This unique two-tone gold ring is currently priced at a stunning $1,250, and is available in our Estate and Consignment Collection
July is a month filled with warmth, energy, and celebration—making it the perfect match for its official birthstone, the majestic ruby. Revered for its vivid red color and exceptional rarity, rubies have long been associated with passion, courage, and enduring love. Some of history’s most treasured gemstones have been rubies, prized by kings, queens, and collectors alike.
Today, ruby jewelry remains a timeless favorite for July birthdays, anniversary gifts, and anyone drawn to this gemstone’s unmistakable beauty. From its fascinating history and symbolism to its value and care, this guide explores everything you need to know about one of the world’s most iconic precious gemstones.
What is a Ruby?
Rubies belong to the corundum mineral family (the same family that includes sapphires, another one of nature’s most precious gemstones). The rich red color that rubies are known for comes from trace amounts of chromium within the mineral’s crystal structure. Any corundom gemstone that is red is classified as a ruby; while all other colors are classified as sapphires. Rubies are typically found in Myanmar (Burma), Mozambique, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Vietnam.
This stunning band features sparkling rubies (that are more pink than red) set in a 14K white gold bezel setting, which adds extra security to the lovely stones. Priced at a shocking $550, this beautiful ring is available in our Estate and Consignment Collection, and could make a beautiful alternative wedding band for a bride looking for a unique piece.
Rubies are considered to be one of the “Big Four” precious gems, along with diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. Fine-quality rubies can be more expensive than diamonds due to their extreme rarity, exceptional color, and strong demand among collectors and fine jewelry enthusiasts.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Rubies
A custom ruby and diamond ring that we designed for a client
As we have discovered in past blog posts, people have been assigning special meaning and symbolism to gemstones for centuries. For many years, rubies have symbolized love and passion, courage and strength, prosperity and success, protection from harm, and also vitality. Many historical figures both gave and received rubies as tokens of love and affection, and its exceptional hardness (ranking an impressive 9 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, which is second only to a diamond!) makes it an ideal choice for jewelry that will be worn every day, such as engagement rings.
Color is the single most important factor in determining the value of a ruby. Rubies have a distinct range of colors–they span the gamut from a bright cherry or raspberry red, to a pinkish or purplish red, all the way to a deep crimson red. The most valuable rubies display a vivid, intense red often referred to as “pigeon’s blood” red. This extraordinary color combines a pure red hue with a slight suggestion of blue undertones, which creates incredible richness and dimension to the color. Rubies are also evaluated based on clarity (though natural inclusions are expected), cut, and carat weight.
This lovely necklace, currently in-stock in our Estate and Consignment Collection (priced at just $770 for both the pendant and chain) features a stunning ruby in a sleek 14K white gold setting
As with lab grown diamonds, which we examined in an April blog post, both natural and lab grown rubies have the same chemical composition and physical properties. Natural rubies form over an extensive period of time in the earth, whereas lab grown rubies are created in a lab under controlled conditions. Lab grown rubies also provide excellent color and exceptional beauty at a more accessible price point.
How to Care for Ruby Jewelry
Rubies feature beautifully in all styles of jewelry due to their exquisite color and durability, as seen in this gorgeous ruby and diamond tennis bracelet
Rubies are among the most durable gemstones, which make them excellent choices for pieces you wear regularly. To maintain their sparkle, you can easily keep them shining by cleaning them regularly with soap and warm water. Use a soft brush to gently remove dirt and oils, and don’t forget to store them separately from softer gemstones to prevent scratching. It is also a good idea (as it is with any jewelry!) to periodically have a jeweler inspect your ruby’s setting to ensure that everything is in order. With the proper care, your rubies should last for generations to come, and be treasured family heirlooms.
Typically considered a gift for both the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries in addition to being July’s birthstone, rubies are a perfect choice if you have been looking to gift a piece of fine jewelry that features a durable gemstone that is filled with fire, passion, and historical significance. And, if you have been dreaming of adding a ruby piece to your jewelry collection, why not celebrate some Christmas in July this year and gift one to yourself? There’s no better time to sparkle than right now!