DANIELLA KRONFLE

Hello my gems and July birthday babies! Hope you had a great holiday, and are enjoying the summer. For this month's birthstone we have the ruby and all of its super interesting myth and power, which were actually very influential to me when I was choosing my jewelry look for my wedding a month ago.

For this special ocassion I wore a ruby and diamond choker worn as a crown around my chignon, and diamond solitaire earrings. I went with rubies because they are the gem of passion and love, and because the ruby is the most prized gem. Here is a close-up of the gems I chose for wedding look and everything you would ever need to know about the "king of gems", the ruby.

Pigeons blood rubies in diamonds in
perfect harmony in this gorgeous choker by
Daniella Kronfle Jewelry

These "Illusion" diamonds studs
are the best complement for the choker.

Aren't they all sooo gorgeous? Loved having this special gem on such a special day. This is one of the reasons I love jewels. We can remember meaningful time we have had by the jewels we had on, or given as a gift they can be a forever reminder of a beautiful experience. But now back to one of my favorite gems to work with, the ruby, which was the only gemstone I could use when I was designing these glamourous pieces below.

Gorgeous pieces in rubies and diamonds:
These beautiful earrings and drop style
necklace are handmade in 18kt white gold

The history of Ruby mining dates back more than 2,500 years ago. The most beautiful crystals are thought to be from Burma, but quality Rubies are also found in India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States.

Ruby from Tanzania

The word Ruby comes from the Latin "ruber," meaning red. It is a variety of the mineral Corundum, and is found as crystals within metamorphic rock. Corundum is the second hardest mineral, after Diamond. It comes in a variety of colors, and is considered a Sapphire in any color except red, which is designated as a Ruby. Rubies range in hue from an orangey red to a purplish red, but the most prized gems are a true red in color. Large sized Rubies are very rare and valuable.

Called the "Rajnapura" or King of Gems by ancient Hindus, July's birthstone is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history. The Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and was worn by royalty as a talisman against evil. It was thought to grow darker when peril was imminent, and to return to its original color once danger was past—provided it was in the hands of its rightful owner!

Ruby engagement ring. Very in right now.

Rubies were thought to represent heat and power. Ancient tribes used the gem as bullets for blowguns, and it was said that a pot of water would boil instantly if a Ruby was tossed into it. Ground to powder and placed on the tongue, this crystal was used as a cure for indigestion.

It has been said that the Ruby's red glow comes from an internal flame that cannot be extinguished, making a gift of this stone symbolic of everlasting love. With its hardness and durability, it is a perfect engagement gem. And if worn on the left hand, ancient lore has it that the Ruby will bring good fortune to its wearer, too! Like a perfect red rose, the Ruby's rich color speaks of love and passion.

Fabulous earrings in rubies and
shiny diamonds. Handmade as
always in 18kt white gold

I love working with rubies because today they are not used very often, making them very special and unique. For those of you born in July, this gemstone represents devotion, integrity, courage and happiness. It is also supposed to signify vitality, confidence and strengths, all great qualities to have a jewelry piece.

Love Always
Dani K

Bling of the Month: Rubies