July Birthstone Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Rubies

Few gemstones capture attention quite like a ruby.

With its rich red color and remarkable durability, the ruby has symbolized love, passion, courage, and prosperity for centuries. As July's official birthstone, it's a timeless choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and anyone who simply loves bold color.

Whether you're shopping for a meaningful gift or adding to your own collection, here's everything you should know about one of the world's most celebrated gemstones.

 
What Makes a Ruby a Ruby?
Rubies belong to the corundum mineral family—the same family as sapphires.

The difference comes down to color.

When corundum contains traces of chromium, it develops the vivid red hues we know as ruby. Every other color of corundum is classified as a sapphire.

 
The Meaning Behind Rubies
Throughout history, rubies have represented:

❤️ Love

❤️ Passion

❤️ Strength

❤️ Courage

❤️ Protection

Ancient cultures believed rubies could bring good fortune and protect their owners from harm. Today, they're still one of the most romantic gemstones available.

 
How Durable Are Rubies?
Rubies rank 9 out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them one of the hardest natural gemstones in the world.

That exceptional durability makes rubies an excellent choice for:

Engagement rings
Everyday rings
Earrings
Pendants
Bracelets
With proper care, ruby jewelry can be enjoyed for generations.

 
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Rubies
Both natural and lab-grown rubies share the same chemical composition and stunning red color.

The biggest differences are how they're formed and their rarity.

Natural Rubies

• Form over millions of years beneath the Earth's surface.
• Each stone has unique natural inclusions and characteristics.
• Often command higher prices due to their rarity.

Lab-Grown Rubies

• Created in controlled laboratory environments.
• Offer the same durability and vibrant color.
• Typically provide a more budget-friendly option.

No matter which you choose, both can make beautiful heirloom-quality jewelry.

 
How to Choose a Quality Ruby
When evaluating a ruby, jewelers look at several important characteristics:

Color
Color is the most important factor.

The finest rubies display a rich, vibrant red that's neither too dark nor too light. Slight variations in tone and saturation make every ruby unique.

Clarity
Most natural rubies contain inclusions.

Unlike diamonds, inclusions in colored gemstones are often expected and help identify a stone as natural.

Cut
A well-cut ruby maximizes color, brilliance, and overall beauty.

Carat Weight
Large, high-quality natural rubies are exceptionally rare, making them especially valuable.

 
Caring for Ruby Jewelry
Fortunately, rubies are relatively easy to care for.

To keep them looking their best:

• Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
• Avoid harsh household chemicals.
• Remove jewelry before heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
• Have prongs and settings professionally inspected on a regular basis.

Routine maintenance helps protect your jewelry for years to come.

 
Why Rubies Make Meaningful Gifts
While they're the birthstone for July, rubies are also the traditional gemstone for the 40th wedding anniversary.

Their bold color and lasting durability make them a meaningful way to celebrate life's biggest milestones—from birthdays and anniversaries to engagements and family heirlooms.

 
Find Your Perfect Ruby at Monarch Jewelry
Whether you're searching for a classic ruby pendant, elegant earrings, a custom-designed ring, or a one-of-a-kind heirloom piece, our team is here to help you find something truly special.

Visit Monarch Jewelry to explore our collection of ruby jewelry or work with our experienced designers to create a custom piece that's as unique as the person who will wear it.