Ah, sweet July! It is the time of the year when summer is in full swing and everything seems so warm, bright, and full of life! And a hot season like this calls for savoring delicious ice creams🍦, sipping on refreshing coolers🍹and relishing mouth watering watermelons🍉! But wait, do you really think that’s all there is to this month? Oh, my friend, as Chandler Bing would say, could you BE more wrong? Let’s not forget about the hidden gems of this month- the enchanting July birthstones, ruby and onyx! (And no, when I say Onyx, I am not talking about the character from Pokémon)
The ruby, with its rich, fiery red hue and the onyx, with its deep, mysterious black shade, are like the yin and yang of the July birthstone duo. These two stones not only dazzle the eyes but also have a long and fascinating history and symbolism.
So, let’s take a closer look at these mesmerizing gems and the famous faces who have been known to flaunt them. From Hollywood red carpets to royal engagements, these stones have made their mark on some of the most iconic moments in history. And let’s not forget about the stunning jewelry pieces that showcase these magnificent gems in all their glory.
Ruby — Vibrant Beauty in Red
Ruby is one of the four precious gems, the other three being diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. It belongs to the corundum mineral family and owes its fiery red hue to the presence of chromium in its crystal structure. Ruby gemstone has a score of 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it an impressively durable gemstone.
Historical Significance and Symbolism
Rubies are gemstones brimming with historical significance and symbolism. They have always been highly valued in Asian cultures. It is believed that rubies were traded along China’s North Silk Road and this goes as far back as 200 BC. Chinese nobles even decorated their armor with these red gems for extra protection, believing in the gem’s power.
Rubies have been admired for centuries, earning them the title of the “king of gemstones.” They are a symbol of love, passion and fidelity, making them a popular choice for romantic jewelry gifts. They also symbolize wealth, vitality and power. Wear your July birthstone jewelry to attract these qualities in your life!
Prominent Ruby Gemstones
The “Sunrise Ruby,” a renowned pigeon blood ruby gemstone weighing 25.59 carats, is one of the most famous rubies in the world. Originating from Myanmar, this precious gem was placed between hexagonal diamonds in a platinum ring. In 2015, it was sold for an impressive $30.3 million. Doesn’t this clearly highlight the everlasting worth and charm of this exceptional ruby?
In 2023, a spectacular 55.22-carat ruby known as Estrela de Fura made history! It is considered the largest and most valuable ruby gemstone ever to be sold at auction so far. Can you guess its final bid price? It fetched a whopping $34.8 million! This extraordinary gem was cut from a rough stone that caused quite a stir when it was first discovered. Initially weighing 101 carats, nearly twice its size now, it held the title of the largest gem-quality ruby ever found. Simply incredible, isn’t it? Where do you think this gigantic July birthstone will end up being – a ring, a necklace or a tiara?
Celebrities and Rubies
Celebrities and royalty just can’t resist the allure of rubies! Elizabeth Taylor, the queen of owning elegant jewelry, had a collection of gorgeous rubies that would make anyone jealous. Her third husband, Mike Todd, gave her a breathtaking ruby necklace.
In 1968, Richard Burton, one of Elizabeth Taylor’s husbands, decided to treat her to a sparkling surprise for Christmas! It was an extravagant 8.24-carat Burmese ruby ring. This jaw-dropping piece featured a high-end oval ruby surrounded by diamonds, all set in gold. After Taylor’s passing, the ring hit the auction market and shattered records by selling for a jaw-dropping $4 million!
But that’s not all! Behold the Crown Ruby Necklace and Queen Victoria’s Ruby Brooch, a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria. It is a beautiful and glimmering testament to royal love for the fiery red gemstone! Later on, these stunning jewels were passed on to none other than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Truly a royal gemstone saga for the ages!
And wait! Not just royalty can’t get enough of this fiery gem! Celeb beauties like Katy Perry, Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson rock stunning ruby engagement rings.
Can you get enough of the fiery and gorgeous ruby gemstone? I don’t know about you, but I surely can’t. But the enchantment of the July birthstone doesn’t just end here. We are yet to unveil the beauty and magic of onyx! Let’s do that without wasting any time.
Onyx- Captivating Allure in Black
Onyx, known as the powerful protection stone, belongs to the chalcedony family. It has a rating of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. While an onyx gemstone may not be as durable as many other gems, with proper care it can last long.
Historical Significance and Symbolism
The Onyx gemstone has an interesting backstory! Back in the day, this gem had a bit of a sinister reputation. It is said that in China, slaves and servants were used to mine Onyx. People were superstitious about owning it, believing it brought bad dreams, bad luck, and drained energy. Despite this, merchants saw its potential and decided to sell it in the West where it became a booming business!
Over the years, onyx gemstone has gained popularity for its reputed healing, protective, and strength-enhancing qualities. The Ancient Greeks and Romans highly prized onyx for its exquisite texture and striking contrast, often crafting it into intricate cameos.
Onyx is often linked with grounding and self-control. Those who believe in metaphysical properties can benefit from this gem. A belief goes that onyx soaks up and transforms negative energy, helping you grow stronger emotionally and physically. And who wouldn’t want that, right? So, if you are a July born, this July birthstone jewelry is perfect for you!
Prominent Onyx Gemstone
Although onyx might not be as well-known as rubies when it comes to individual stones, its history and artistic importance are fascinating! Have you heard of the “Gemma Augustea,” a famous ancient Roman cameo made from onyx? It showcases Emperor Augustus and the incredible artistry achieved with this stone. This piece is a fantastic example of using onyx for creating beautiful and meaningful art over the years.
Celebrities and Onyx
Onyx’s chic and classy vibes have made it a hit in the world of modern fashion and jewelry! Your favorite celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Ryan Gosling and Johnny Depp have all been rocking some seriously stylish onyx jewelry pieces.
Drawn to the mysterious and alluring black hue of the onyx gemstone? You can find yourself stunning onyx jewelry, from rings and pendants to earrings and bracelets, that complements your style!
Parting Thoughts
Looking to up your jewelry game this July? You can vibe with the fiery passion of ruby or embrace the mysterious elegance of onyx! These July birthstones offer more than just bling; they come packed with meaning and style. Treat yourself or a July-born friend to a piece that sparkles with personality and charm. And if you are all about that ruby life, look no further than the jaw-dropping collection at GemsNY.
