Rubies in My Life

Proverbs 31:10 "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."

I used to hate that scripture. Rubies? Why not diamonds? EVERYONE knows how valuable and precious and spectacular diamonds are. Why would you compare a virtuous woman to a dull red stone when you could compare to her to a crystalline, clear stone that reflects light back to you in a myriad of colors, causing delight and beauty? Isn't that what a woman is/does? Rubies my foot. Another proof that the Scriptures were written by men that had absolutely no appreciation for women. Men are pigs.

THEN I watched a National Geographic Video about gemstones. My perspective about that scripture changed immensely. Every time I think of that scripture, I tear up and think of the Rubies in my life. Let me explain.

Diamonds are in fact beautiful. When properly cut, they reflect the light back in a beautiful rainbow. Diamonds are hard and will last (probably) for eternity. To the LDS, "eternity" is meaningful. We truly believe in eternity. It's not just a word; it's a concept. It's a destination we strive for in our daily lives to achieve--with our families.

Diamonds are rare, or so I thought. According to this video I watched, yes they are rare, but compared to OTHER gemstones, diamonds a dime a dozen. The purchase price of a stone is based on all of the factors in getting the stone: digging it out of the earth, polishing it, cutting it, setting it, selling it. Each step of the way, the price goes up a bit. The final purchaser gets the biggest tab. In order to mine one diamond worthy of sale, a huge amount of earth has to be moved and sifted through. I don't remember exactly what it is, let's say for argument's sake it is 1,000 lbs. You'd get about 100 diamonds out of 100,000 lbs of earth. In my ideal world with my perfect mathematical figures.

Rubies on the other hand are not so easy to find. They are a softer gemstone than a diamond is. The same process for diamonds is used for rubies: digging out of the earth, polishing, cutting, setting, selling. Each step adds money to the finished product. For every ruby worthy of sale a much larger amount of earth must be moved and sifted through than a diamond. Again I don't remember exactly the amount, but it was ridiculously more than for a diamond. Let's say 10,000 lbs of earth. So for every 100,000 of earth you move, sift, etc., you've uncovered 10 rubies.

In theory, the cost of removing the earth and searching for the stones is the exact same. It would cost the same if they were looking for amethyst or emeralds or salt for that matter. Same equipment, same gas, same overworked underpaid workers. However, one mine owner gets 100 quality gems for the endeavor. The other mine owner gets 10 quality gems for the endeavor. Who has the most precious gem?

In my 43 years, I've had a lot of women in my life. Many are diamonds. Unfortunately, some were paste. I've had the honor and privilege of knowing three rubies; I think that's a lot for one person to have. These women have given me or taught me something precious about life and about myself that no one else ever did. And they don't even know it. Next to their name on my blog page, I've written what that precious thing is.

So, to all of the diamonds in my life: Thank you. I love you. You are each special and unique and I need you. Please don't be hurt that you didn't get put on that other list. Diamonds are a girl's best friends!!