October 05, 2003
Sapphire and Ruby…TWINS?
The ultimate blue gemstone, Sapphire is magnificently versatile and can be found in a rainbow of colors. Ruby’s sister stone, Sapphire is the same mineral—corundum, red corundum is called Ruby and all other colors are called Sapphire. The other colors found in Sapphire are pink, orange, yellow, violet, green, brown, colorless or black; sapphires may be faceted or cabochon cut and a luminous star may be seen in stones whose internal structure is just right.
Ruby and Sapphire are among the oldest gems known to man, dating back many thousands of years. Throughout history, both ruby and sapphire have been attributed with having a great variety of beneficial properties. Ruby was said to preserve health and give invulnerability from wounds, and to guarantee that one’s status and possessions would never be taken. The wearing of a Ruby was said to signify manhood, nobility and valor in a man, and passion and pride in a woman. Sapphire was said to bring divine favor, to make peace between enemies and to protect against envy, fraud, poison and sorcery. The wearing of sapphire was said to signify generosity, good manners, wisdom and noble thoughts. Corundum is one of Nature’s most durable gemstones and makes a wonderful choice for everyday wear. It is the gemstone of choice for engagement rings in Europe as demonstrated by both Princess Diana (who wore a Sapphire) and Sarah Ferguson who wears a Ruby. Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and Ruby is the birthstone for July.
Some fun facts on these spectacular stones:
The corundum either in the form of Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Ruby or Star Ruby monopolize the symbolic gifts for wedding anniversaries. The 23rd is Sapphire, the 26th is Star Sapphire, the 40th is Ruby and the 52nd is Star Ruby. The astrological sign for corundum is Sagittarius and for Ruby it is Leo, Scorpio, Cancer and Sagittarius. Think color this year and do not limit yourself to blue…just remember that Sapphires come in the full spectral hue!!!
I say treat yourself to a little "Luck" by wearing a Green Gemstone, as you see, your choices are truly abundant.