by Amazon.com Collection
Buy new:
(Visit the Best Sellers in list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.)
These classic ruby stud earrings make a romantic gift--or a nice little treat for yourself. Faceted 6mm rounds of genuine ruby are mounted in four-prong basket settings and featured on posts with friction backings. The ruby stones are semi-opaque, with an attractive deep purplish-red color. The settings, posts, and backings are all made from 925 sterling silver. The treasured ruby is the birthstone for July and a time-honored symbol of love and passion.
July Birthstone: Ruby
Known as "king of the gems" in ancient Sanskrit, the ruby has long been prized for its rarity and its passionate red hue. Those born in July wear rubies as symbols of beauty, love, happiness, and good fortune.
History of Birthstones
Chances are you can name your birthstone, but have you ever wondered how certain stones came to be associated with particular months? Most gem scholars trace the tradition to the Old Testament story of Aaron, whose breastplate was decorated with twelve precious stones, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones were linked with certain powers and tied to particular astrological signs, and later to calendar months.
There are many variations of birthstone lists, including Mystical birthstones, which originate from Tibet and date back over a thousand years, and Ayurvedic birthstones, associated with ancient Indian medicine and beliefs. Birthstones have also been tied to ancient Pagan religions, and even to the collective wisdom of the legendary lost city of Atlantis.
The Modern birthstone list, perhaps the most universally known, was released by the American National Association of Jewelers and officially adopted in 1912. Whether you embrace birthstone lore, or look upon it with a skeptical eye, there is an undeniable appeal to collecting a beautiful gemstone that is reputed to hold special power, meaning, and good fortune just for you.