![A kaleidoscope of red gemstones from AA Thornton Kettering Sally's blog Kaleidoscope of Red Gemstone jewellery from AA Thornton Kettering](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Banner-Red-Kaleidoscope-July-2018.jpg)
Shades of Red
Red has an association with passion, warmth, devotion and cheerfulness which is possibly why it is one of the most frequently used colours in both antique and contemporary jewellery. So this month’s colour kaleidoscope is the colour red.
If we look at our gemstone family tree, there are lots of red stones out there but the one that springs to most people’s minds first is the precious Ruby, acquiring its name from the Latin word ‘ruber’ meaning red.
Ruby’s rich red colour is due to the presence of chromium. The stronger and deeper the colour usually will warrant a higher price with the best stones often described as being a “pigeon’s blood” red.
Ruby is July’s birthstone and is also used to celebrate the 15th and 40th wedding anniversary – so if you miss the first opportunity to use this beautiful stone, there is always another chance to use this for an anniversary!
![9ct yellow gold ruby link bracelet 9ct yellow gold ruby link bracelet from AA Thornton Kettering Northampton](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/9ct-yellow-gold-ruby-link-bracelet-£1365.jpg)
9ct yellow gold ruby link bracelet
![18ct yellow gold ruby & diamond cluster ring 18ct yellow gold ruby & diamond cluster ring from AA Thornton Kettering Northampton](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/18ct-yellow-gold-ruby-diamond-cluster-ring-£2375.jpg)
18ct yellow gold ruby & diamond cluster ring
![9ct yellow gold 7 stone ruby and diamond ring 9ct yellow gold 7 stone ruby and diamond ring from AA Thornton Kettering Northampton](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/9ct-yellow-gold-7-stone-ruby-and-diamond-ring-£550.jpg)
9ct yellow gold 7 stone ruby and diamond ring
![Ruby and diamond eternity rings Ruby and diamond eternity rings from AA Thornton Kettering Northampton](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Ruby-and-diamond-eternity-rings.jpg)
Ruby and diamond eternity rings
These bright red stones simply gleam when set with diamonds. We feature three neat eternity rings two set alternately with diamonds or a popular option is to have all rubies.
Whilst preparing last month’s article on pearls I was looking at this neat pearl pendant and earrings which feature a tiny ruby that adds a splash of colour. I couldn’t leave them out altogether so I have popped into this month’s edition instead!
Rubies are not just set in yellow gold, we found this pretty white gold ruby and diamond cross over ring introduced this year.
Other red stones used in jewellery and to look out for are spinel, rubellite, carnelian, coral and garnets but it is the latter that I will concentrate on as they are more readily available.
![9ct yellow gold ruby and pearl pendant and drop earrings 9ct yellow gold ruby & pearl drop earrings & pendant from AA Thornton Kettering Northampton](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/9ct-yellow-gold-ruby-pearl-drop-earrings-£190-pendant-£120.jpg)
9ct yellow gold ruby and pearl pendant and drop earrings
![9ct white gold ruby & diamond crossover ring 9ct white gold ruby & diamond crossover ring from AA Thornton Kettering](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/9ct-white-gold-ruby-diamond-crossover-ring-£220.jpg)
9ct white gold ruby & diamond crossover ring
![9ct yellow gold garnet & diamond cluster ring 9ct yellow gold garnet & diamond cluster ring from AA Thornton Kettering Northampton](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/9ct-yellow-gold-garnet-diamond-cluster-ring-£235.jpg)
9ct yellow gold garnet & diamond cluster ring
![9ct yellow gold garnet drop earrings 9ct yellow gold garnet drop earrings from AA Thornton Kettering Northampton](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/9ct-yellow-gold-garnet-drop-earrings-£169.jpg)
9ct yellow gold garnet drop earrings
Although garnet is found in several colours, red is by far the most common. The red varieties of garnet, called pyrope which is a more blood red and almandine a more purplish red, enjoyed a huge wave of popularity during the Victorian and Edwardian period. So do keep a look out for these in our pre-owned collections.
Always a favourite of mine is the Celtic inspired garnet drop earrings and matching pendant which are featured here set in 9ct yellow gold. A matching ring is also available.
When I was studying I attempted enamel work and soon learnt how difficult it was with the red colours being the hardest of them all. This is why I always appreciate the technique involved in these lovely red plique-a-jour earrings.
![9ct yellow gold celtic pendant on necklet with matching earrings 9ct yellow gold celtic pendant on necklet with matching earrings from AA Thornton Kettering Northampton](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/9ct-yellow-gold-celtic-pendant-on-necklet-£195-and-earrings-£165.jpg)
9ct yellow gold celtic pendant on necklet with matching earrings
![9ct yellow gold ruby and diamond heart cluster pendant and drop earrings 9ct yellow gold ruby and diamond heart cluster pendant and drop earrings from AA Thornton Kettering Northampton](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/9ct-yellow-gold-ruby-and-diamond-heart-cluster-pendant-£490-drop-earrings-£430.jpg)
9ct yellow gold ruby and diamond heart cluster pendant and drop earrings
![Red plique-a-jour enamel silver drop earrings Red plique-a-jour enamel silver drop earrings from AA Thornton Kettering Northampton](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Red-plique-a-jour-enamel-silver-drop-earrings-£75-.jpg)
Red plique-a-jour enamel silver drop earrings
![9ct yellow gold garnet and diamond pendant and drop earrings 9ct yellow gold garnet & diamond drop earrings & pendant from AA Thornton Kettering Northampton Stamford](https://aathorntonjeweller.com/wp-core/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/9ct-yellow-gold-garnet-diamond-drop-earrings-£150-pendant-£135.jpg)