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A July birthstone band of alternating ruby and diamond gemstones pavé-set in platinum

July Birthstone: Ruby

One of the world's most highly prized gemstones, the deep red ruby is the birthstone for July. It is believed to represent wealth, passion and inspiration. The ruby birthstone is the red-hued variation of the mineral corundum, bringing impressive wearability and beauty. Learn more about the history, meaning and buying tips for July’s ruby birthstone.

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.
A July birthstone pendant featuring an emerald-cut ruby framed in diamond pavé and topped with an additional princess-cut diamond and diamond studded bail set in white gold and matching chain

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.

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.
An oval-cut ruby split-shank engagement ring accented by a round-cut diamond halo converging with two white gold bands adorned with rows of pavé-set diamonds

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.
July birthstones adorning a pair of staggered ruby and diamond clusterd into a garland design over rose gold hoop earrings hoop 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
A floral, vintage-inspired birthstone pendant with round ruby center framed in diamond micropavé petals set in yellow gold and suspended from matching cable chain

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.
A birthstone bracelet of brilliant-cut graduated prong-set rubies and diamonds set against white gold, on a cable chain

Keep Your Ruby Jewelry Looking Beautiful for a Lifetime

• Maintaining the color and shimmer of your ruby jewelry requires some simple and routine gemstone care

• A soak in warm and soapy water followed by a gentle scrub with a soft brush will get it cleaned right up. 

• Over time, your jewelry may need a deeper cleaning or some small repairs. 

• Thoroughly rinse your ruby jewelry and then pat dry with a clean, dry cloth. 

• We provide free cleaning and repair services to restore your gemstone jewelry and keep you wearing it for    years to come.

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.

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.

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