The July Birthstone Ruby - Jewellery Gifts for Her

A ruby is a gemstone that ranges from dark pink to red. Renowned for their vivid appearance, rubies are among the most popular and recognisable gemstones, making them a striking choice for jewellery. Additionally, they are exceptionally durable. Classified as a 'cardinal gem' along with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and amethysts, rubies are considered among the most precious gemstones.

The meaning of a Ruby birthstone varies greatly depending on the cultural context.

In European lore, rubies, with their deep red colour, are believed to attract romance, passion, and love. In contrast, Asian cultures view rubies as symbols of fortune and wealth. In Ancient Rome, rubies were thought to restore vitality and strength when placed on the body. To this day, many cultures continue to attribute healing properties to rubies.

Regardless of the specific meaning you embrace, rubies are a beautifully meaningful gemstone for those born in July.

Rubies are known for their exceptional hardness and durability, boasting a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Only moissanite and diamonds are harder. Their iconic red colour comes from trace amounts of the element chromium; the higher the chromium content, the deeper the red hue.

Rubies form deep within the Earth's crust. Most rubies are sourced from East Asia, including Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. They are also found in some African countries, Australia, and even the United States. As one of the rarest gemstones, their scarcity significantly adds to their value.

The word 'ruby' derives from the Latin word 'ruber,' meaning red. Historical records as far back as 200 B.C. indicate that rubies were traded in China along the North Silk Road. Throughout history, rubies have been adorned by royalty and the upper class, with depictions of their use dating back to medieval times.

- Rubies are often gifted for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

- Very pale-coloured rubies are classified as pink sapphires, though this distinction is debated due to the difficulty in defining the exact boundary.

- The Bible mentions rubies many times, although the term may have referred to various gemstones and used 'ruby' as a catch-all term.

- Beyond July birthdays, rubies are a popular Valentine's Day gift due to their romantic colour and symbolism.

- As symbols of love and commitment, rubies are also a popular choice for wedding and engagement rings.