What Is July's Birthstone?

What is July's birthstone? Unlike months with several traditional stones, July has just one: ruby. This deep red gem has been prized for thousands of years as a symbol of passion, courage, and vitality. Ruby birthstone jewelry remains one of the most sought-after colored gemstones in fine jewelry today.

• Stone: Ruby
• Common colors: Pinkish-red to deep, vivid crimson
• Durability (Mohs): 9, one of the hardest gemstones after diamond
• Best jewelry types: Rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, ruby's hardness suits everyday wear

Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, the same family as sapphire. Its signature color comes from traces of chromium, and the more saturated and evenly distributed that red, the more valuable the stone. Because ruby ranks a 9 on the Mohs scale, it holds up beautifully to daily wear, which is part of why it has remained a favorite for rings across centuries of jewelry design.

Ruby's meaning has stayed remarkably consistent across cultures and centuries. It is most often associated with:

• Passion and love: Ruby's fiery red has long symbolized deep affection, making it a popular choice for anniversary and romantic gifts.
• Courage and vitality: Ancient warriors reportedly wore ruby into battle, believing it offered protection and strength.
• Prosperity and power: Ruby was historically linked to royalty, and many cultures considered it a stone of good fortune and leadership.

Ruby is not the only red gemstone, and it's easy to confuse it with a few close look-alikes. Here's how ruby compares to some of the other red stones people often ask about.

Our quest for understanding the origins of this precious red stone takes us to Myanmar. Myanmar’s Mogok area, remarkable for weathered marbles and ancient Buddhist establishments, also reserves a place in historical documents for producing some of the most treasured rubies discovered over five centuries ago.

During the late 20th century, the Luc Yen region in northern Vietnam emerged as another hub for sourcing rubies bearing a rich purplish-red hue. Some of the most splendid rubies have been mined from the Quy Chau district in the southern end of Vietnam. Mozambique in Africa is also home to some of the most prolific ruby mines; the gem quality found here can be compared to those unearthed from Mogok. Vast ruby deposits were also found along the Thailand and Cambodia border in the 1900s.

Did you know that the ruby, for its rarity, beauty, and seemingly mystical powers, was anointed as the “king of precious stones” in ancient India? While Burmese warriors trusted the ruby to bless them with invincibility, the rubies were associated with increased wealth, wisdom, health, and luck in love in medieval Europe. Moreover, in some cultures, the gem was believed to have the power to predict misfortune or sense danger.

The ruby's color range spans from soft pinkish-red to a deep, saturated crimson. Chromium is responsible for that red, and it's also what gives ruby its occasional fluorescence, a subtle glow that adds extra life to the stone in daylight. Many rubies contain fine, needle-like inclusions known as silk. In small amounts, silk can soften a stone's brilliance in a flattering way, and in rare cases, dense silk creates a six-rayed star effect called asterism, most visible in cabochon-cut star rubies.

Pigeon's blood is a trade term for the finest, most sought-after ruby color: a pure, vivid red with just a hint of blue undertone and even saturation throughout the stone. The name comes from the color of blood on the eyes of a live pigeon, said to be the exact shade gemologists look for when grading top-color ruby.

The term is most closely associated with rubies from Myanmar's Mogok Valley, where geological conditions consistently produce this rare color combination. That said, gemological labs including GRS and Gübelin now use pigeon's blood as a color grade rather than a strict origin claim, meaning a ruby from Mozambique or another source can earn the designation if it meets the same standards for hue, tone, and saturation.

Because true pigeon's blood color is so rare, stones that earn the label command a significant price premium over other rubies of similar size and clarity. It remains one of the most searched and most misunderstood terms in colored gemstones, since not every reddish ruby, and not every stone marketed as such, actually meets the grading criteria.

Ruby's hardness of 9 makes it one of the most durable gemstones used in fine jewelry, second only to diamond. That resilience is why ruby works so well in rings meant for everyday wear, not just occasional pieces. Most rubies on the market are heat-treated to improve color and clarity, a widely accepted and stable enhancement. Clean ruby jewelry with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. If a stone has been clarity-enhanced with fracture filling, avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam, and check with a jeweler about the safest cleaning method for that specific piece.

Ruby's rich color and durability make it easy to style across categories and metals. Here's how to wear it, and why it makes a great gift, whether you're shopping in gold or silver.

The baguette stackable band pairs well with a plain gold or diamond ring for a personalized, mixed-metal stack, while the heart bypass ring makes a romantic statement on its own. A ring is a classic go-to for anniversaries and birthdays, and ruby's durability means it holds up to daily wear rather than sitting in a jewelry box.

Shop: Ruby rings

Studs are effortless for everyday wear, while a hoop or drop style adds movement for evening. The gold halo studs also have a matching pendant in the collection for anyone who likes a coordinated look. Earrings are also an easy gift to give since there's no sizing involved, making them a good choice when you want to surprise someone.

Shop: Ruby Earrings

A Toi et Moi necklace pairs a ruby and diamond side by side for a striking two-stone statement, while the silver Bujukan Y necklace layers easily with thinner chains for a more relaxed look. Worn close to the heart, a necklace makes a sentimental gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or new milestones.

Shop: Ruby Neclaces

The gold diamond and ruby cuff bangle stacks well with other bangles for a mixed-metal look, while the silver heart infinity bracelet has a matching necklace in the collection for those who like a coordinated set. Because cuff and bangle styles are open and adjustable, they're also easy to gift without knowing an exact size.

Shop: Ruby Bracelets

Whether it's a birthday gift, an anniversary piece, or simply a splash of color for everyday wear, ruby's history and durability make it a gemstone worth celebrating all year, not just in July. Explore our full birthstone jewelry collection to find the perfect piece.

What is July's birthstone?

July's birthstone is ruby, the red variety of corundum prized for its color and durability.

What does ruby symbolize?

Ruby is associated with passion, love, courage, and prosperity. It has historically been linked to royalty and protection.

What color is July's birthstone?

Ruby ranges from soft pinkish-red to a deep, vivid crimson. The most prized shade, known as pigeon's blood, is a pure red with a hint of blue.

Is ruby a valuable gemstone?

Yes. Fine rubies with strong, even color and good clarity are among the most valuable colored gemstones, sometimes exceeding the price per carat of diamonds.

Is ruby good for everyday wear?

Yes. With a Mohs hardness of 9, ruby is highly resistant to scratching and well suited to rings and other jewelry worn daily.

What is pigeon's blood ruby?

Pigeon's blood is a trade term for the most desirable ruby color: a vivid, pure red with a slight blue undertone, most often associated with rubies from Myanmar.

What are the best July birthstone jewelry gift ideas?

Rings, stud earrings, and pendant necklaces are all popular choices. Because ruby is so durable, it also works well in bracelets and pieces meant for daily wear.