4mm Faceted Diamond Cut Coin Gemstone Bead, Ruby & Sapphire (strand)

Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide). The pink to blood-red color of a ruby is due to the element chromium, and the word ruby comes from ruber, Latin for red. All gem-quality corundum other than ruby reds, are sapphires. In some circles, the lighter pinks of some of our ruby beads are considered to be "pink sapphires" rather than rubies. In the United States, and in most jewelry stores throughout the world, Ruby is the birthstone for July. In older traditions, ruby is the birthstone for the Capricorn zodiac sign (December 22 - January 21). Red gemstones, including rubies, are also associated with the root chakra.

Sapphire beads work great for stringing necklaces and bracelets, or to add a drop of color to custom birthstone jewelry. Bead-quality sapphire beads are often opaque or semi-translucent, and vary in color from blue-green through true blue and denim blue, to blue-gray. Sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September, as well as the birthstone for the Taurus zodiac sign (April 21 - May 21). The true blue of Sapphire signifies faithfulness and sincerity. Over the centuries, the deep blue of sapphire has also symbolized wisdom, virtue, and good fortune. This blue stone is also associated with the brow chakra.

Please see the Related Products links below for similar items, and more information about this stone.