CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – For Kari Smith owner of Champaign Jewelers, July is all about color — and no gem shines brighter this month than the fiery, rare ruby.
“Diamonds sparkle like crazy, but we love colored gemstones maybe even more,” said Smith. “Rubies are one of the most rare and unique gemstones you can find — and they’re July’s birthstone!”
Rubies, a variety of the mineral corundum, share their mineral family with sapphires. But what sets a ruby apart is its pure red color. “All other corundum colors are sapphires. Only that true red is called a ruby,” Smith explained.
Due to limited mining and rarity of that signature red hue, natural rubies are increasingly scarce and valuable. Champaign Jewelers offers both natural and lab-grown varieties, with natural stones showcasing subtle inclusions and rich color variations that hint at their origin.
Rubies have long captivated royalty and collectors alike. In fact, one of the crown jewels, the Black Prince’s Ruby, was famously discovered to be a spinel — a completely different gemstone — after modern gemological testing. “Spinel is one of my favorite gemstones,” said Smith. “It comes in a rainbow of colors and is also very durable, making it perfect for everyday wear.”
In recent years, spinel has gained more recognition and was added as an alternative birthstone for August, joining traditional green peridot.
Champaign Jewelers is celebrating this vibrant summer season with a Gemstone Roundtable Event on July 24, where guests will get a rare, up-close look at a wide variety of colored gemstones. Hosted alongside a third-generation gemstone dealer, the event offers education, exclusive gems for purchase, and limited seating.
“If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about rubies, sapphires, spinel, or any gemstone really — this is the event to attend,” said Smith.
To RSVP or learn more, visit Champaign Jewelers’ website or contact the store directly.