FORMATION
Rubies and Sapphires are both from the same mineral, corundum, and they have the same physical characteristics. They are a rock-forming mineral, and one of the naturally clear transparent materials. Color is what separates ruby from sapphire. Rubies are limited to red, where as sapphires may come in a variety of colors - except red. Sapphires in colors other than blue are called "fancy" colors. Sapphires are more commonly found than rubies and are generally larger crystals.
To learn more on the different types of Corundum:

BIRTHSTONE AND ANNIVERSARY
Ruby is the definitely the birthstone for people who born in July, though its also an alternate birthstone for December. It is also the gemstone used to celebrate the 15th and 40th anniversaries.
Sapphires are the birthstone for September and the gemstone used for celebrating the fifth and the 45th anniversaries.

Please have a look at our wonderful rings with Ruby

Please have a look at our wonderful rings with Sapphire

ORIGIN OF NAME
The name corundum probably derived from the Sanskrit "kuruvinda" meaning "ruby". Ruby is derived from the Latin word "rubeus", which means red. "Sapphire" is from the Greek word that means blue.

HISTORY
The use of sapphires dates back to the 17th century BC, when it was used by the Etruscans. During medieval times sapphire was used for kings in Europe. In the 11th century it was often used for ecclesiastic rings. During the renaissance both rubies and sapphires were chosen by those that could afford the gemstones.
Many other stones have often been considered to be rubies or sapphires, when they were judged by their color. Many of the famous rubies have turned out to be spinel. The Black Prince Ruby, the Timur Ruby and the Cote de Bretagne Ruby all turned out to be spinel instead of ruby. The ruby called the "Catherine the Great Ruby" was in fact tourmaline.

GEMSTONE POPULRITY IN VINTAGE PERIODS:
During the Victorian Jewelry Period, rubies and sapphires were used for jewelry making jewelry. Art Deco Jewelry Designers frequently used rubies and sapphires. The Retro Modern Jewelry Period often used a mixture of rubies and sapphires.

LEGENDS
Rubies were considered by the early Burmese to bring invulnerability when the ruby was inserted into the bearer's flesh. During the th century, it was considered that rubies would preserve health, remove evil thoughts, reconcile disputes or warn that there was impending danger.
Sapphires were believed to protect king's from harm and envious people. In thirteenth century France, the stone was believed to prevent poverty.
The star sapphire has been called the stone of destiny, because its three crossed lines represent hope, faith and destiny.

HARDNESS
With a hardness of 9, on the Mohr's Scale, rubies and sapphires are harder than all other gems except diamonds. Their hardness and lack of cleavage makes them very strong. Corundum is often heat treated. It is estimated that ninety percents of sapphires are heat treated. In rubies, it is common to fill fractures with oil, epoxy or glass. Often you will see irradiation done to change colorless sapphires to yellow or orange.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Because yellow or orange sapphires are often treated, they may be sensitive to light and may fade when exposed to frequent sunlight. Exposure to cleansing agents, even mild soaps, can cause the sealants to fail leaving the stone with a matt or dull finish. Rubies and sapphires in rings should always be removed prior to washing one's hands, cleaning house or swimming. Likewise, ultra-sonic cleanings are generally safe if stones are not filled, flawed or cavity filled.

Don't miss our amazing jewelry with Ruby

Don't miss our amazing jewelry with Sapphire

TECHNICAL DATA
Crystal system: trigonal
Cleavage: none, twinned stones may show parting
Refractive Index 1.76 - 1.78
Double Refracting, uniaxial negative
Specific Gravity: 3.95 - 4.05

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