The birthstone for the month of July is the ruby. It belongs to the Corundum family of gemstones, which also includes sapphires. The coloring of the ruby can range from an almost pink to deep, blood red. However, the deeper and darker the color of the ruby is, the more desirable it is considered to be. Most rubies have a small amount of inclusions in the stone. These inclusions can be removed through heat treating processes, but there are many individuals who enjoy the fluorescent quality that these inclusions provide the stone. During the Middle Ages, the ruby was thought to guard an individual against evil thoughts, lust, and discord. It was also thought to bring good health to the wearer and to cure one of bleeding disorders.

When it comes to gifts for women, the ruby is almost exclusively featured in jewelry, due to the rarity of quality gems. Rubies that are set in earrings are almost always featured as a solitaire stone. In necklaces, the ruby is also often featured as a single pendant; however, the design of the jewelry may also feature diamonds, which are a common accent stone for rubies. Small rubies may be featured in rings. However, rubies that have a large carat size can become somewhat fragile when they placed into a ring setting. Most pieces of jewelry feature rubies placed in settings of white gold, titanium, and platinum. The silver appearance of these precious metals is thought, by most jewelers, to be the best materials for showcasing a ruby's brilliance. Although, it is possible for an individual to find ruby jewelry that is set in gold.

The term "ruby" is often used to describe the red coloring that an object possesses. An individual might hear of a vase or other item described as "ruby". However, as aforementioned, the rarity of rubies often prevents it from being used as a decorative feature for simple items. Because it is so expensive, rubies do not make ideal presents for small children. For a more exotic gift idea, a couple could take a trip together to on of the only ruby mines located in the United States in Cherokee, North Carolina. Open to the public seven days a week, the mine allows individuals to undertake their own, unique gem hunting experience.

By: Blair Cooper

About the Author:

Clothes Washer

erent kinds of jewelry have been used for decades as a way of adding more color and detail to the body and the outfits we wear every day. As well as choosing from hundreds of different colors, styles and sizes, you can find all kinds of gems and jewels which adorn the jewelry and make them available for either everyday, evening or occasional wear. Wearing the right piece of jewelry can change an entire outfit by bringing out certain colors or aspects of clothing which can enhance or play down specific features. For example, if you take an ordinary plain black top, you can create many different styles and looks through the simple use of adding different combinations of gemstone jewelry that bring color and interest to a simple look.

The use of gemstones and semi precious stones means that you need not break the bank in order to accumulate a fine collection of jewelry items that allow you the freedom to create your own style depending on your mood or the occasion. Affordable jewelry is now widely available and the colors and textures of different gemstones allow you to choose items that enhance your natural style and suit your personal likes and desires. Of course, gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies will always be an expensive choice for anyone to consider, though, now we are seeing a lot of the less expensive stones such as aquamarines, quartz and jade being used in jewelry and these create stunning and interesting pieces that people can wear more frequently. As well as being diverse and interesting, these stones can be kept for many years as they retain their brilliance and gleam over long periods and are able to mask scratches and abrasions well. Unlike gold and silver, these stones are less susceptible to becoming tarnished and discoloured which allows them to remain brilliant and attractive for much longer.

Another attractive feature of these stones is the fact that just one item of jewelry can be worn with so many different styles and bring out a variety of different aspects of the outfit. A nice bright teardrop necklace and a pair of earrings can be worn with jeans and t-shirt or can be worn with a little lack dress on an evening out, this kind of range and versatility makes the jewelry a brilliant investment and well worth the money.

Gemstone jewelry is one of the most popular styles of accessory in fashion in current trends and this allows for people to branch out and find lots of varied and exotic styles to try as well as adapting new old features to all elements of jewelry. The range in price, color, size, style and design creates a chance to become unique, and individual in ones style throughout all lifestyles, ages and genders.

By: Gen Wright

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Golf Chipping Net

Pearl stud earrings are as understated as they are elegant. They are low-key and beautiful and not loud accessories at all. They are a great complement to any wardrobe, be it a stylish gown or a simple blouse and jeans. Worn day or night, pearl stud earrings are a wonderful fashion statement. It is also the kind of design that a woman of any face shape can carry off well.

Here are a few tips on picking the pearl stud earrings to add to your collection:

Pearl quality

A simple stud earring is only as beautiful as the pearl attached to it. When buying pearls, there are several things that you might want to consider: shape, size, color, texture and luster.

Shape pearls come in different shapes and the three main categories are spherical, symmetrical and baroque. Round pearls and near-round pearls are considered spherical. Drop, oval and button pearls are considered symmetrical while baroque pearls are those that are irregular and abstract in shape.

Size the pearl's size is determined by its diameter measured in millimeters. Generally, the bigger the pearl, the more valuable it is. Most of the pearls you can find in the market are in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm. Compared to that, the largest pearl ever found was a black one which measured 25mm.

Color depending on the mollusk or oyster that produced it, a pearl can have a different color ranging from the usual white and cream to green, gold, blue and black. Color is determined by two things: body color and overtone. Body color is the main color of the pearl while overtone is the iridescent tint that is found on its surface, on top of the main color.

Texture there is no such thing as a pearl with a perfect surface. There will always be certain imperfections on it. The only way to determine the pearl's value is whether or not the imperfections are obvious. Bumps, spots and irregularities can affect the quality of the pearl. Cracks, chips and gaps are considered serious flaws.

Luster refers to the brilliance of the pearl's surface and is one of the most important characteristics in grading. Pearls are made up of a substance called nacre, which is naturally produced by the oyster or mollusk as a reaction to an irritation, usually a grain of sand or parasite in the case of natural pearls and an implanted nucleus in the case of cultured pearls.

Luster affects the reflectivity of the pearl. The better it reflects light and surrounding objects, the better its quality. Dull, cloudy surfaces are a sign of inferior quality.

Choosing your findings

Posts are the type of studs that go through the ear and are closed securely with a nut. These are the most common choice for pierced ears. For unpierced lobes, ear clips and screw-backs may be used, both of which are held in place by friction.

Pearl stud earring combination

Pearls are the kind of gemstones that can work well when combined with other precious and semi-precious stones. It can work well with smaller diamonds, rubies or emeralds and can even shine with jade, garnet or moonstone. By itself, pearl stud earrings are still an elegant choice.

Caring for your pearl stud earrings

Pearls are delicate organic gemstones and must be treated with special care. They are softer and easily scratched or cracked and once damage is done, there is nothing you can do to bring the pearl's beauty back.

Try to keep them away from your harder-type jewelry. If in case they are rubbed together, pearls are more likely to get scratched. Store your pearl stud earrings in a separate container, preferably the box it came with. Make sure it's lined and covered to provide better protection for your gems.

Also try to avoid dropping your pearl stud earrings as this can contribute to scratching and cracking. Pearls are also affected by sweat, body oils and cosmetics. These can actually cause your pearls to lose their luster and promote discoloration. So the next time you plan to wear your pearls, be sure to put on make up, hair spray and perfume first before you put your pearls on. This way, you minimize pearl contact with chemicals.

One of the most overlooked things when caring for stud earrings is the nut or close. People automatically store their earrings and forget about the nuts. Worn at the back of the earlobe, the nut can accumulate body oils, dirt and yes, loose skin. To keep them in good condition, clean them with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush.



By: Nathalie Fiset

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Golf Chipping Net