Jul
Antique Jewellery, Birthstones, Vintage Jewellery
Ruby – The Birthstone for July
The Radiant Ruby is July’s Birthstone
Ruby, ruby, ruby, ruby! Welcome to the centre stage! July, right in the heart of summer, where days are still long, school’s out, the smell of freshly cut grass lingers in the air, and the fiery allure of the ruby has its moment in the sun in the world of birthstone jewellery. The ruby, with its vibrant red hue, is a gemstone that has captivated hearts for centuries. Keep reading to find out just why.
Want to Know More About the Dazzling Ruby?
July’s birthstone is one of the most easily recognisable, and one of the most coveted, gemstones in the world. This lustrous stone, usually associated with its striking blood-red colour has been around for millennia, mesmerising everyone from historical emperors and kings to modern royalty and high-class celebrities.
The vibrant red colour of the ruby is primarily attributed to the presence of chromium in its formation, with more chromium bringing stronger reds, and less chromium meaning lighter, more pink-like reds.
Rubies, and those used in ruby jewellery in particular, can come in a huge variety of hues, primarily distinguished by their origin, colour, and quality, with the most coveted originating in Myanmar (Burma). These rubies are prized for their deep, vivid “pigeon blood” red hue, which commands the highest value and which features a deep red tint with a hint of purple that brings with it a magical feeling of warmth and opulence. Thai and Cambodian rubies often have a darker, more garnet-like colour, while those from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) can be lighter and more pinkish. African rubies, particularly from Mozambique, have gained popularity for their rich, vibrant red tones. Synthetic rubies, created in labs, offer a more affordable option with similar physical and chemical properties to natural stones. Each type of ruby, whether natural or synthetic, brings its own unique beauty and characteristics, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Did you know that rubies possess a remarkable hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds? This hardness contributes to their durability and suitability for various types of jewellery. For many people in modern times, the reason for the ruby’s allure lies in the simple fact that it effortlessly brings a touch of elegance and warmth to any piece of jewellery and to any outfit.
Symbolism Associated With the Ruby
July’s birthstone, rubies, have been revered throughout history for their beauty and mystical properties. Ancient cultures, including those of India and Burma (now Myanmar), believed rubies held the power to protect warriors in battle and bring peace to their owners. In medieval Europe, rubies were prized by royalty and nobility, often adorning crowns, sceptres, and rings as symbols of wealth and power.
Unsurprisingly, the ruby’s deep red colour is often associated with love and passion, making it a popular choice for romantic jewellery, especially for those celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary, with ruby being the traditional 40th wedding anniversary gift!
Additionally, rubies are believed to bring good luck and protect against misfortune and bad health. For those born in July, wearing ruby jewellery is thought to bring special benefits, enhancing their innate qualities and providing a sense of balance and joy.
The Appeal of Ruby Birthstone Jewellery
Ruby jewellery comes in various styles, each effortlessly showcasing the gemstone’s unique beauty. From ruby earrings and rings to pendants and bracelets, its striking colour naturally complements any metal type, and in fact, in the creation of modern ruby jewellery, a mix of metal types are often used. Yet despite its common usage in modern jewellery, the most striking example of ruby can often be found in antique jewellery that has been passed down through the generations safe in the knowledge of its timeless charm.
Below are just a few of the stunning ruby jewellery pieces we have on offer at the Jewellery Warehouse, with our collection ever-growing. And whilst we don’t have any ruby red slippers to transport you to anywhere you wish, these beautiful items would be simply perfect as a gift for someone dear to you who has July birthday, as a 40th wedding anniversary present, or just as a treat to yourself!
Take a look through our stunning full collection of July Birthstone Ruby jewellery here.
