Ruby - The "Other" Red Birthstone for January Babies

Ruby and Diamond Ring

I find it interesting that almost all cultures imbue gemstones with powers as a talisman that may be magical, miraculous or healing. I also find it interesting that red gemstones were referred to as carbuncles in the Bible and that it wasn't until the 18th century and chemical testing that the difference between ruby and garnet became clear.

Most people in the Western cultures know that the modern birthstone for January is garnet. Red garnet is typically the color of garnet that comes to mind when one is thinking about the modern birthstone list for those born in January.  Garnet is also the birthstone for those born under the ancient zodiac sign of Aquarius (January 21 to February 19).

Garnet (top), Ruby (bottom)

Natural Gemstones
But did you know that ruby is the birthstone / starstone / planetstone for those born under the zodiac sign of Capricorn (December 21 to January 20)?  So if you ascribe to both the modern birthstone list and the zodiac starstone / planet / birthstone and you were born at the beginning of January, ruby could be the birthstone for you if you can't find a garnet to love. Or better yet, how about a mixing an orange spessartite garnet with rubies for an unusual combination (see right).  Or we can make a by-pass ring with a pear shaped ruby and a pear shaped spessartite garnet for you (see below left).  What a knockout.

Ruby (left), Garnet (right)

It is difficult for some to tell the difference between a red garnet and a ruby unless you are into gemology and the crystal structure of different gemstones.  Both are very rich in color and beautiful when set in jewelry.  So it all depends on you finding a garnet or ruby that you love.


Loose Natural Gemstones and Gemstone Jewelry
For the entire month of January, all loose rubies and ruby gemstone jewelry is offered at a 25% discount off our everyday low prices.  All our loose garnets and garnet jewelry is also offered at a 25% discount.  We realize this may make it more difficult for you to pick a favorite, but what a wonderful dilemma to have. Don't forget to use the discount code january2011 at checkout.