The birthstone for July is ruby, one of the most coveted gemstones. Ruby is also one of the most popular names. But the one thing that came close to rival the popularity of July birthstone ruby was the song Ruby by Kaiser Chiefs.
It wasn’t the gemstone or any girl they were referring to though, rather a dog that became their inspiration.
Unlike Kaiser Chiefs who revealed the mystery after decades, we give you every bit of information on this red gemstone, right here.
So, whether you want to celebrate your 15th or 40th anniversary, or gift it to your July born friend, you know how to go about it.
July Birthstone Meaning
Besides being the July birthstone, ruby is also the ‘king of gemstones’. The origin of this title lies in ancient Indian texts. In Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj which translates to king of gemstones.
The English word ruby has its origin in Latin ruber, meaning red. Be careful not to add another b there. 😀
Did you know that on exposure to high temperature, ruby becomes green but regains its original colour upon cooling?
July Birthstone History
Ruby birthstone has a fascinating history. As per some records, rubies were traded along China’s North Silk Road as early as 200 BC.
The Mogok region of Myanmar (formerly Burma) is credited with the discovery of rubies around 2500 BC.
From British monarchs to Chinese emperors to Kings in Asia and conquistadors of Europe, rubies have enchanted generations.
July Birthstone Symbolism
What’s a birthstone if there isn’t symbolism? Since ruby is such a renowned stone, it has some remarkable symbolism too.
The July birthstone has been associated with the life force blood. As such it symbolizes youth and energy.
In the earlier centuries Burmese warriors used to embed ruby stones inside their armor to be invincible in battle. Ruby also symbolizes courage.
Some claims of the past associate rubies to cure inflammatory diseases as well as predict misfortune and danger.
Modern-day beliefs are that rubies can bestow health, wisdom and success to its wearer. It can also mend strained or broken relationships.
Where are Rubies Found
The oldest source of the July birthstone lies in the Mogok Valley in Myanmar, erstwhile Burma.
Rubies from Burma set the standard due to their famous ‘pigeon blood’ color. Mines in Mozambique at Montepuez, yield good quality comparable ruby stones.
In the last century, Vietnam has emerged as a rich source of rubies. In addition, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar also have ruby deposits.
Some ruby stones were also discovered in the U.S. states of Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wyoming.
At GemsNY you can find top quality rubies from the most prominent locations.
Why Burmese Rubies are Considered Best
Burmese rubies, especially from the Mogok Valley, come from the metamorphic rocks made of limestone.
Such rubies have a clear disposition and only have chromium as the trace element in the mineral corundum.
On the other hand ruby stones formed in basalt rocks also have iron in addition to chromium. Due to this dual infusion in the base mineral corundum, such rubies have a grey undertone.
Did you know that when a ruby gemstone is subjected to radiant discharge, it will phosphoresce with a vivid red glow? It means that the ruby will continue to emit light even after the radiant discharge source is removed.
Famous Natural Ruby Stones
How marvellous this July birthstone can be is evident from these world famous rubies.
Rosser Reeves Ruby
Origin- Sri Lanka
Weight- 138.7 carats
Donated to the Smithsonian by Rosser Reeves.
De Long Star Ruby
Origin- Myanmar (Burma)
Weight- 100 carats
Donated by Edith Haggin DeLong to the American Museum of Natural History.
Sunrise Ruby
Origin- Myanmar (Burma)
Weight- 25.59 carats
Title- Most expensive ruby of the world. Bought for $30.3 M by a private collector in Christie’s auction in 2015.
Carmen Lucia Ruby
Origin- Myanmar (Burma)
Weight- 23.1 carats
Dr. Peter Buck, a nuclear physicist and philanthropist. gifted it to the Smithsonian in memory of his wife, Lucia.
Liberty Bell Ruby
Origin- East Africa
Weight- 4 pounds (8500 carats)
Stolen in a 2014 heist, whereabouts unknown.
Source: thenaturalrubycompany.com
Lab-Made Ruby Gemstones
In 1837, Gaudin made the first synthetic rubies but they were not gem quality since they became opaque upon cooling.
Afterwards, in 1887, Fremy and Auguste Verneuil created artificial ruby by fusing BaF2 and Al2O3 with a little chromium at red heat. They called the process Flame Fusion which we now know as the Verneuil method.
Since then the technology has improved tremendously leading to the production of exceptional quality stones.
The next step is going to be of stones created directly into a specific setting. And someone from England has already made some progress in this direction.
At GemsNY you can find Premium grade lab-rubies for your July birthstone jewelry.
How to Buy July Birthstone
Buying a July birthstone or jewelry is not difficult if you know about either the gemstone or the jeweler.
Always ask whether the stone has undergone any kind of treatment. Treated rubies are priced lower than untreated ones of similar quality.
Heat treatment is common and accepted in the industry. The result is fewer inclusions and stable color.
Some ruby stones also undergo lattice diffusion treatment and dyeing. Diffusion is a heat based treatment wherein other elements such as chromium are introduced into the stone.
Due to high temperature, the element penetrates the crystal structure, becoming one with the stone and altering its color forever. It’s hard to detect.
Fracture filling or glass filling gives some improvement to an otherwise lower-quality material with surface-reaching fractures and cavities. Glass is generally used as a filler so that the gem appears more transparent.
A reputed jeweler such as GemsNY always discloses any treatment as it is also mandated by the Federal Trade Commission.
Another key point is about the 4Cs – color, clarity, cut and carat of the July birthstone. To learn about these in detail, visit the education section of our website.
In nutshell color must be pure and even, clarity refers to absence of visible imperfections, cut must be symmetrical and carat refers to bigger the stone, higher the per-carat price.
Finding a Jeweler of Ruby Ornaments
Most of us like to see and feel the thing we’re going to buy. So generally speaking we search the nearby jewelers and visit the stores.
Often there’s an unstated pressure of buying when you visit a store. And there’s only as much you can physically do.
However, when you go online, the whole world is your shopping arena. You can check customer reviews, compare a lot of products and competitors, and easily defer your decision.
No one’s eyes are on you to create any kind of pressure. Also, you can easily return your product for a full refund within the return window of 30 days. Seems irresistible, right?
GemsNY offers all these benefits and some extra discount if you’re a first-time buyer and more discounts if you’re a returning customer.
Did you know that in Pretty Woman, the ruby necklace Richard Gere brings for Julia Roberts, is not a prop? The ruby and diamond necklace features 23 pear-cut rubies set within diamond halo clusters. Created by French jeweler Fred Joaillier, it’s estimated value is $1.5M.
Celebrities and the July Birthstone
If it’s sparkling and valuable, celebs love it. Here is a rundown of celebrities adorning the July birthstone jewelry.
Jessica Simpson and Scarlett Johansson
Jessica is a July baby and so her ruby engagement ring from Eric Johnsone holds even more significance. The 5-carat July birthstone ring is flanked by two diamonds on either side, creating a timeless love emblem.
The Black Widow from the MCU surely knows how to throw a punch with a ruby cocktail ring. The ring features not one but two glittering red ruby stones.
Taylor Swift and Eva Longoria
Swifties can recognise their idol due to her unmistakable ‘red’ style. Besides her signature red lip color, Taylor likes to wear an impressively large ruby ring with double diamond halo.
Eva Longoria’s beautiful 8-ct ruby engagement ring caught the eye of the media for its sheer size and sparkle.
Paris Hilton and Victoria Beckham
If you haven’t seen the floral style ruby ring of Paris Hilton, you’ve certainly missed a major trend maker.
Among her massive collection of 15 engagement rings (yes, engagement rings), one jewel stands out. It’s a magnificent oval-cut ruby ring also featuring a diamond halo.
July Birthstone Jewelry for You
Red rubies make all jewelry items extraordinarily charming. From engagement rings and wedding bands to everyday necklaces and bracelets, nothing can remain untouched by the allure of this king of gemstones.
July Birthstone Rings
Natural Ruby Rings
Featured: Ruby Round Halo Ring with Intertwined Band
Item#: RRB106
Metal: 14K Yellow Gold
Starting: $2141
Lab Ruby Rings
Featured: Lab Grown Ruby Round Prong Set Sunburst Diamond Halo Ring
Item#: RRB045
Metal: 14K White Gold
Starting: $1596
July Birthstone Earrings
Natural Ruby Earrings
Featured: Ruby Round Shape Earrings With Diamonds
Item#: ERB048
Metal: 14K Yellow Gold
Starting: $787
Lab Ruby Earrings
Featured: Lab Grown Ruby Pear Shape Dangling Earrings With Round Diamonds
Item#: ERB046
Metal: 14k White Gold
Starting: $901
July Birthstone Necklaces
Natural Ruby Pendant
Featured: Ruby Heart Pendant with Round Diamonds
Item#: PRB023
Metal: 14K Yellow Gold
Starting: $1,016
Lab Ruby Pendant
Featured: Lab Grown Ruby Oval Cut Flower Pendant
Item#: PRB016
Metal: 14K White Gold
Starting: $951
July Birthstone Bracelets
Natural Ruby Bracelet
Featured: Ruby Oval Bracelet
Item#: BR184
Metal: 14K Yellow Gold
Starting: $4,073
Natural Ruby Bracelet
Featured: Ruby Oval Bracelet
Item#: BR216
Metal: 14K White Gold
Starting: $2,809
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