and 40th anniversaries.
Pictured above: Laying over the treasure chest is a 14k yellow gold diamond and ruby slide bracelet; Top right pictured is a 14k yellow gold oval ruby and 8 round diamond halo ring; Bottom left pictured is a 14k yellow gold oval ruby and diamond halo ring; Above the top right pictured is a 14k yellow gold ruby and diamond bar pin; Bottom right pictured is a 14k yellow gold 17 round ruby engraved bangle. – Select pieces available at Robert’s Jewelers.
Pictured above: 14k yellow gold Moonstone Ruby Flower Pendant- Circa 1940 – Available at Robert’s Jewelers.
So, if you’re looking for a gem that represents power like the meaning of Dorothy’s ruby red slippers in the film “The Wizard of Oz”, one that is said to symbolize eternal love and contentment in a marriage, a beautiful red ruby would be the perfect alternative stone. While choosing a piece of ruby jewelry, whether it’d be for it’s symbolic reasons, special occasion (birthday, anniversary,etc) or just because, you can trust that Robert’s Jewelers staff is here to help you find what you’re looking for and/or assist you in designing your own one of a kind piece.
For more information on the stories above:
http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2010/11/15/jessica-simpson-ruby-engagement-ring/
http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20351919_20598471_21165191,00.html
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