All About Ruby: July’s Fiery Birthstone
Bold, vibrant, and full of passion — the ruby is July’s birthstone, and it certainly knows how to make an entrance. Known as the king of gemstones, the ruby has long been associated with royalty, power, and love. Whether you’re a July baby or simply a gemstone enthusiast, this gem has a fascinating story and plenty of sparkle to go with it.
History of Rubies
Rubies have captivated hearts for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, from India to Burma (now Myanmar), believed rubies held the power of life due to their rich red hue. Warriors wore them for protection in battle, and royalty adorned themselves with rubies as symbols of strength and prosperity.
The name “ruby” comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning red. Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum — the same mineral as sapphire — but only red corundum earns the title of “ruby.” All other colours of corundum are classified as sapphires.
Symbolism & Meaning
Throughout history, rubies have symbolized:
Love & Passion – Their deep red tones are often connected with the heart and strong emotions.
Courage & Confidence – Rubies were believed to protect the wearer and encourage boldness.
Vitality & Energy – In ancient times, they were thought to contain the very essence of life.
Today, rubies are still given as gifts to mark 15th or 40th wedding anniversaries and to celebrate milestone moments with deep significance.
Where Rubies Are Found
The most prized rubies historically came from Myanmar, known for producing stones with a rich, pigeon-blood red hue. Today, rubies are also mined in Thailand, Vietnam, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
Ruby Hardness & Durability
On the Mohs hardness scale, ruby ranks a solid 9, making it one of the hardest gemstones after diamond. This means it’s a great option for everyday wear — especially in rings, necklaces, and bracelets — but still requires care to avoid chips or damage from sharp blows.
How to Care for Ruby Jewellery
Rubies are tough, but they’re not indestructible! Here are a few care tips to keep your ruby jewellery looking its best:
1. Cleaning:
Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush.
Gently scrub behind the setting where dirt can collect.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Ultrasonic or steam cleaning is generally safe unless your ruby has been fracture-filled — in which case, stick to gentle hand-cleaning.
2. Storing:
Store ruby pieces separately from other jewellery to avoid scratches.
A soft pouch or lined jewellery box is ideal.
3. Wearing Tips:
Rubies can handle daily wear, but avoid wearing them during high-impact activities like gardening, working out, or heavy lifting.
If set in rings, check prongs and settings regularly to ensure the stone is secure.
Ruby Jewellery Style Tips
Rubies pair beautifully with both yellow and white gold, offering a classic or modern vibe depending on the design. They’re especially striking when set alongside diamonds or pearls for extra contrast.
For a bolder statement, go for chunky ruby rings or vintage-inspired necklaces. For everyday elegance, ruby stud earrings or a delicate ruby pendant can add the perfect pop of colour.
Celebrate July in Style
Whether you’re gifting a loved one or treating yourself, ruby jewellery brings elegance, history, and meaning together in one unforgettable gemstone. It’s more than just a birthstone — it’s a symbol of fire, love, and timeless beauty.
