A Price Above Rubies

Description

The title of this necklace comes from a quote from the King James Bible (and from a 1998 movie). While the original object of this value above rubies is "a virtuous woman," for me the thing that could be said to hold a price above rubies is a kind and devoted friend. And it is just such a friend, who happens to adore rubies, who is the inspiration for this necklace (and owns the original version of it).

A gorgeous 12mm by 12mm ruby has been wire-rapped in sterling silver to form the centerpiece of this simple but stunning necklace. The ruby is a beautiful deep pink-raspberry color and has not been enhanced with any dye (as many rubies are these days. It has been heat treated to bring out the stone's shine--which is also standard practice). Call me crazy or romantic, but somehow the fact that this is an undyed ruby makes its color seem all the more magnificent to me.

The ruby hangs from a 17 and a half inch sterling silver figure eight chain, and is finished with a sterling lobster claw clasp, so there is no chance of this precious gem falling off your neck. Though very delicate-looking, this necklace also has a lot of presence and dresses up just about anything. A really stunning piece in person.

Added on Nov 30, 2009