Smokey Amethyst
Smokey Amethyst
Ruby â July's Gemstone of Hot & Spicy Fun
Ruby is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of opaque or translucent red, and is widely recognized as the July Birthstone as well as the gemstone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, ruby holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your ruby jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!
Ruby is a variety of the species Corundum, and is one of the most sought-after precious colored gems in the world. The word ruby is said to come from the Latin word "rubber" or "rubens," which means red.
In ancient Sanskrit, ruby is called "ratnaraj," or "king of precious stones." Centuries ago, people believed that if a ruby were placed in a pot of water, it would cause the water to boil. People also believed that if rubies were placed beneath the skin, they would generate a mystical force field that would protect the wearer from mishaps. Red is also the color of blood--the life force of all mankind.
Ruby gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with diamonds, black onyx or dark blue sapphire. More casual combinations include softer contrasts of brilliant ruby reds with clear quartz, emerald or pearls. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring ruby, click here. Ruby is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of green or hazel eyes.
Rubies became a popular colored stone among European royalty and other nobility because of their intense red color. Whenever a ruby was found, the emperor/royalty sent out people to see and welcome the precious stone. The ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the God Krishna could be granted the life of an emperor in their next lives.
The ruby is often associated with the emotions of love, passion, majesty, power and anger. Rubies are also believed to open the heart, attract others, and overcome fear. They were also said to help predict the future if they change color or intensity. Rubies were first mined 2500 years ago. While they originated in Sri Lanka, today rubies are found in Thailand, Mynamar, and Kenya.
Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Ruby gets a score of 9, meaning that it is very scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Ruby gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Other methods, including ultra-sonic cleaners, are also okay as long as they are not oiled. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.
Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart.
About the Author
Sarah Stephens is the Fashion Director for Dasha Boutique. Visit our online shop today, featuring hundreds of handmade jewelry designs. Customize orders ship in 3 business days. Dasha Boutique is featured in Lucky, InStyle, People, Bridal Guide and Brides.
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 Smokey Amethyst Crystal Cluster Large Museum Double Terminated South Carolina  US $2,450.00
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 17 lb Elestial Quartz Excellant Geometric Patterns Amethyst and Smokey Quartz US $2,200.00
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 RARE AMETHYST SMOKEY QUARTZ MUSEUM DISPLAY SPECIMEN REEL MINE IRON STATION NC US $800.00
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 Fenster Brandburg Goboboseb Smokey Amethyst US $250.00
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 Fenster Smokey Amethyst US $160.00
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 FB Top Shelf Elestial Smokey Amethyst US $125.00
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 RARE REEL MINE NC SMOKEY AMETHYST NICE US $115.00
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 Double Terminated Smokey Amethyst Crystal Point from Diamond Hill South Carolina US $100.00
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 DT Amethyst Smokey Quartz Crystal Park Montana US $86.25
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 Smokey Amethyst Quartz Crystal Points w Enhydro Bubble US $80.00
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 Fine Light to Dark Smokey Amethyst from North Carolina US $69.99
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 Amethyst in geode Origin unknown Gorgeous piece also has Smokey crystals US $65.00
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 Amethyst Smokey Quartz from Brandberg Namibia Africa 3857 US $49.99
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 Amethyst Quartz Crystal Cluster with A Smokey Phantom US $48.95
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 Amethyst Crystal Cluster Points with RARE Smokey Lines US $40.00
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 Smokey Amethyst from North Carolina US $39.99
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 TABBY Smokey Amethyst Quartz crystal Point Diamond Hill US $38.95
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 RARE Ametrine Smokey Smoky Phantom Crystal Point 734g Amethyst Citrine US $35.56
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 Smokey Amethyst Crystal points on Druse Quartz Matrix US $35.00
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 Double Terminated Smokey Amethyst Quartz Crystal Point US $35.00
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 Smokey Amethyst Crystal with Double Terminated Point US $35.00
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 Smokey Amethyst Phantom Crystal Quartz Floater Point US $35.00
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 Smokey Amethyst Quartz Crystal Point on Druse Matrix US $30.00
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 Smokey Amethyst Crystal Cluster from South Carolina US $30.00
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 Smokey and Amethyst Quartz Crystal Crystal Park Montana US $26.25
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 Smokey Amethyst Crystal DT Point in Druse Quartz Matrix US $25.00
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Sapphire – September's Gemstone of Brilliant Blue
Sapphire is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of deep blues, and is widely recognized as the September Birthstone as well as zodiac signs of Taurus and Virgo, the 5th, 45th, 30th, 15th, and 50th anniversaries, the time of 10 am and Thursday and Tuesday. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, sapphire holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your sapphire jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!
Sapphire is the mineral variety of the species corundum. Although many people associate Sapphire with the color blue, this precious colored gem comes in a vast array of hues and saturations, in just about ever color of the rainbow and clear as well, except for red (red ones are Rubies!). These other colors are called "Fancy Sapphires."
The beautiful blue Sapphire is immaculate, pure and heavenly. Throughout history, the Sapphire has been associated with qualities like sympathy, harmony, friendship and loyalty, permanency and reliability. Not surprisingly, in some cultures sapphires as more popular than diamonds as the center stone for engagement rings.
Sapphire gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with diamonds, quartz or pearls. More casual combinations include softer contrasts with green peridot, light aquamarine, citrine or ruby. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring sapphire, click here. Sapphire is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of blue eyes.
The word Sapphire comes from the Hebrew Sapir. Centuries ago, the Persians believed that the sky was one big, sparkling Sapphire, and called the stone "the gem of the heavens." People believed that the power of wisdom was held within the Sapphire, promoting mental clarity, enabling the wearer to find the answer to their problems, and let go of grudges, increasing tranquility in everyday life that is sent from the heavens.
A Sapphire’s value is determined by the richness and purity color of its color. Most Sapphires are heat-treated to eliminate impurities and improve color and clarity. Throughout history, the majority of the world’s sapphires were mined in Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Myanmar. Today, some of the finest Sapphires come from mines in Montana.
Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Sapphire gets a score of 9, meaning that it is very scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of everyday jewelry. Sapphire gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water, or an ultra-sonic cleaner or steamer. Other methods, including solvents and harsh chemicals should be avoided when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.
Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart.
About the Author
Sarah Stephens is the Fashion Director for Dasha Boutique. Visit our online shop today, featuring hundreds of handmade jewelry designs. Customize orders ship in 3 business days. Dasha Boutique is featured in Lucky, InStyle, People, Bridal Guide and Brides.