July’s Birthstone – The Ruby

July is the month of the Ruby – learn more about the history, significance and meaning of the Ruby birthstone, and discover some of the best birthday gifts for a July birthday.

What is a Ruby? 

• A Ruby is a dark pink or red gemstone.  
• Rubies are one of the most popular and well-known gemstones, offering a striking look for your jewellery piece, as well as incredible durability.  
• Rubies are considered a ‘cardinal gem’ – alongside Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires and Amethyst – meaning they are the most precious above all others.

What is the meaning of a Ruby birthstone? 

• The meaning of a Ruby birthstone varies greatly, depending on the culture in which it is being described.  
• In European lore, Rubies – with their deep red colouring – are said to attract romance, passion and love.  
• However, in Asian countries, Rubies symbolise fortune and wealth.  
• In Ancient Rome, placing Rubies on the body was said to restore vitality and strength, and similarly – to this day – many cultures believe Rubies to have healing properties. 

No matter which meaning you believe; Rubies make for a beautifully meaningful gem for those born in the month of July. 

What are the characteristics of a Ruby?

• Rubies are incredibly hard and durable. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, they have a hardness rating of 9 – only Moissanite and Diamonds are harder.  
• Rubies get their famous red colour from the trace amounts of the element called ‘chromium’ – the more chromium present, the deeper the red colour is. 

Where are Rubies found?

• Rubies are formed in rock deep below the Earth’s surface.  
• Most Rubies are sourced from East Asia, in places such as Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. However, Rubies have also been mined in some African countries, Australia, and even the United States of America.  
• Rubies are one of the rarest gemstones, with their scarcity adding to their value. 

What is the history of rubies?

• The etymology of the word ‘Ruby’ is simple. It comes from the Latin word ‘ruber’ – meaning red. 
• In records reaching back as far as 200 B.C, there is evidence that Rubies were traded in China on the North Silk Road.  
• Rubies have been worn by royalty and the upper-class for a very long time, with historical depictions of rubies from the medieval times. 

Fun facts about Rubies

• Rubies are often given for 15^th and 40^th wedding anniversaries. 
• Very pale coloured Rubies are classified as pink sapphires – but this distinction is often debated, as it can be hard to tell where to draw the line. 
• The Bible references Rubies many times – however, it is said that it may have meant a variety of different gemstones and used the word ‘Ruby’ as a catch-all term. 
• Not just for July birthdays, Rubies are an extremely popular Valentine’s Day gift, due to their romantic colouring and nature. 
• As Rubies are often used as a symbol for love and commitment, they also make a popular stone to feature in wedding and engagement rings. 

What are the best Ruby birthstone gifts?

Looking for the perfect Ruby birthstone gift for someone born in July? Choose a meaningful heart-shaped diamond and Ruby pendant necklace, or perhaps a pair of simple Ruby studs. Not what you had in mind? Give them the gift of choice, with a The Diamond Store gift card. 

Discover more jewellery now at TheDiamondStore.co.uk.

Love this? Why not follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter?