The pairing of ruby and diamond is one of the most classic and visually striking combinations in fine jewelry. As the designated birthstone for July, the ruby carries a legacy of passion, power, and protection, while diamonds, celebrated for their unparalleled brilliance and durability, provide a perfect counterpoint. This article explores the enduring appeal of ruby and diamond birthstone rings, drawing on available information to detail their historical context, gemological properties, and practical considerations for care and acquisition.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The ruby has been revered for millennia, with its name derived from the Latin word rubeus, meaning red. This gemstone has long been associated with vitality, emotion, and the life force. In ancient lore, it was believed to possess protective powers, warding off danger and misfortune. Its deep red hue evokes feelings of love and courage, making it a potent symbol in various cultures.
The diamond, while not traditionally a birthstone for a specific month, holds its own profound symbolism. It is universally recognized as the gemstone of April and represents purity, strength, and eternal love. The combination of these two stones in a single ring merges the fiery passion of the ruby with the steadfast, brilliant clarity of the diamond, creating a piece that is rich in both visual and symbolic meaning.
The modern tradition of birthstones, popularized in the 20th century, has solidified the ruby's place as the July birthstone. This designation has further increased its desirability, particularly for personalized jewelry. A ring featuring a ruby as the central birthstone, accented by diamonds, offers a personalized yet timeless gift that carries deep personal significance.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and chemical characteristics of these gemstones is essential for appreciating their value and ensuring their longevity. The following information is based on standard gemological knowledge.
Ruby
Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃). Its captivating color is caused by trace amounts of chromium (Cr³⁺) replacing aluminum in the crystal structure. The most prized rubies exhibit a vibrant, pure red with a slight bluish undertone, often described as "pigeon's blood." Key properties include:
- Hardness: On the Mohs scale, ruby ranks a 9, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to scratching, second only to diamond (10) and moissanite.
- Clarity: Natural rubies often contain inclusions, which are accepted as proof of their natural origin. The clarity grade can significantly impact the stone's value, with eye-clean stones being highly sought after.
- Cut: Rubies are cut in various shapes, including oval, round, cushion, and emerald cuts, to maximize color and brilliance.
- Origin: Significant sources include Myanmar (Burma), which is historically renowned for producing the finest rubies, as well as Mozambique, Tanzania, and Vietnam.
Diamond
Diamond is composed of pure carbon in a crystalline structure. Its remarkable hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and high refractive index (2.42) contribute to its exceptional brilliance and fire. Key properties include:
- Color: While diamonds are often associated with colorless stones, they occur in a range of colors. For use as an accent, white diamonds are most common, providing a bright contrast to the ruby's red.
- Clarity: The clarity of a diamond is graded based on the presence of internal inclusions and external blemishes. For accent stones, small diamonds (often melee) with good clarity are used to enhance the overall appearance without dominating the central ruby.
- Cut: The cut of a diamond is crucial for its light performance. Common cuts for accent diamonds include round brilliant, princess, and baguette, chosen to complement the center stone's shape and maximize sparkle.
Design and Setting Considerations
When designing a ring with a ruby and diamonds, the focus is on balance and enhancement. The central ruby typically serves as the focal point, with diamonds used as accents to frame the stone or add sparkle to the band.
- Metal Choice: Yellow gold often complements the warm red of the ruby, while white gold or platinum can create a cooler, more modern contrast. Rose gold offers a romantic, vintage feel.
- Setting Styles:
- Solitaire with Diamond Accents: A single ruby set in a simple band with small diamonds on the shoulders or gallery.
- Halo Setting: A ruby center stone surrounded by a circle of small diamonds, amplifying the ruby's size and brilliance.
- Three-Stone Ring: A ruby flanked by two diamonds, symbolizing the past, present, and future.
- Swirl or Pave Setting: Diamonds are set along a curved or twisted band, creating a dynamic and sparkling design.
- Personalization: Many jewelers offer engraving services, allowing for a custom message inside the band, adding a deeply personal touch to the birthstone ring.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care is vital to maintain the beauty and integrity of a ruby and diamond ring. Both gemstones are durable, but they require mindful handling.
- Cleaning: Clean the ring regularly using a soft toothbrush, warm water, and a mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners (especially if the ruby has fractures or inclusions), and steam cleaners unless advised by a professional jeweler.
- Storage: Store the ring separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching. A soft pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box is ideal.
- Professional Inspection: Have the ring inspected by a qualified jeweler at least once a year. They can check for loose stones, prong wear, and ensure the overall structural integrity of the setting.
- Durability Considerations: While ruby is very hard, it can be brittle along certain crystal directions. Avoid exposing the ring to hard impacts or extreme temperature changes, which could potentially cause damage.
Market and Acquisition
When purchasing a ruby and diamond birthstone ring, several factors influence price and quality. The value of the ruby is primarily determined by its color, followed by cut, clarity, and carat weight. For diamonds, the standard 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) apply.
It is crucial to source from reputable jewelers who provide certification for the gemstones, particularly for the ruby, from recognized gemological laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL). This ensures the stones are natural and untreated, which is a significant factor in value.
For those seeking a July birthstone ring, a ruby and diamond combination offers a versatile and enduring choice. Whether as an engagement ring, a promise ring, or a personal milestone gift, this pairing celebrates both the fiery spirit of the ruby and the lasting brilliance of the diamond.
Conclusion
The ruby and diamond birthstone ring represents a harmonious blend of color, brilliance, and symbolism. As the July birthstone, the ruby embodies passion and vitality, while diamonds add a layer of timeless elegance and strength. Understanding the gemological properties, historical context, and proper care for these stones allows for a greater appreciation of such jewelry. Whether chosen for its personal significance as a birthstone or its classic aesthetic appeal, a ruby and diamond ring is a cherished piece that can be treasured for generations.