AlexisKletjian: Ruby

Alexis Kletjian

Living the self-proclaimed monotone lifestyle, I don't prescribe to color easily. Bright colors make me feel uncomfortable. I’m just not a "pop of color" kind of lady. Recently, however, I've had a few custom requests for some outstanding gemstone possibilities for my already popular, and soon-to-launch bangles, that have made me revisit my monotone state of mind.

Ruby Lips by Katson

I am always considering colorful gemstone options in terms of availability for my designs, and just because you may love a particular gemstone doesn't mean it can be easily sourced in your desired color variety, quality and or specified size. Some gemstones are readily available, while others are very rare. Luckily, I have many wonderful behind the scenes opportunities in the colorful world of gemstones to investigate and source unique colors that make you happy, and, therefore, create the beautiful jewelry you want to wear and pass down.

This past Monday, I headed into Boston to join a special presentation by the American Gem Stone Trade Association, otherwise known in the industry as the AGTA, at our beloved Boston Skinner Auction House. As a huge fan of the fine jewelry sales at Skinner Auction, I love to visit their seasonal private viewings to see what's next on the auction block.

I'm wearing this unbelievable 10 carat diamond ring next to my own antique ring

Imagine my surprise to see the very piece of jewelry I used in my Instagram feed 16 weeks ago, which I am now holding in my hand!!! This 18K Ruby and Cultured Pearl Lip Brooch was designed by Katson, a sculptor, inventor, violin bow maker, and the only living jeweler to have worked with Dali. I can't even describe the feeling of holding and ogling up close some of the biggest diamonds and exclusive jewelry collections most people never get the chance see - or try on!

Ruby Lips by Katson

Overall it was a terrific night, definitely worth squeezing into my busy schedule. I re-connected and styled some ring shots with WJA Boston member, designer and Skinner employee Katie Simonetti, and thoroughly enjoyed listening to guest speaker Douglas Hucker from the AGTA - what a dynamic and passionate presence he is! Douglas delivered a fascinating presentation on the romance and lore of gemstone jewelry. His love for color was as infectious as the laughter and energy around the room.

Be sure to visit AGTA's website to see which colors make you happy, and I'll be looking forward to your future gemstone color requests. View more of Monday's preview images on my instagram page.

Birthstone

JULY BIRTHSTONE : RUBY

1:17 PM

Harry Winston ruby and diamond slippers created for the 50th anniversary of The Wizard Of Oz
Photograph courtesy of GIA

Happy Birthday to all who share this month! Ruby is your birthstone.

As a July baby, one would think I would be attracted to the passion and lore that comes with the bold, intense color of my birthstone. Red represents the color of intense emotions, famously associated with objects of desire, power, success and wealth. These attributes make ruby the "King of Precious Stones." I appreciate how deep the love is for this historically important gem that holds the title as the most important gemstone in the colored stone market, but when it comes to jewelry, you probably already know ruby is not my top choice. Even though this fiery, passionate red happens to be the color of my studio floors, and the bottom of my new boots, the diamond is forever my love, even if this is our month. Let’s get to it, shall we?

Ruby is a sapphire, and a sapphire is a ruby. Well, almost. They are both the mineral corundum. Corundum is found growing in marble deposits, and the trace element found in ruby is what makes it a ruby, not a sapphire. The mineral corundum in its purest form is colorless; chromium is the trace element that causes ruby's beautiful red color, and the strength of color saturation depends on how much chromium is present during growth.

Since this post is dedicated to the color of the ruby, let’s be specific, because color is the most significant factor that affects ruby's value! The finest rubies are a pure vibrant red, yet a slight purplish color; not too dark, not too light. If ruby's color is too dark and has a negative effect on the stone's brightness, it will lose value on the quality scale. Just as if the color is too light, it may be considered to be a pink sapphire, not a ruby. Not only does everyone's eye see different shades of colors (as mentioned previously) there are also cultural differences in the interpretation of the ruby versus the pink sapphire. However, both gems being beautiful - their value is different.

Ruby has enjoyed a most regal position in myth, legend, and lore for thousands of years: the favored talisman amongst royalty worldwide. Rubies are said to bring courage, happiness, healing, passion, and prosperity to those who wear this fine gemstone. Now, to attract more rubies into your jewelry box, click your slippers together three times and say : "There's no place like home!"

Enjoy your birthstone. May it bring you all these qualities and more.

JULY BIRTHSTONE : RUBY

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JULY BIRTHSTONE : RUBY

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