July Birthstone - Ruby

Ruby's deep red radiance has captivated us for millennia. The July birthstone evokes love, vitality, and nobility. Desired by kings and warriors, ruby remains one of the world's most coveted gems. Explore ruby's rich history, mystical allure, and styling inspiration. Discover why ruby has mesmerized us for centuries and continues to make hearts race.

What is Ruby?

Ruby is a gem quality variety of the mineral corundum, which also includes sapphire. Trace amounts of the element chromium give ruby its rich red color, which ranges from pinkish to blood red.

The most prized ruby is a vivid, slightly purplish red of high saturation known as "pigeon's blood" ruby. Blue sapphire, ruby's corundum cousin, gets its color from iron and titanium.

With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, the durable July birthstone suits all jewelry applications. The finest rubies are transparent, free of inclusions, and exhibit luminescence under UV light.

Large rubies over 3 carats are scarce. Those over 10 carats are exceptionally rare and valuable. The majority fall between 0.5 to 2 carats.

Learn more facts about ruby

Ruby History and Mythology

For thousands of years, ruby's gorgeous red color linked it to fire, blood, and passion. Ancient Hindus called ruby the "king of precious stones" for its rarity and powers.

Ruby was a symbol of vitality and immortality. Throughout history, it was believed to bring wisdom, health, wealth, and success in love to those who wore it.

Burmese warriors embedded rubies in their skin for protection and courage in battle. Medieval Europeans thought ruby helped the wearer overcome evil thoughts.

The ruby is also the traditional 15th and 40th wedding anniversary gem.

Where are Rubies Found?

For over 500 years, Myanmar's legendary Mogok region produced the world's most prized pigeon's blood rubies. Other key sources include:

• Vietnam - Luc Yen mines with beautiful red stones
• Thailand - Historically important, now depleted
• Mozambique - Significant new ruby producer
• Afghanistan - High-quality rubies in small sizes
• Tanzania - Newer ruby supplier, mostly lighter tones
• Greenland - Rare source of ruby in mica schist
• Nepal - Small deposit of fine ruby crystals

Burma (Myanmar) still produces the most desirable rubies blessed with an inner glow from red fluorescence. But many sources worldwide yield beautiful, natural rubies.

Evaluating Ruby Quality

These factors determine ruby value:

Color - Vivid red with a hint of blue, not too pink or orangey. Secondary Heading

Clarity - Transparent stones with few eye-visible inclusions.

Cut - Proportions that maximize brilliance. Avoid Windowing from shallow cuts.

Carat - Larger rubies are increasingly scarce and costly.

Origin - Burmese rubies with red fluorescence are most prized. Provenance boosts value.

High saturation Pigeon's Blood color, excellent clarity, master cutting, and larger sizes make for exponentially rarer, more valuable rubies.

Ruby Buying Tips

• Seek an intensely saturated red, not too dark or light.
• Look for transparency and high light return, even in included stones.
• Well-cut cushion, oval, and round rubies focus color.
• Eye-clean rubies under 1 carat are available at lower price points.
• Ask about any treatments like heat, glass filling, or irradiation.
• Buy the best ruby color you can afford within budget.
• An independent lab report confirms natural origin.

Work with a knowledgeable jeweler to source an exceptional ruby that fits your budget.

Caring for Ruby Jewelry

With a hardness of 9, ruby is suitable for all jewelry types with proper care:

• Use a soft brush and mild soap to routinely clean rubies.
• Avoid exposing treated rubies to heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic/steam cleaning.
• Check prong settings routinely to ensure they remain secure.
• Consider removing ruby rings for physical activities to prevent damage.

Rubies can last forever with sensible wear and care. Taking basic precautions preserves their beauty.

Styling the Passionate July Birthstone

Ruby jewelry spans classic to contemporary with timeless elegance:

Classic Looks

• Solitaire pendants surrounded by sparkling diamonds
• Tennis bracelets lined with calibrated red rubies
• Bold cocktail rings featuring carved rubies
• Ruby stud earrings accented with diamond halos
• Antique rose gold filigree rings with oval rubies

Contemporary Styles

• Ruby slices bordered by sapphires in modern rings
• Prong set rubies floating on chains as modern necklaces
• Geometric ruby and diamond earrings in platinum
• Ruby beads reimagined as edgy chained bracelets
• Ruby and spinel floral rings for pops of color

Channel love and passion through the radiant beauty of ruby, the coveted July birthstone.

Facts About the July Birthstone Ruby

• One of the 4 precious gems, along with diamond, emerald, and sapphire
• The word "ruby" comes from the Latin for red - "ruber"
• Only color distinction between ruby and blue sapphire
• Traces of chromium cause ruby's red fluorescence
• Rare pigeon's blood rubies are the most desirable
• Durability makes ruby suitable for daily wear
• Mined for centuries in Myanmar's Mogok region
• Large flawless rubies are incredibly scarce and costly
• Given as the 15th and 40th wedding anniversary gem

Discover your perfect ruby, the king of precious gems, as your ravishing July birthstone.