The ruby is the official
birthstone for the month
of July. Gem
of passion, of
smoldering desire, ruby
has been treasured for
thousands of years.
Because the ancients
thought its glowing red
color was due to an
inextinguishable inner
fire, ruby was also
always associated with
courage and power.
Throughout
most of recorded
history, ruby has been
the most valuable of
gems. It was
believed wearing a fine
red ruby bestowed good
fortune on its owner -
although the owner must
have already had good
fortune enough to
possess such a rare and
beautiful gem.
