Fire From The Earth

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30803, 15 July 1965, Page 2

Fire From The Earth

Glowing in a rich red, like the home-fire that brings warmth and cheer to the coldest month of winter, the ruby is an appropriate birthstone for those born in July. Traditionally the ruby Is the symbol of perfection. In fact, it is one of the more valuable gems. Most rubies come from Burma, Ceylon, and Siam. This week a Christchurch jeweller’s shop gives shoppers an opportunity to see ruby in a different guise: three pieces of rough crystal show red gleams of the gemstone in its natural state.

Also on display is a large, synthetically-produced ruby. It consists of the same minerals as the true earth-produced gems, but no man-made stones have ever threatened the value of the “real things,” said an expert. A star ruby was among the cut stones. These were formed from a combination of natural markings in a stone, and a method of cutting to enhance this, he said.

The ruby is also associated with the tenth wedding anniversary, which is called the ruby wedding. The associate birthstone for July is the less-expensive carnelian—“symbol of distinction.” It was once called cornelian, a name which is derived from the Latin word for cherry, which exactly described its soft red shade.