Wearing Rubies with Kathy Van Kleeck

Ruby necklace on silk cord

Kathy Van Kleeck has graced us with more of her unique Precious Metal Clay (PMC) jewelry..  PMC consists of fine silver powder in a clay-like base.  Each metal clay component is formed by hand and is unique. Her fingerprints are visible in each piece, quite literally, the hand of the maker.  After forming, the metal clay elements are fired in a kiln; the clay burns out leaving the now-fused pure silver.   We are showcasing Kathy's ruby line here.

Ruby drop necklace

For thousands of years, the ruby has been considered one of the most valuable gemstones on Earth. It has everything a precious stone should have: magnificent colour, excellent hardness and outstanding brilliance. In addition to that, it is an extremely rare gemstone, especially in its finer qualities.

For a long time India was regarded as the ruby's classical country of origin. In the major works of Indian literature, a rich store of knowledge about gemstones has been handed down over a period of more than two thousand years. The term 'corundum', which we use today, is derived from the Sanskrit word 'kuruvinda'. The Sanskrit word for ruby is 'ratnaraj', which means something like 'king of the gemstones'. And it was a royal welcome indeed which used to be prepared for it. Whenever a particularly beautiful ruby crystal was found, the ruler sent high dignitaries out to meet the precious gemstone and welcome it in appropriate style. Today, rubies still decorate the insignia of many royal households.  (Info from gemstone.org.)

Ruby earrings

Ruby pendant on chain

Ruby square earrings

Ruby Tuesday

Rednesday