The Ancient King of Gems
July’s birthstone has been a beloved gemstone worldwide for centuries, due to its alluring color and durability. In ancient India, ruby was known as the "king of gems" for its rarity, beauty and hardness. Burmese warriors wore rubies into battle to make themselves invincible, and Medieval Europeans donned them to help ensure success in love.
Ruby's Birthstone History
A quick history of the July birthstone reveals ruby’s lasting status as this month’s signature gemstone. A favored gem throughout time and across cultures, unrivaled ruby has been both the traditional and modern birthstone for July. Ruby's status was cemented officially as the July birthstone in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers released the modern birthstone list. For decades, any jewelry celebrating a July birthday has featured the ruby birthstone.
July Birthstone Meaning
The crimson color of the ruby has long connected the stone to passion, devotion and energy. Many cultures have viewed it as a symbol of life itself and used it as a talisman for attracting good health and prosperity. The modern birthstone meaning of the ruby also includes wisdom to help guide the wearer on the right path.
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Gifting Inspiration for the July Birthstone
Ruby birthstone jewelry is a thoughtful and meaningful present that any recipient is sure to cherish. The ravishing ruby is a statement-making stone that always leaves a big impact, making it the perfect gift for many special occasions. Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, graduation or other special occasion with this iconic red birthstone for July.
A SYMBOL OF YOUR ADORATION
The red ruby is a deeply romantic gemstone that looks stunning in an engagement ring. The gemstone’s dramatic red color symbolizes love and its luminous sparkle instantly catches the eye. Rubies are often paired with accent diamonds to further enhance the shine and brilliance of a ruby engagement ring, and they are available in a variety of settings.
A BIRTHSTONE BIRTHDAY GIFT
Celebrate a July birthday with a breathtaking pair of ruby earrings that let the recipient show off their striking birthstone in style. Find everything from timeless studs and elegant drop earrings to bold hoops and extravagant ruby and diamond cluster earrings.
GIFTS FOR MOM
A gleaming ruby necklace is an excellent gift for Mother's Day, serving as an expression of your love and gratitude. Our selection includes pendant-style necklaces with a central ruby accented by diamonds, as well as graduated ruby and diamond necklaces with several scintillating stones
CELEBRATE SOMEONE SPECIAL
Ruby jewelry in all styles and designs is a wonderful present for important occasions like graduations, weddings, anniversaries and other major events. Give the gift of a ruby necklace, a pair of ruby earrings or an exquisite ruby bracelet to mark any milestone.
Ruby’s Birthstone Connections
Like many gemstones, the birthstone for July is formed underground in high heat and immense pressure. This makes rubies a great birthstone for July, representing the warm summer month in their very formation. July’s stone also represents the love and loyalty of this month’s zodiac signs, Cancer and Leo.
July Birthstone Color
Deep, rich red is the most popular July birthstone color. Rubies come in a wide range of red-focused shades including colors closer to dark pinks and red-hued purples. The deeper red rubies are some of the rarest and most sought-after options of July birthstones. Rubies do not come in the color blue, as blue rubies are actually sapphires.
The ruby birthstone is a variety of the mineral corundum, getting its signature red color from small deposits of the element chromium within the stone. The redder and more saturated rubies have more chromium in their composition.
July Birthstone Wearability
Ringing in at a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, July’s birthstone ruby is exceptional for daily wear. It's difficult to scratch and stands up well to settings in rings, earrings, necklaces or other styles.
July Birthstone Buying Tips
If you’re looking to buy the ruby birthstone for yourself or a loved one, there are some shopping tips to keep in mind when browsing this jewelry.
1. Learn about gemstone color and its impact on the price of ruby jewelry. Richer, darker rubies will typically fetch a higher price than lighter ones. But as with all jewelry, it’s up to personal preference.
2. Pick a setting that complements the ruby. The July birthstone is often set along with other gems such as diamonds to create a rich contrast.
3. Sort out a style. Ruby birthstones are chameleons of style, fitting everything from vintage jewelry to ultra-modern engagement rings. Because of this, it’s best to choose a style era you’d like for your ruby jewelry.
Rubies are incredibly durable, stylish and perfect for gifting or adding to your own jewelry wardrobe. Buying from jewelry stores you trust can ensure you’re getting the best July birthstone for your budget.
Learn More About Gemstones
Whether you’re looking for yourself or searching for a gift for someone you love, the radiant ruby makes a brilliant addition to any jewelry collection. Learn about more gemstones and the
beautiful jewelry options they offer.
