Unapologetic

This is not a subtle bracelet. It was never going to be.

Deep magenta. Faceted all the way around so every angle catches something different. The natural white matrix running through the ruby gives it texture and honesty — this isn't a perfect, sanitized gemstone. It's real ruby, with all the character that comes with it. The kind of stone that has been fought over, written about, and worn by royalty for thousands of years, now on your wrist on a Tuesday.

Unapologetic. Because some things don't need to tone it down.

Part of Unearthed — a collection of natural gemstone bracelets, each stone chosen for what it looks like straight out of the earth.

THE STONE

Ruby corundum / aluminum oxide / chromium coloring

Ruby is a variety of corundum — aluminum oxide — whose distinctive red color comes from trace amounts of chromium within the crystal structure. It is one of the hardest natural minerals on earth, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond. The white matrix visible in these beads is the host rock — feldspar or calcite — that the ruby formed within, left intact as part of the natural character of the stone rather than cut away. This is sometimes called ruby in matrix or ruby zoisite depending on the host mineral, and it is increasingly prized for the contrast it provides. Ruby has one of the longest and most storied histories of any gemstone. Ancient Sanskrit texts refer to it as ratnaraj — king of precious stones. It appears in the crown jewels of multiple European monarchies, in the regalia of Burmese kings, and in decorative objects across South and Southeast Asia going back thousands of years. Medieval Europeans believed rubies could predict danger by darkening in color. In the Bible, wisdom is described as being worth more than rubies — a reference that appears multiple times across the Old Testament, a testament to how deeply the stone was woven into ancient concepts of value and worth. Most natural ruby today comes from Myanmar (formerly Burma), Mozambique, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Ruby is an exceptionally hard and durable stone and holds up well to daily wear. However, the natural matrix material in these beads — the white host rock — is softer than the ruby itself and should be treated with reasonable care. Avoid dropping on hard surfaces. Remove before swimming, soaking, or showering to protect the stretch cord. Avoid harsh chemicals, perfumes, and lotions. The faceted surfaces will show oils and residue over time — wipe clean regularly with a soft dry cloth.