The July Birthstone - Ruby

The birthstone for July is the Ruby – one of the world’s most powerful and treasured gemstones. Known for its rich red colour and strong symbolism, Ruby has been admired for thousands of years as a gem of passion, courage, and prosperity. For those born in July, it is a truly regal stone with timeless appeal.

The July birthstone is the Ruby. Its name comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red.” Rubies have been mentioned throughout history, from ancient texts in 200 B.C. to biblical references where they were described as one of the most precious of all gemstones. For centuries, Rubies were worn by kings and warriors as symbols of power, wealth, and protection.

Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, the same family as sapphire. Both gemstones are composed of crystallised aluminium oxide, but it is the presence of chromium that gives Ruby its deep red colour. On the Mohs hardness scale, Ruby ranks at 9, making it the second hardest gemstone after Diamond.

The most coveted Rubies are known as “pigeon blood red” – a vibrant, pure red with a hint of blue. Rubies can also appear in lighter tones that sometimes border on pink. When the colour falls below a certain threshold, these stones are classified as pink sapphires instead of Rubies.

For centuries, Rubies have symbolised love, passion, courage, and vitality. Their fiery colour has long been associated with the heart and with strong emotions. In many cultures, Rubies were thought to bring good fortune and protection. In fact, ancient traditions placed Rubies beneath the foundations of buildings to bless the structure with prosperity and safety.

Rubies have been admired throughout history across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. They were traded along the Silk Road and held in high regard by royalty and warriors. Today, some of the finest Rubies come from Myanmar (formerly Burma), which is famous for producing stones of exceptional quality. Other sources include Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique.

With their bold red colour, Rubies are striking centrepieces for rings, necklaces, and earrings. Their durability makes them ideal for everyday wear, while their symbolism of love and passion makes them especially popular for engagement rings and anniversary gifts. At Purely Diamonds, we offer Ruby jewellery handcrafted to showcase the beauty of this remarkable stone.

Although Rubies are very durable, they should still be treated with care to preserve their beauty:

• Remove Ruby jewellery before activities like cleaning, gardening, or sports to avoid chips or cracks.
• Put on your jewellery after applying perfumes, sprays, or lotions to prevent residue build-up.
• Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush.
• Store separately to avoid scratching softer gemstones.

The July birthstone, Ruby, is one of the world’s most precious and symbolic gemstones. Representing love, courage, and prosperity, it has been cherished for centuries and remains a timeless choice for jewellery.

Celebrate a July birthday or a special milestone with our collection of Ruby jewellery, handcrafted to capture the power and beauty of this extraordinary gem.