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

I recently celebrated my wedding in Tuscany where I was fortunate enough to get married, among my closest family and friends, in the most beautiful church at la Certosa di Fireze, the Basilica di San Lorenzo

Also known as the Certosa del Galuzzo, the charterhouse, or Carthusian monastery, is located in the Florence suburb of Galluzzo, in central Italy. The building is a walled complex located on Monte Acuto, between the Ema and Greve rivers. Founded in 1341 by the Florentine noble Niccolò Acciaioli, Grand Seneschal of the Kingdom of Naples, the Certosa is so beautiful and magnificent that it even inspired famed modernist architect Le Corbusier in his urban projects.

Built in 1341 not only as a religious centre but also for the education of the young, the Certosa has always held a special place in history for many reasons. The Acciaiuoli (Acciaioli) Palace where the youth of Florence were taught towers upwards alongside the religious buildings of the monastery. Galluzzo was one of the most influential monasteries in Europe and was immensely wealthy, with a population of hundreds of monks and, until the Napoleonic depredations, large numbers of works of art.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo, or Church of Saint Lawrence is Mannerist in architectural style and filled with frescoes and pictures, a sumptuous marble altar of the 16 century and a crypt containing many tombs, mainly of the Acciaioli family. The church gives access to the beautiful Renaissance cloister with its large terracotta well by Andrea and Giovanni della Robbia. Here are some shots of the interior of the church, overlooking the main entrance.

And here is the altar of the Basilica di San Lorenzo, and some of the famous painted frescoes and wonderful architectural details. The interior of the church is so breathtaking one could actually be moved to tears just by being there, let alone get married!

Firenze and the surrounding areas is known for its artisans and old world traditions and craftsmanship. This beautiful little church on top of a hill is definitely proof of that. Here is the woodwork on the benches that surround the Basilica.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo, with 14th-century origins, has a Renaissance exterior. To one side of it is the Colloquio, a narrow hall with benches. Here the Carthusian monks were permitted to break their vow of silence once a week (they got a second chance on Mondays when they were allowed to leave the monastery grounds for a gentle stroll).

Ever since I studied in Florence, I have been fascinated by Tuscany and all of its unique beauty. When it came to choosing a place for our wedding my handsome groom and I were immediately on board with the idea of Tuscany for our special day. After we visited Italy and la Certosa, we were blown away by how beautiful a setting it would be. Not only is the church in an idyllic spot overlooking a gorgeous and green landscape, it is also an architectural treasure. Here are some pictures of us and our friends and family on this special day.

And in case you were wondering my jewels are Daniella Kronfle, and I wore a ruby and diamond chocker worn as a crown around my chignon, and diamond solitaire earrings.

To all of my friends and family who came to my wedding thank you very much. It means so much to us that you celebrated in Florence with us. Stay tuned for more of our Tuscan wedding in the coming weeks and for more pictures follow me on instagram @daniellakronfle.

Love Always

Dani K

Bling of the Month: Rubies

La Certosa di Firenze