JOURNAL
RUBY: THE GEM OF PASSION, POWER & PROTECTION
Rich in colour and steeped in legend, Ruby has long captured hearts and been revered for centuries across cultures. With its deep crimson glow like a flame held close, Ruby has come to symbolise passion, protection, and enduring love. The History of Rubies In ancient India, Rubies were known as ratnaraj, meaning "king of precious stones," and were believed to offer protection and prosperity to those who wore them. Burmese warriors once embedded Rubies in their skin before battle, believing the stones would make them invincible. In medieval Europe, Rubies were cherished not only for their beauty but also for their supposed ability to promote good health, wisdom, and courage. Famous Ruby Pieces Through Time Throughout history, rubies have taken centre stage in some of the world’s most celebrated jewellery collections: – Elizabeth Taylor's Pigeon Blood Ruby NecklaceDesigned by Cartier, this extraordinary necklace features one of the most vivid and valuable rubies ever seen — a gift from Richard Burton, and a lasting symbol of romance and opulence. – The Burmese Ruby TiaraPart of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal collection, this regal tiara is adorned with 96 rubies set among diamonds — a gift from the people of Burma to protect the wearer from evil. – The Queen's Ruby BroochAnother cherished piece from the British Royal Collection, this brooch is known for its striking elegance and historic significance. – The Nawanagar Ruby Necklace (Jodhpur Ruby Necklace)An extraordinary example of Indian high jewellery, this masterpiece reflects the grandeur and refinement of royal Indian heritage, with each ruby carefully selected for its intensity and harmony. The Meaning of Rubies Beyond their rich history, Rubies continue to hold deep personal meaning. They are traditionally associated with the heart, symbolising love, passion, and emotional strength. As the birthstone for July, Rubies also mark personal milestones – from birthdays and anniversaries to powerful new beginnings. Whether chosen for their vibrant colour, their storied past, or the personal meaning they hold, Rubies remain one of the most beloved and enduring gemstones in the world. Personalise Your Own Ruby Piece Craft your very own unique modern heirloom, personalised with Rubies or another coloured stone of choice. Explore our collection online or contact us to discuss your dream vision.
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A GUIDE TO GREEN GEMSTONES
Finding your perfect shade of meaning. There’s something undeniably magnetic about green. It speaks of life, growth, balance, and deep connection to the natural world. Whether soft and muted or bold and vibrant, green stones carry a quiet power—evoking feelings of renewal, love, and grounded beauty. At RUUSK, many of our clients are drawn to green gemstones when designing their meaningful pieces. From timeless emeralds to earthy sapphires and vibrant garnets, there’s a whole world of green to explore—each stone with its own story, tone, and unique qualities. Here’s a closer look at some of our most loved green gemstones. Emerald A classic symbol of love, wisdom, and rebirth. Perhaps the most iconic green gemstone, emeralds have been treasured for millennia. Their lush, velvety colour ranges from soft moss to deep forest green. Rich in history and symbolic meaning, emeralds are known as the stone of successful love, offering insight, harmony, and emotional depth. Considerations: Emeralds are more delicate than other green gemstones and require mindful wear and care. We recommend protective settings and extra consideration for those wanting to wear their ring daily. Best for: Lovers of history, symbolism, and romantic heirlooms. Read more about the meaning and history of emeralds → Green Sapphire Durable, unique, and effortlessly timeless. Green sapphires are a wonderful alternative to emeralds for those seeking greater durability. Ranging from soft sage to deep olive and forest tones, each stone is beautifully one-of-a-kind. Australian and Montana sapphires in particular offer earthy, muted greens that feel raw and grounded—perfect for those drawn to natural beauty. Considerations: Sapphires are incredibly durable and suitable for everyday wear, making them an ideal choice for engagement and commitment rings. Best for: Earthy souls and those seeking strength, longevity, and understated beauty. Green Tourmaline Radiant, calming, and full of light. With colours ranging from leafy green to deep teal, green tourmaline is a luminous and enchanting choice. Often found with lovely clarity and gentle sparkle, this stone is associated with healing, compassion, and self-discovery. Considerations: While slightly softer than sapphires, green tourmalines are still suitable for occasional wear or everyday wear with care, especially in protective settings. Best for: The gentle-hearted, seekers, and lovers of soft radiance. Tsavorite Garnet Vibrant, rare, and full of life. A lesser-known but truly captivating option, tsavorite garnet glows with brilliant, vibrant green tones—often resembling the colour of new spring leaves. As one of the most durable garnets, it offers both beauty and strength. Considerations: With high brilliance and good durability, tsavorite can be a great choice for those wanting a vibrant pop of green with resilience. Best for: Lovers of bright, bold colour and rare treasures. Which Green is Right for You? Choosing a gemstone is deeply personal. It’s not just about colour—it’s about meaning, lifestyle, and the feeling it evokes when you wear it. Whether you’re honouring a new chapter, celebrating a love story, or creating an heirloom to pass down, your stone should reflect you. If you’re unsure which green stone is right for your piece, we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through each option, offering insights into colour, durability, symbolism, and setting styles to ensure your choice is both beautiful and lasting. Dreaming of a green stone for your special piece? Contact us for personalised guidance or personalise your piece online. Crafted with intention. Chosen with care. Worn with meaning.
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THE ENCHANTMENT OF EMERALDS
A stone of wisdom, renewal, and love eternal. Rich with history and glowing with mystery, the emerald has captivated hearts and imaginations for thousands of years. With its deep green hue—reminiscent of ancient forests, fertile lands, and spring’s first bloom—this precious gemstone has long been considered a symbol of rebirth, intuition, and enduring love. At RUUSK, where every stone is chosen with care and intention, the emerald holds a special place. It’s a gem for old souls, deep feelers, and those who walk the path of love with open hearts and steady steps. A History Woven Through Civilisations The allure of emeralds dates back as far as 3000 BCE, when they were treasured by the Ancient Egyptians. Cleopatra, known for her love of rare and beautiful things, famously adored emeralds—often adorning herself and her palace with these verdant stones. They were believed to grant eternal youth and protection, and were considered a powerful talisman of fertility and rebirth. In Ancient Rome, emeralds were linked to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Roman scholars believed the stone had the ability to soothe tired eyes and reveal truth—both literally and metaphorically. Across South America, particularly within the Incan and Muzo cultures of modern-day Colombia, emeralds were considered sacred. These cultures believed emeralds held the essence of the gods, and their reverence for the stone can still be felt in the deep respect with which Colombian emeralds are sourced today. In mediaeval Europe, emeralds were worn by royalty and mystics alike. They were said to sharpen the mind, protect against spells, and strengthen insight—especially in matters of the heart. Symbolism and Meaning Throughout time and across cultures, the emerald has carried profound symbolic weight. Often referred to as the “stone of successful love,” emeralds are associated with: Loyalty and devotion – A gem that honours long-lasting commitment and emotional depth. Growth and renewal – Like spring returning to the earth, emeralds symbolise fresh beginnings and the cycles of nature. Wisdom and truth – Said to bring clarity to the mind and heart, and to help one speak and live with integrity. Harmony and balance – A stone that nurtures the heart chakra, inviting peace, connection, and compassion. Stone Properties and Considerations Emeralds belong to the beryl family (alongside aquamarine and morganite) and are celebrated for their vivid green hues—ranging from soft moss to rich, velvety forest. Their beauty lies not just in their colour, but in their uniqueness; many emeralds contain natural inclusions known as jardin (French for “garden”), which add to their character and charm. However, it’s important to note that emeralds are a softer, more delicate gemstone than diamonds or sapphires. While deeply cherished for their beauty, they require mindful care and are not always suited to engagement or wedding rings that are worn daily and exposed to frequent knocks. If you adore the richness of green and are looking for a stone that offers greater durability, we invite you to consider alternative gemstones such as: Australian or Montana Green Sapphires – Durable, earthy, and incredibly unique in their colour spectrum. Green Tourmaline – Known for its deep green tones, often with a soft glow and lovely clarity. Tsavorite Garnet – A vibrant and rare green gemstone with excellent brilliance and strength. Each of these stones holds its own magic, and the best choice often depends on your lifestyle, setting style, and the story you wish to tell through your ring. A Stone of the Heart There’s a quiet power to the emerald. It doesn’t shout for attention, but rather, invites you to lean in. It’s a gem for those who value meaning over convention—who understand that love, in all its wild and tender forms, is the most precious thing of all. Whether chosen to mark a milestone, woven into a custom heirloom, or gifted as a gesture of love—emeralds carry stories. Ancient and new. Yours and theirs. Woven together. Considering a green stone for your heirloom piece? If you're dreaming of a green stone for your special piece, we’d love to offer personalised support to help you find the most meaningful—and suitable—option. Whether you’re drawn to the romance of an emerald or the strength of a green sapphire, we’re honoured to help bring your vision to life. Crafted with intention. Worn with love.
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THE BEAUTY OF AUSTRALIAN SAPPHIRES
Australia has been a proud producer of Sapphires for over a century, and today, Australian Sapphires continue to be celebrated for their deep, rich hues and remarkable durability. A meaningful choice for those seeking a locally sourced gem, these beautiful stones are imbued with the magic of our land and the stories of those who wear them. Often sought after for their vibrancy and individuality, Australian Sapphires are commonly known for their mesmerising tones — from vibrant teals and greens to brilliant blues, warm yellows, and unique parti colourations (which combine multiple colours in a single stone). Since Australian Sapphires tend to contain higher iron content, the variety of colours come in darker, and more distinct hues, making each stone entirely unique and full of character. Choosing an Australian Sapphire is a beautiful way to connect your piece to home — to celebrate the depth of local craftsmanship and the beauty of what lies beneath our soil. DID YOU KNOW? Many of our RUUSK pieces can be personalised with your choice of stone, including Australian Sapphires. Whether you're designing a personalised engagement ring, a meaningful milestone piece, or a future heirloom to tell your story, we're here to help you incorporate a coloured gemstone that speaks to you. Reach out to discuss how we can bring your vision to life, with a stone that holds meaning, memory, and beauty all its own. Click here to read more about Sapphires in general and explore the world of this extraordinary gem.
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7 Fascinating Things You'll Love About Sapphires
Sapphires have a long history dating back to ancient civilisations. These gemstones are incredibly tough and are one of the most popular diamond-alternative engagement ring stones. Among the sapphire hotspots in the world, Australia is most renowned for producing deep blue tones and Parti Sapphires.
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Birthstones!
RUUSK's Guide to birthstones. We discuss what are birthstones and the birthstones of each month with examples of birthstone rings, birthstone necklaces and ways to incorporate a hidden birthstone.
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DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE: TANZANITE
RUUSK Birthstone for December; Tanzanite. Those who wear tanzanite are thought to become aware of their purpose.
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NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE: CITRINE
RUUSK Birthstone for November; Citrine. Known to provide warm and comforting emotions whilst encouraging fresh beginnings and new pursuits.
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NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE: TOPAZ
RUUSK Birthstone for November; Blue Topaz. Believed to attract good fortune, money and wealth, especially in the form of gold!
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