Perhaps no gem delights the senses like the diamond. This most precious of stones seems to burn with a fire deep within. Crystallized carbon, formed under tremendous pressure over millennia, the diamond is famed for its everlasting hardness. In this capacity, the gem has come to symbolize eternal faithfulness and is the traditional focus of the engagement band. Because early cultures lacked the technology to facet the diamond, the gem has only become popular in the last two centuries. Diamonds are normally colorless, but they are also found in shades including yellow, pink, and blue. In eastern belief, the diamond is said to enhance the full spectrum of energies in the body, mind, and spirit. Within the circle of gems, the diamond defines the standards of beauty, rarity, and preciousness. The ruby was considered in the ancient east to be the luckiest of gems, able to confer protection from all misfortunes manmade or natural. A member of the corundum family, ruby is primarily found in India, Burma and Ceylon. Sanskrit writing refers to it as "the king of gems." because of its rich red color; ruby is thought to avert diseases of the blood and the stomach. In eastern philosophy, ruby promotes peace and prosperity for its owner, and grants invulnerability from evil. Its warm glow casts a spell over the heart of all who behold it. - (FJ.0169)