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.