By Donna Jolly, RJ
The birthstone of July is the fiery Ruby. As someone who has walked up and down many aisles at jewelry trade shows, I can attest to the eye-drawing power of rubies. You see one out of the corner of your eye and you cannot help but stop immediately and take a look. If you happen to run across a cluster of rubies, you might be standing outside the display case, gawking for a long time. Refreshments might be needed.
There are many, many reasons to love rubies. Here are five:
1. Jewelry lovers love them. Elizabeth Taylor, the grand dame of Hollywood jewelry lovers, adored her rubies. 
She wrote about receiving this stunning set (left) given to her by her third husband, Mike Todd, and she makes it sound like a magical moment, a la Hollywood style. Dame Elizabeth was taking a swim when he presented her with this gorgeous gift:
“I got out and put my arms around him, and he said, ‘Wait a minute, don’t joggle your tiara.’ Because I was wearing the tiara he had bought for me in the pool! He was holding a red leather box, and inside was a ruby-and-diamond bib necklace, which glittered in the warm light. It was like the sun, lit up and made of red fire. First Mike put it around my neck and smiled. Then he bent down and put matching earrings on me. Next came the bracelet. Since there was no mirror around, I had to look into the water. The jewelry was glorious, rippling red on blue like a painting. I shrieked with joy, put my arms around Mike’s neck, and pulled him into the pool after me. It was a perfect summer day and a day of perfect love.”
Wait—she wore a tiara in the pool? And then she dove in wearing that expensive ruby and diamond set? Time to brush up on jewelry care. Thankfully, this is a great lead-in to reason #2 to love rubies:
2. They are very durable. Ruby is a variety of the gems species corundum. As a result it is harder than any natural gemstone except diamond, which means a ruby is durable enough for everyday wear. In fact, it’s one of the more popular alternative choices in engagement rings.
3. It’s a rare gift from nature. Fine-quality ruby is extremely rare, and the color of the gem is most important to its value. The most prized color is a medium or medium dark vivid red or slightly purplish red. If the gem is too light or has too much purple or orange, it will be called a fancy-color sapphire.
4. It has healing powers. According to lore, ruby can aid in improving emotions. It is also known to increase integrity, devotion, and happiness. Dame Elizabeth seemed pretty happy when Mike Todd gave her those rubies, so that part we know is true!
5. Because of jewelry like this, from Jye’s International. Hello beautiful!
Happy Birthday, July Babies!
