With subtle hues ranging from deep, dark red to vibrant fuschia, July’s birthstone makes a perfect gift for yourself or someone else any time of the year. Here’s a deep dive into the history of rubies, their otherworldly characteristics and some of our favorite gifts featuring July birthstone jewelry, including necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets.
What is July’s birthstone?
Known for its striking red hue, the ruby symbolizes passion, energy and strength. This gemstone is considered one of the most valuable, with its rich color and rarity, making it highly sought after.
The allure & lore of rubies
Rubies have always held public fascination. There’s some indication that these gemstones were traded on China’s Silk Road circa 200 B.C. And long before it was July’s birthstone, rubies were associated with royalty — adorning crowns, embellishing scepters, and gracing the armor of soldiers as protective amulets.
Latin for “red,” the prized July birthstone symbolizes love, passion, courage, wealth and strength, so it’s not surprising that they’ve been found in both historical artifacts as well as modern jewelry design.
Characteristics of rubies: What makes them unique?
Rubies get their signature color from the trace element chromium, which offers a shade range from pink and orange to dark red and even purple. Rubies with high saturation are deep, vibrant reds, often described as “pigeon blood red,” which is the most valuable color.
Whether natural or lab created, though, rubies also have inclusions. Like diamonds, the fewer inclusions, the more valuable the stone. However, an inclusion called “rutile silk” can actually improve the color, softening some of the gem’s facets with its needle-like refraction.
Rubies are also known for their exceptional hardness and durability, making them an excellent choice for everyday wear. With a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are second only to diamonds in terms of scratch resistance. This makes them highly resistant to wear and tear, allowing them to withstand daily activities without losing their luster or becoming easily damaged.
Choose from natural or lab created ruby pieces, the latter of which is much more accessible and chemically identical to its naturally formed counterparts.
July birthstone-themed gifts: Best ruby jewelry for every occasion
Gifting ruby jewelry to someone born in July is a great way to celebrate their fiery spirit. Here are a few July birthstone gifts that incorporate this rich gemstone.
- Does your partner need ideas for your birthday? Drop a hint and send them this ruby pendant surrounded by glittering diamonds.
- Planning to propose in July? Mark the date with a show-stopping ruby ring featuring a round-cut gem accented with a halo of diamonds. Automatic “Yes!” guaranteed.
- A milestone anniversary or birthday celebration calls for a new pair of studs featuring a deep red center ruby with diamonds encircling it.
- If they’re born in early July, their zodiac sign is Cancer; late July, it’s Leo. If you’re giving a ruby necklace, consider adding astrology jewelry to the gift as a layering piece.
FAQs about the July birthstone
Have questions about the July birthstone meaning and the differences between rubies and other red stones? We have the answers:
What is the real birthstone for July?
The official birthstone for July is the ruby, chosen by the American National Retail Jewelers Association in 1912. Its deep red color and historical significance made it the perfect gemstone to represent those born in the summer month of July.
What is the meaning of the July birthstone?
The July birthstone meaning is passion, love and vitality. Rubies are believed to bring strength and courage to their wearer.
How do you choose a high-quality ruby?
To select a high-quality ruby, look for the ideal combination of color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, with the most prized July birthstone color being vivid red or “pigeon blood” rubies. The ruby’s origin can also influence value.
What is the difference between a ruby and a garnet?
While both rubies and garnets can appear red, rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, while garnets belong to a different mineral group. Rubies are harder and more valuable, with a richer, more intense red color compared to the darker, often more subdued hues of garnets.
When you're looking for a gemstone that captures the heat of summer or a piece of jewelry steeped in history and symbolism, look no further than the ruby. These dazzling stones add fire to any collection. Ready to add a touch of radiance to your collection? Explore our stunning July birthstone necklace, earring, ring and bracelet selections now!
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