Amazing July Birthstone. The Lovely Ruby

The July birthstone is the Ruby, a precious gemstone renowned for its vibrant red color and exceptional durability

The average reading time is 13 minutes. The article was last updated on 23/06/2024.

Are you a July baby, or do you know someone who is?

Discover all about the beautiful ruby birthstone associated with this month.

Learn about its stunning color, historical significance, and healing properties.

In this article, explore the properties of the ruby birthstone, its cultural and historical significance, the benefits of wearing it, how to care for your ruby jewelry, and some interesting facts that will make you appreciate this precious stone even more.

Let’s dive in!

What Is the July Birthstone?

The July birthstone is the Ruby, a precious gemstone renowned for its vibrant red color and exceptional durability. It is part of the corundum family, the same mineral family that includes sapphires, with its red hue attributed to chromium.

What Are the Properties of the Ruby Birthstone?

The ruby birthstone is valued for its unique properties, impressive durability, brilliant fluorescence, and status as a precious gemstone.

Color

The most defining feature of a ruby is its deep red color, which directly results from the presence of chromium within the gemstone.

Rubies derive red color from the trace amounts of chromium present during their formation, acting as chromophores. Interestingly, the variations in the amount of chromium or other trace elements can lead to different hues within the red spectrum, ranging from pinkish-red to deep-blood red.

The intensity and purity of this red color significantly impact a ruby’s value. Stones with a vivid, pure red color command the highest prices in the market, as they are considered the most desirable and rare.

Hardness

Rubies are exceptionally durable gemstones, ranking nine on the Mohs Hardness Scale, just below diamonds. This makes them ideal for everyday wear.

Due to their high Mohs Hardness rating, rubies are less prone to scratching or chipping than softer gemstones, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of daily usage without losing their luster or beauty. This durability also makes rubies a popular choice for various types of jewelry, from rings to pendants and earrings, as they retain their brilliance and color over time. Their resilience allows wearers to enjoy the striking red hue of rubies without worrying about significant damage, enhancing the longevity and appeal of the jewelry pieces they adorn.

Clarity

The clarity of a ruby can vary. It often contains inclusions such as rutile needles, which can affect its appearance and value. Grades range from VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) to SI (Slightly Included).

When a ruby is classified as VVS, it has very minute inclusions that are extremely difficult to spot, even under 10x magnification. On the other hand, a ruby graded as SI may have inclusions that are more visible to the naked eye. The rutile needles within a ruby can create stunning visual effects like the star in a star ruby or a cat’s eye effect in a chatoyant ruby.

Although these inclusions impact the clarity, they can add character and uniqueness to the gem. Collectors often value rubies with rare inclusions as they enhance the gem’s rarity and beauty, making it highly sought after in the market.

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Cut

The cut of a ruby plays a crucial role in its overall appearance and brilliance. Each cut is designed to enhance the gemstone’s natural color and luster.

In terms of rubies, various types of cuts are commonly used to showcase the gem’s beauty. The oval cut is famous for rubies, enhancing the stone’s color intensity and brilliance. On the other hand, the emerald cut provides a more sleek and elegant look, ideal for those who prefer a sophisticated style.

Origin

The most famous rubies are sourced from regions such as Myanmar, the Himalayas, and Vietnam. Asia is a significant location for high-quality ruby deposits.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is particularly renowned for its deep red rubies with a slight bluish hue, often referred to as ‘pigeon’s blood’ rubies. The rich chromium content in these rubies gives them intense color, making them highly prized in the gemstone market.

Rubies are found in regions like Nepal and northern India in the Himalayas. They are characterized by their vivid red hue and excellent transparency. These Himalayan rubies are valued for their clarity and consistency in color saturation.

In Vietnam, rubies are known for their distinct fluorescence under UV light, which enhances their allure and beauty. These rubies often exhibit a bright red hue with a touch of pink, adding uniqueness to their appearance.

What Are the Historical and Cultural Significance of the Ruby Birthstone?

The ruby birthstone holds significant historical and cultural importance. In various traditions, it symbolizes strength, passion, and even blood, making it one of the most valuable gemstones throughout history.

Ancient Beliefs and Legends

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Ancient beliefs and legends surround the Ruby, which is mentioned in the Bible, Pliny’s writings, and tales of Krishna. These often attribute mystical powers and divine favor to this gemstone.

In various cultures, such as ancient Hindu traditions, rubies were considered to embody the essence of the sun, symbolizing vitality and protection. Legends say rubies could protect warriors in battle, giving them courage and strength in adversity. The Ruby’s deep red color was believed to represent passion, love, and power, making it a highly sought-after gemstone among royalties and nobility. It was thought to bring prosperity and good fortune to those who possessed it, enhancing one’s life with vitality and energy.

Rubies Royal Associations

Rubies have long been associated with royalty, especially in Europe and Asia, where they were often used in crowns, scepters, and other regalia symbolizing power and wealth.

For centuries, rulers across the continents adorned themselves with these mesmerizing red gemstones to flaunt their authority and grandeur. In Europe, the British Crown Jewels feature several magnificent rubies, including those in the Imperial State Crown and the St. Edward’s Sapphire, enhancing the monarchy’s regal aura.

Similarly, in Asia, the Mughal emperors of India incorporated rubies into their extravagant jewelry pieces, such as turbans and necklaces, to signify their dominion and prosperity. The Burmese royal families also cherished rubies, believing in their protective powers and connection to divine favor.

Symbolism in Different Cultures

Across various cultures, the Ruby has been a symbol of passion, love, and strength. It is often believed to bring protection and prosperity to its wearer.

Rubies have held significance beyond their monetary value; they are deeply intertwined with myths and legends in societies worldwide. In ancient Asian civilizations, rubies were associated with protection and warding off evil spirits, making them highly prized talismans. In Hindu culture, the Ruby symbolizes power and fiery devotion.

• Some civilizations think that rubies have the power to heal relationships and restore energy.
• In medieval Europe, rubies were linked to royalty, symbolizing wealth and status. They often adorned crowns and jewelry of monarchs.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing the Ruby Birthstone?

The ruby birthstone offers various benefits, including emotional, physical, and spiritual healing, contributing to overall well-being.

Emotional Healing

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Rubies are often worn for their potential to enhance emotional healing, foster feelings of love and passion, and help balance emotions.

These dazzling gemstones are believed to have the power to ignite deep passion and desire, intensifying the connection between individuals.

The vibrant red color of rubies symbolizes love, strength, and vitality, making them an ideal choice for those seeking to amplify feelings of romance and emotional connection.

When worn, rubies stimulate the heart chakra, promoting unconditional love and compassion while encouraging the wearer to embrace their emotions with courage and authenticity.

Physical Healing

Historically, rubies have been believed to aid physical healing by strengthening the blood and boosting overall vitality and strength.

Rubies have a long-standing reputation throughout various cultures and ancient traditions as stones with exceptional healing properties. These crimson gems were thought to purify the blood and enhance circulation, leading to increased energy levels and physical endurance. Along with their physical benefits, rubies were linked to emotional well-being and prosperity and were considered symbols of passion and courage. The vibrant red color of rubies was often associated with power and protection, reflecting the fiery intensity of the human spirit.

Spiritual Healing

Rubies are considered valuable not only for their physical beauty but also for their historic connections to spiritual healing. They are believed to protect and energize the spirit.

Throughout history, many cultures have revered rubies for their mystical properties, associating them with love, courage, and vitality. Ancient civilizations believed rubies could ward off negative energy and promote inner strength. In the Middle Ages, rubies were thought to bring peace to the wearer and serve as a talisman for protection during battle. Some also believed that the vibrant red color of rubies symbolized life force and passion, making them potent tools for enhancing spiritual awareness and vitality.

How Can You Care for Your Ruby Birthstone Jewelry?

Proper care for your ruby birthstone jewelry involves regular cleaning and maintenance, careful storage, and mindful handling to preserve its beauty and durability.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining your ruby jewelry is essential for keeping its brilliance and durability intact. It typically involves gentle washing with mild soap and water.

Additional methods can be used to ensure your ruby jewelry stays in pristine condition. One effective technique is to use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface of the Ruby to remove any dirt or residue. To further enhance the shine, a solution of warm water and a few drops of ammonia can be used, followed by a thorough rinse and drying with a clean cloth.

Check out this Ruby Solitaire Ring in 14k White Gold here.

Storage

Proper storage of ruby jewelry is crucial to prevent damage. It should be stored ideally in a soft, padded jewelry box to protect these valuable gemstones from scratches and environmental factors.

It is also recommended to keep rubies away from excessive heat and sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause the fading of their vibrant color.

Storing rubies separately from other jewelry pieces can further prevent any potential scratching or chipping.

Consider wrapping each piece individually in a soft cloth or tissue paper before placing them in the jewelry box for long-term storage.

Handling with Care

It is important to handle your ruby jewelry with care to avoid damage. This includes avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals and removing the jewelry during strenuous activities.

Another essential tip for caring for your ruby jewelry is to store it properly when not in use. Consider keeping your precious pieces in a soft cloth pouch or a separate compartment in a jewelry box to prevent scratches. It is advisable to clean your ruby jewelry regularly using mild soap and lukewarm water to maintain its sparkle and shine.

What Are Some Interesting Facts about the Ruby Birthstone?

Ruby, a gemstone recognized by the GIA and cherished by collectors like Emily Frontiere, holds many interesting facts, such as its fluorescent properties under UV light and its historic use as a symbol of power and love.

One fascinating fact about rubies is that they are recognized for their exceptional hardness, surpassed only by diamonds. This durability makes them ideal for everyday wear in jewelry that withstands the test of time.

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Notable collectors, from royals to celebrities, have revered rubies for their fiery red hues and symbolic value. Ancient civilizations believed rubies could bring protection and good fortune to the wearer.

Rubies are often associated with vitality and passion, making them popular choices for engagement rings to symbolize enduring love. The deep red color of rubies has captivated humans for centuries, inspiring myths and legends about their mystical powers.

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Pashalis Laoutaris

I am a professional writer, fashion blogger, and owner of the site https://laoutaris.com. As a salesperson for more than 20 years, I have experience of 10 years in the fashion industry. I consider myself a true fashionista. I am writing daily blog articles about fashion, tools and converters, and everything you need to know about the current fashion trends.

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