[Tidbits] Kauruntaka

Kauruntaka

Why a Ruby when making fine jewelry?

Kauruntaka … a Hindi word from which–it is thought–the word
Corundum–the mineral name for rubies and sapphires–derives. India
and Sri Lanka have cherished rubies for over 2000 years. Studies
have shown that Middle Eastern jewelry was studded with gemstones as
far back as 3000 years ago.

There are four biblical references to rubies. A title of a movie was
taken from one of these references. Three are from Proverbs. The
fourth is from Job. They aRe:

1-She is more precious than rubies.
2-For wisdom is above rubies.
3-Who can find a virtuous woman. For her price is 
above rubies.
4-For the price of wisdom is above rubies.

The ruby is revered as the sacred gem of the tribe of Judah, the
fourth stone set in Aaron’s breastplate. And by the way–you may
well ask–how does the ruby get its name? By the Latin word for Red
me lads and lassies … which is Ruber.

There is a legendary stone called the Burma Hixon Ruby gleaned from
the ruby and sapphire mines at Mogok. It weighs 196 carats. It’s a
stunner. I tried to match the color in my source and came as close
as I could. I imagine the real thing is mind boggling to look at.
For those of you who live in the Los Angeles area … I believe
this stone presently resides in the Natural History Museum of Los
Angeles County.

Then there are of course … the magical properties associated with
Rubies. I remember mentioning this is a previous article. But it
bears repeating. It was once thought that the ruby conferred
invulnerability to he that possessed it. However … wearing it on a
ring or pendant was not enough. The stone had to become one with
the body. And so it was inserted into the flesh. 'Twas well worth
the pain of implant … for the ruby … now part of the owner’s
soul … conferred the ability to withstand wounds from spears and
swords and guns … even if they pierced the flesh and lodged dead
in the center of one’s heart.

Parenthetically … should any of you own a major vineyard … or
perhaps a fruit tree … or a berry bush … or something of that
sort … and should you also be the proud owner of a ruby or a ruby
trinket … you can sleep easy in the knowledge that your gardens
will yield only the finest crop … and will be protected for time
immemorial from tempests and plagues of all kinds. Dare you … I
wonder … risk avoiding the possession of this magnificently
magical stone? Methinks not. And so …

For those of you who are new to this thing called Tidbits…may I
direct you to my home page at www.tyler-adam.com where you will
scroll down the left side menu till you get to the area that says
Tidbits Graphics … and then click on the link that says: Ruby …
where you will see a graphic of the 196 carat Burma Hixon Ruby
crystal.

And there ya have it. That’s it for this week folks. Catch you all
next week. Benjamin Mark

TYLER-ADAM CORP.–Jewelry Manufacturers
Tel – 1-800-20-TYLER
E-Mail: webmaster@tyler-adam.com