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July is a special month for various reasons. Summer is in full swing, the joy of freedom echoes on Independence Day, and the overall vibe is one of celebration and relaxation. Named in honor of Julius Caesar, who was born this month, July marks the beginning of the second half of the year. With the bright summer sunshine comes the promise of a new birthstone as well – the Ruby. In fact, the Persian poet Rumi wrote verses about how the sunrise and the Ruby are the same, and this makes it a truly befitting July birthstone. Interestingly, the Roman scholar Pliny first alluded to red gemstones or ‘rubers’ in one of his texts as far ago as the first century CE. However, their use in jewelry is thought to date back only as far as the ancient Egyptian empire.
Princess-cut rubies are the perfect accessory for an evening out, paired with a minimalist formal dress, simple stud earrings, and your favorite pair of heels.
The Meaning & Symbolism Behind the July Birthstone
Synonymous with vitality and vigor, the Ruby has rightly been associated with the sun and its power over life on Earth. In ancient times, warriors would wear them, believing them to hold protective properties for invincibility. The bright color of rubies is the same as the blood that flows through our bodies. For the same reason, they were enthusiastically embraced by the royalty. Because of their vivid red hue, rubies are also said to be a symbol of passionate and committed relationships.
Rubies add some dazzle and color to these gold and diamond classic hoops, which can be worn with a playful monochrome outfit and loose wavy hair for maximum effect.
What Color is the July Birthstone?
Ruby is a pure, deep red that sometimes has pinkish-purplish undertones. Of course, there is no one single hue since rubies come in a range of deep reds based on various factors. The finest rubies have often been compared to the color of ‘pigeon blood.’
This stunning pendant necklace is the perfect July-born accessory, ideally styled with a crisp collared shirt, a pair of denim, and a sleek ponytail.
What is the Composition of July Birthstone?
The Ruby is made up of the red variety of the corundum mineral, scientifically known as aluminum oxide. This same mineral is also found in sapphires - so if you spot a very pale pink corundum gemstone crystal, chances are it is actually a pink sapphire and not a ruby. The rich red color found in rubies comes from the presence of chromium.
This classic pair of ruby earrings looks fabulous with a satin dinner dress, accompanied by a delicate chain, bracelet, and open-toed sandals.
Where Does July Birthstone Come From?
Rubies come from mines. The most exquisite and expensive ones are touted to be from Myanmar (formerly Burma) because of its huge chromium deposits. Other countries like Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Thailand, Vietnam, and even the United States also have ruby mines with quality rubies.
This stylish art deco-inspired ring is for the July girl who loves all things old-world. Wear it with a thrifted vintage outfit and add some of your heirloom accessories, such as a bag or a pendant, for good measure.
What is the Durability of July Birthstone?
Rubies are highly coveted for their exceptional durability, scoring a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, surpassed by only diamonds and moissanite, which are at 10 and 9.25, respectively, on the same scale. Their tough composition means that rubies are extremely resistant to scratching, chipping, and breaking, making them an ideal gemstone to wear in everyday jewelry. However, one needs to be careful that the ruby in their jewelry is not subjected to a hard impact, as that may cause the gemstone to fracture. The July birthstone also exhibits excellent stability against harsh chemicals, sunlight, and heat temperatures, adding to its reputation of being a stunning, durable, and versatile gemstone. Bright, glistening rubies not only look gorgeous when set in necklaces and earrings, but their strength makes them perfect for rings and bracelets, too, since they are the most prone to wear and tear when worn frequently.
This diamond and Ruby split beaded bangle is the perfect corporate accessory, teamed with a smart skirt suit or pant suit to rock the boardroom.
Is July Birthstone Jewelry Expensive?
There’s no simple answer to this. As with every other gemstone, various factors determine the price. Size or carat weight is one major factor – a good quality ruby over 1 carat can be very expensive. Other factors include the hue/saturation/color, with ‘vivid’ hued rubies being very prized. Also, the inclusions: rubies with minimal inclusions and utmost clarity are prized fairly highly. Having said that, rubies are mostly treated a bit more than the other gemstones, which sometimes brings down their value, so the prices can actually wildly fluctuate between a few hundred to thousands of dollars. A trusted jeweler will ensure to give to you the right ruby at its genuine price.
This promise ring is the perfect gift for the July girl who has a piece of your heart. She can wear it along with various casual and formal outfits, with minimal finger jewelry to enhance its rich, vivid color.
Are There Other Gemstones for July Apart from Ruby?
Ruby is undoubtedly the most coveted and popular July birthstone today, but there is another beautiful one associated with the month, and that is Onyx. Some consider this to be the quintessential traditional July birthstone, a position that Ruby took over in the early 20th century. Black onyx stones with white band patterns are said to absorb negative energy and were favored by none other than Egyptian Queen Cleopatra herself. With a 6.5 hardness on the Mohs scale, they might not be as durable, but on the flip side, they can be carved and customized much more easily.
Wear this delicate ruby finger ring all the time. It exudes contemporary class and pairs extremely well with contrasting dresses—royal blues, deep greens, and charcoal greys.
What Should You Keep in Mind When Purchasing July Birthstone Jewelry?
When buying rubies, several key points of consideration ensure that the ruby you buy is of superlative quality and worth. First, consider the color of the gemstone; the most valuable rubies exhibit a deep, passionate red color, also known as the 'pigeon's blood.' The darker and more vibrant the red hue, the better is the gemstone. Rubies generally have inclusions, but again, the lesser, the better. Look for a ruby that has very slight, almost negligible inclusions. Finally, look for a cut that enhances the brilliance and appeal of this stunning July birthstone. Often, rubies and other colored gemstones are subjected to heat treatments, which are common and absolutely acceptable. But ensure that the gemstone you are buying has not undergone any sort of glass filling and is absolutely natural in its composition. Always visit a reputable and trustworthy jeweler to purchase your rubies. A skilled jeweler understands different ruby cuts and appraises the gemstone for authenticity and quality. Review the policies and certifications that accompany the purchase.
Wear this delicate ruby finger ring all the time. It exudes contemporary class and pairs extremely well with contrasting dresses—royal blues, deep greens, and charcoal greys.
Which Are Some of the Most Famous July Birthstones?
You may not own them, but it’s fun to know how your July birthstone has resulted in some exquisite jewelry designs across the globe. The Sunrise Ruby from Myanmar, weighing 25.59 carats, was sold for a record price of $30 million in 2015 at Sotheby’s Geneva, making it the most expensive ruby ever sold. At the Smithsonian, you can spot the Carmen Lucia Ruby, which is the center stone in a three-stone platinum ring. It weighs 23.10 carats and is estimated at $1 million. The British royal family owns a Burmese Ruby and Diamond Tiara, crafted from 96 beautiful rubies gifted by the people of Myanmar. It is the perfect accessory for state dinners for Queen Camilla, born in July.
Try out these huggie earrings that envelop your ears in a minimalist way, along with a cocktail evening gown and tennis bracelet. They provide that subtle pop of color.
Gabriel & Co. promises to make July birthdays special with a variety of ruby-studded jewelry that appeals to all fashion sensibilities and occasions. Visit our website or retail partners for a full range of options.
