• Tanzanite Ruby Earrings with Gold Plated Latch Back
• Approx. 2 1/2" drop from ear
• Bead Size Approx.
• Tanzanite 2mm
• Ruby 5mm
• Handcrafted at Beads of Paradise NYC
• Tanzanite is a rare gem of the Zoisite family. In its rough state it is reddish-brown, however heating it produces beautiful shades of violet and blue that are permanent. Tanzanite is a very recently discovered stone, and is only found in one mine in Tanzania, East Africa. No other deposits have been discovered and since the Tanzanian discovery in 1967. Prices of Tanzanite have skyrocketed in the past decade, since the mine is quickly depleting and there is no other known source. Contemporary stone lore sometimes calls Tanzanite the “work-a-holics stone,” as it is rumored to decrease anxiety, relieve stress, and help one “take it easy.”
• Ruby is a pink to blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral Corundum. The red color is caused mainly by the presence of the element chromium. Its name comes fromruber,which is Latin for red. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called Sapphires. The ruby is considered one of the four Precious Stones; the Sapphire, the Emerald, the Ruby and the Diamond.Rubies are essentially just the name for a red Sapphire.The price of a ruby is mostly attributed to its color. The brightest red, called, “pigeon blood,” are the most valuable.Pink, orange, and purple are the normal secondary hues in ruby. A rich purple undertone reinforces the red making it appear richer.Like diamonds, clarity, cut, and carat are also contributing factors. Some rubies have either a 3-point, or 6-point asterism called a “star.” They were originally mined only in Thailand, and Sri Lanka, although in the past century, deposits have been found in Tanzania, Madagascar, Vietnam, and Pakistan.Very recently, large amounts of rubies were found in Greenland.An early record of the transport and trading of rubies is seen in the literature on the North Silk Road of China, where rubies were carried along this ancient trade route moving westward from China as early as 200 BC.In contemporary stone folklore, Rubies are believed to evoke passion, laughter, and courage and love.