July Birthstone - Ruby

July's Birthstone is the Ruby one of the most coveted of all the gems. 

• Along with Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald and Sapphires, the Ruby is one of the five cardinal gems.   
• Often associated with wealth and power, this bright red gem, whose name literally means red, was often used to decorate the crowns of Kings and Queens. 
• Ruby represents good fortune and courage. Ruby's are also associated with love and passion. This gem was thought to protect warriors and was embedded in armor or even in their skin! 
• In Hindu astrology the Ruby is the gemstone of the sun and is the gem associated with the deity Surya. It is thought that wearing Rubies will bring the wearer favor from the sun.The largest ruby ever mined was in 1919 and it is called the "Peace Ruby" as it was discovered shortly after WWI.