Stars

Star rubies (red color) and star sapphires (blue color) show a bright six-legged star in the dome of their cabochon. The stars, like the eye of a cat's-eye, are formed by light reflecting off tiny inclusions in the stone. The value of star rubies and sapphires are influenced by two things: the intensity and attractiveness of the body color and the strength and sharpness of the star. All six legs should be straight and equally prominent. Star rubies rarely have the combination of a fine translucent or transparent color and a sharp prominent star. Star sapphires are more common but still very rare with fine color. Star rubies and sapphires are becoming more rare as most rough today is cut into faceted stones after heating instead of being cut into cabochons to display the star. Stars are very collectible as a result.

I can never look at these particular stones without thinking of that time in Bethlehem, and the birth of our Savior.

When I see the star it reminds me of the Old Testament scripture in which Jesus is described as a star. Numbers 24:17 reads, I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the sons of Sheth.(NIV)

In the New Testament Matthew 2:2 tells of the wise men seeing “his star in the east.” Luke 1: 31-33 tells the account of Jesus receiving both His name and His authority over the house of Jacob (the fulfillment of Numbers 24:17). II Peter 1:19 tells of the morning star and in Revelation 22:16 Jesus proclaims that He IS “the bright Morning Star".
As we enter into the season of Christmas, when lots of lights, festive characters and other things vie for our attention, let's consider the real 'star' of the show...Jesus.

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