The Power of Passion & Healing: The Blood-Red Ruby

Bring more passion to your love life with the beautiful Ruby, the gemstone for deeper love and greater commitment. Coming from India, Burma or Thailand, the Ruby is said to bring contentment of the East to its owner. Worn on the left hand, the Ruby is said to enhance life force and if received as a gift, reflects the love and friendship of the giver.

The Ruby is rumored to have healing powers, working in concert with the heart and arteries to positively affect blood flow throughout the body. Can’t sleep at night? Wear the Ruby or put it under your pillow. Sweet dreams will ensue.

Ruby held for ransom

The Delong Star Ruby
Photo from famousdiamondstripod.com

One of the most famous Rubies, the Delong Star Ruby, was recovered after being stolen and ransomed (along with the Star of India Sapphire) in 1964 for $25,000. Weighing 100.32 carats, it is now back home at the Natural History Museum in New York.

Ruby in Sterling Silver from Emily Gems: $70

Ruby related to Sapphire

The Ruby has long been considered a close relative of the Sapphire. In fact it can be said that the Ruby is a form of Sapphire. The Pink Ruby is actually called a Pink Sapphire.

Color counts

The most desirable color is blood red which is red with a blue tint. Rubies from Burma often have this color and can be worth millions of dollars. The blood red or “Burmese Ruby” is also called “Pigeon’s Blood Ruby.”

So whether you are buying a Ruby ring, necklace, pendant or other personal accessory, make sure to protect it with one of our beautiful jewelry boxes. Reduce the threat of theft and ransom.

Terminology of Chains Part 3

We have been looking at all of the different terms for the styles of chains that are available in the marketplace today. Neck chains and bracelets use the same terminology so that you can get matching styles. Here are three more popular types of chains that are being sold today.

Byzantine Chain - This type of chain can be found in varying widths and lengths. It is a great chain for those who like a lot of sparkle and shine. The Byzantine chain is made up of oval shaped links with a larger link that is woven in and out of the center space of the smaller oval shaped links. It is a chain that can be found made from fashion jewelry metal, gold, sterling silver, stainless steel or even platinum, so the prices will vary greatly. The chain can be worn alone or with your favorite pendant or enhancer attached to it.

Foxtail Chain - The foxtail chain is a beautiful chain that is mostly found in the women's jewelry market. It is made when 2 oval links are connected together at a 45 degree angle. These types of chains can be worn alone or with your favorite pendant. We do not recommend you wear a large enhancer on them due to their semi-delicate nature until you have a thicker and weightier foxtail chain. You can find foxtail chains made from a variety of fashion jewelry metal and semi-precious jewelry metal in the marketplace.

Serpentine Chain - This type of chain is very flexible and is great to wear alone or with your favorite pendants. It is very similar to a snake chain but it lays flat along your neckline. It can be found made from fashion jewelry metal, gold, sterling silver, stainless steel or platinum, so prices will vary greatly depending on the materials (metals) used. You can find this type of chain in both the male and female jewelry market although it is more popular with females due to its variety.

Whichever your favorite style of chain is, there are many different styles that will hold lovely pendants, charms or look great just to wear alone. You can get help to find your favorites with these useful terms.

Necklace Chains Descriptions Part 2

Many of our favorite necklace chains actually have names for their specific designs. Here are 3 more popular neck chains and the description of their design to help you determine which one is right for your jewelry pieces.

Cable Chains - A cable chain is one of the most common and most basic neck chains that a man or woman can add to their jewelry wardrobe. They can be worn alone or with your favorite pendant or enhancer attached. They remind me of those paper chains we used to make during the holidays to decorate our home and holiday tree with. Each oval or circle is connected together in the opposite direction. They can be made from fashion jewelry metal, gold, sterling silver, stainless steel or even platinum.

Snake Chain - One of my favorite neck chains happens to be the snake chain because it is durable and so versatile. A snake chain is made up when the jeweler connects round metal rings, side by side. A snake chain feels very smooth against the skin and is very flexible. You mostly see snake chains in the female jewelry marketplace. You can wear the chain alone or with your favorite pendant or enhancer attached to it. Snake chains come in various metals so the prices can vary from super affordable to moderately expensive.

Ball Chain - I think most women and men have at least one ball chain in their jewelry box or at least have had one in the past. Many necklaces that you can purchase often come with a delicate sized ball chain. Just like the name implies, a ball chain is a series of round balls that have been connected to a chain. They can be made from various metals ranging from fashion jewelry metals up to the ultra chic platinum metal, so prices can vary widely. These types of chain are rarely worn alone and more often than not, they have a pendant attached to them.

Using these descriptions, you should be able to recognize and decide which neck chain is best for the jewelry piece you want to attach. Some chains are better than others for particular applications. They are all pretty in their own right and would look great in simple layers too.