July’s birthstone is ruby, and its rich red color gives it plenty of personality. Rubies range from a lively raspberry shade to a deeper crimson, sometimes with a hint of pink or purple. Even a small ruby can add a lovely pop of color to a simple piece of jewelry.
A little about ruby
Ruby is the red variety of corundum, the same mineral family as sapphire. Its red color comes mainly from chromium. Some rubies are beautifully transparent, while others have a more translucent glow. Both styles let you enjoy that unmistakable red.
Ruby has been treasured in jewelry for centuries, from historic royal pieces to understated modern designs. Its strong color looks especially lovely beside gold tones, though bright silver can create a beautiful contrast too.
The meaning behind July’s stone
It’s easy to see why ruby became associated with love, courage and devotion. The gemstone has appeared in stories and traditions around the world, often representing affection and lasting connections. Those associations can make a ruby piece feel especially personal as a birthday or anniversary gift.
Care and everyday wear
With a Mohs hardness of 9, ruby has excellent resistance to everyday scratching. A little regular care helps keep jewelry looking lovely: gently wipe it after wearing, store pieces separately and use mild soap and lukewarm water when suitable for the full design.
Read about ruby’s mineral family, color and history in the Ruby Gemstone Guide.
