28 June 2019

Ruby: Your Everything Guide to July’s Birthstone as a Symbol of Wealth & Success

1.09ct Diamond & 4.38ct Ruby 14k Rose Gold Earrings by Allurez.

If you’re a July baby then the ruby, the king of all gems, is your birthstone, and it’s not hard to see why it has achieved such royal status. The ancient Sanskrit word for ruby translates to “king of precious stones” and the gemstone has become one of the most prized throughout history, symbolizing love, bravery and wealth. Next to diamonds, they’re one of the most expensive gemstones in the world.

Large rubies are harder to find than large diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. As a result, rubies’ value increases with size more than any other gemstone.

It’s the month of the ruby, so if you have a birthday coming up—or just happen to love the color red—read on for everything you need to know about the gem. We’ve also included some beautiful ruby jewelry you can shop, even if you’re just looking for the perfect July birthday present, while learning a little more about July’s birthstone.

Marquise Ruby and Diamond Eternity Ring 14k White Gold by Allurez.

The facts

The name of ruby comes from the Latin word for red, rubeus.

Aside from being the birthstone of July, ruby is also the gem for the 15th and 40th anniversaries. Like the sapphire, it’s made from the mineral corundum but chromium is the trace element that causes a ruby’s red color: the more chromium, the stronger the red color. Chromium can also cause fluorescence, which adds to the intensity of the ruby’s red color.

One of the rarest varieties is a “star ruby,” caused by crystal inclusions that when hit by light, appear in the stone as a six-point star, according to Stylecaster.

The most renowned rubies, like those from Myanmar, the Himalayas, and northern Vietnam, typically form in marble, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Marble has a low iron content so the rubies that form in marble lack iron and because of this, many have an intense red color. Most rubies are said to be mined in Burma, while others are found in numerous locations around the world including Mozambique, Pakistan, Vietnam, Malawi and Sri Lanka.

On the Mohs Hardness scale a ruby is a 9.

A rose gold setting gives these ruby earrings below a modern touch.

Halo Diamond Accented and Ruby Earrings 14K Rose Gold by Allurez.

Symbolism

Rubies have been long associated with royalty and many medieval Europeans wore the gemstone to guarantee health, protection, wealth, wisdom, and success in love.

The Mogok valley of Upper Burma is Myanmar’s legendary valley of rubies, according to GIA, and it is the source of many of the world’s most amazing gemstones. Warriors in Burma would implant rubies into their skin before battle for protection and courage on the battlefield.

Early cultures held rubies in high regard and associated it with wealth and life because of their similarity to the redness of the blood. Ancient Hindus believed that if you offered rubies to the god Krishna you were granted rebirth as emperors, while people in India believed that those who owned rubies would live in peace with their enemies.

This ruby necklace below is dressy enough for a formal affair but casual enough to wear everyday as well.

Ruby Round Flower Pendant Necklace 14k White Gold by Allurez.

Rubies are believed to encourage abundance—whether it be wealth, love, or pregnancy—ward off sickness, and warn the wearer of impending danger, Stylecaster noted. In Ancient Hindu societies, rubies were known as the “King of Gems,” and according to legend, they would change color and turn a darker shade in the presence of evil. According to The Book of Stones, the Chinese emperor Kublai Khan once even offered an entire city in exchange for a massive ruby.

Even in modern times, the ruby symbolizes love and success, and many believe its connection to one’s chi, or life force.

A ruby solitaire is the perfect addition to any stacking ring collection.

 

 

Ruby Eternity Band Stackable Ring 14K White Gold by Allurez.

Famous rubies

In Marco Polo’s famous travelogue The Travels of Marco Polo, he recounts a tale about the King of Ceylon’s magnificent ruby, which is said to be “red as fire” and as “thick as a man’s arm.”

Other famous rubies in history include the colossal 250-carat ruby that adorned the crown of Charles IV of Luxembourg in the 1300s. Queen Elizabeth II also has the stunning Burmese ruby tiara among her jewel collection.

Talk about arm candy! This ruby bracelet is a perfect present for someone you love, or even if you want to treat yourself.

Ruby Tennis Heart Link Bracelet 14k White Gold by Allurez.

Ruby engagement rings

Elle magazine noted that Etsy named birthstone engagement rings as one of 2019’s “breakout wedding trend,” so if you’re looking to propose to the person you love, consider doing it during their birthday month and with their birthstone for a sentimental touch.

“One emerging trend in non-diamond engagement rings is incorporating birthstones,” Etsy’s trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson explained. “On Etsy, we’ve seen 34K searches for ‘birthstone engagement rings’ in the last three months, and I predict the trend will continue to grow.”

“2019 is going to be all about putting a twist on traditional styles,” Johnson continued. “For generations, the diamond has been the ultimate stone for proposing, but today’s bride isn’t tied to the norm — she wants to express her personal style and choose a ring that reflects her personality — which is why in the new year, other gemstones will become go-to staples for engagement rings.”

Celebrities who have ruby engagement rings include Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson (ruby is Jessica’s birthstone) and Ashlee Simpson.

Red Ruby Ear Pin Stud Earrings 14k White Gold by Allurez.

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