July's birthstone brings us the deep spark of ruby. The stone was once believed to contain a drop of the earth's blood & stories tell that rubies were self-luminous. Called the 'lamp stone', Hindu priests believed that the homes of the gods were lit by enormous emeralds and rubies and Greek legends told the story of a female stork, who repaid the kindness of Heraclea by bringing her a brilliant ruby so bright that it illuminated Heraclea’s room at night. Here are some of our own luminous creations - our best-selling Ruby Strand with 18k beads alongside our Gem Vine Earrings, here paired beautifully with Garnet & Ruby.