A Bit About The Piece: Exceptionally large laboratory created ruby crystal slice with striations set into a gold filled wire wrap pendant. Details, details... The Stones: Ruby, synthetic (manmade) crystal slice approximate stone measurements: 38mm x 28mm x 2mm The Setting: Handmade Wire Wrap Pendant 14kt yellow gold, filled total approximate measurements: 3 inches long x 2 inches wide About [natural] Ruby: Ruby is a red variety of "corundum," the same family of gems as sapphire. While all ruby is red sapphire, not all red sapphire is ruby. The term "ruby" is a rather subjective one, with many gem merchants eager to use the word liberally. If a stone has too much purple, pink, orange, or brown (giving a brick-red appearance), it is to be referred to as sapphire of that particular color (with "brick red" sapphire simply referred to as "red sapphire"), not ruby. Ruby is the official birthstone for the month of July. All corundum, natural or synthetic, ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale and is very tough. This material is incredibly durable and highly encouraged to those shopping around for an alternative stone for an engagement ring. Ruby and sapphire of any color make excellent rings that can be passed down through generations. Ruby can be cleaned with chemical jewelry cleaners without any worry.
