Ruby - The July Birthstone

I love rubies! One of the pieces of jewelry I remember from childhood was a faceted ruby pear (glass, of course) pendant that hung from a gold chain. I loved it; it made me think of fairy tales and India and other exotic places that, at the time, I didn't know if I would ever get to see. Now that I have, rubies still remind me of India, Turkey, Egypt, and Spain. I love working with them, and I'm always on the lookout for rubies to put in my jewelry - and the bigger they are, the better! (See links to jewelry at the end of this post.)

Rubies are a folklore staple, part of their exotic mystique. My favorite bit of ruby lore is the belief that putting a ruby under your pillow will ward off nightmares. Also, the ruby is associated in many cultures with an increase in prosperity, fame and accomplishments. Wearing a ruby was/is said to protect one from danger, and various diseases of the blood. According to Aryuvedic traditions, they strengthen the heart, restore balance in both love and spiritual relationships, and help to prevent miscarriages. Of course, rubies are thought to represent passion when a man presents one to a woman as a gift.

In Arabian lore, the ruby (also called the jacinth) was used to describe the beauty of the houris in paradise. Another name for the ruby, widely used in the 17th century was the carbuncle although it was more common to use this word to indicate a garnet. In India, it was known as the "Lord of the Gemstones". In Proverbs 31:10, a virtuous wife’s worth is “far above rubies.”

Scientifically, rubies are known as corundum (as are sapphires) and are a 9 in hardness on the Moh's scale. Only the diamond is harder. Many of the best, dark red rubies are known as pigeon's blood rubies. The best rubies were always thought to come from Burma. However, rubies also come from Thailand, India, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and even North Carolina in the USA.
It's hard to beat the richness of rubies, even with my favorite - the emerald. The ruby has luxury, mystery, and romance all rolled into one fabulous gemstone!
Ruby Bracelets Ruby Earrings Ruby Necklaces All on the Cluny Grey Jewelry website.

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Happy Fourth of July!

I wish I had some red, white, and blue jewelry to show today, but I'll have to make do with what's on the page. Here in Arkansas, it has rained until a few minutes ago when the sun has come out in full force! Now, for the jewelry: above, a jade bracelet with wonderful lampwork by Suzette Celestin. Below, a bead necklace with mixed stones including turquoise, apatite, citrine and chalcedony. Finally, two more bracelets: the first is a moonstone braceletmade with grey-green and whitish faceted nuggets of moonstone, and an agate bracelet with yellow crazy lace agate and a wonderful Karen Hill Tribes chain.
Have a safe and happy Fourth!!!



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You know its bad when...

your friend who lives away rings to ask if you are ok because you haven't written your blog for over a week. Or your Dad tells you off and calls you boring. So to all my blog readers near, dear and far - I'm Sorry. I have been so busy I can hardly keep up with myself, parties, wholesale, commissions and of course life! But I am still making and the above pendant (which comes in antiqued and shiny silver) Infinity is one of my latest designs. Simplicity with a organic twist don't you think??
I also had my first ring commission which I thoroughly enjoyed doing. Three slim line rings, one hammered, one grooved and one with a pebble on top. I hope you like them :)

Right more work is to be done - speak soon..

So about buying rocks for tumbling online

I got a paper yesterday from the post office that a box arrived, and I knew it's some rocks for tumbling from an Ebay seller. Based on the value given, I knew I should be paying taxes on it

So hubby goes today to the PO to pick up my parcel and then he calls me. I ask how much did he pay, and he said 'nothing'. I ask 'how come'. Well, he says, when they asked what's in the box, he said it's rocks. They like 'what?? '. To cut a long story short, they were going back and forth with hubby as they didn't believe him, as in 'say again, what's in the box'?? Then they said they will open the box to check, so hubby said to 'go ahead'. When they opened the box and saw that there WERE rocks in it (and some grit, ok), they were on the floor laughing. Hubby tried to maintain what dignity he could, and he left from there graciously after they told him he doesn't need to pay for the package...