Ruby: A Complete Guide to the July Birthstone

The ruby, with its rich red glow and timeless elegance, is the official birthstone for July. This fiery gemstone is steeped in meaning: ancient lore sees it as a symbol of passion, protection, and enduring prosperity.

Treasured by kings and warriors for millennia, rubies are more than just stunning gems – they signify strength and vitality. Whether you’re celebrating a July birthday or simply drawn to its fiery beauty, ruby jewellery makes a meaningful and luxurious gift.

A Brief History of the Ruby Birthstone

Rubies have been prized by royalty and revered by ancient civilizations for thousands of years. Early cultures even called ruby the “king of gems.” In Sanskrit, it was known as ratnarāj – literally the “king of precious stones”. Legends abound of warriors in Burma (Myanmar) inserting rubies into their flesh to become invincible in battle, and of rulers offering rubies to the gods for divine favour. The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red”, reflecting its intense colour long linked with love, energy, and power. Throughout history and around the world, rubies have stood for life, courage, and fortune – making them a deeply personal and expressive gift even today.

Physical and Gemological Properties

Rubies are a red variety of corundum (the same mineral as sapphire) – their vibrant hue comes from trace amounts of chromium in the crystal lattice. The finest rubies have a glowing, pure red often described as “pigeon’s blood” or “tomato” red. Because corundum is extremely hard, rubies score a 9 on the Mohs scale – second only to diamonds. This exceptional hardness (and toughness) means rubies are durable enough for everyday wear.

• Hardness: Rubies rank 9/10 on the Mohs scale, making them very resistant to scratches and ideal for rings and daily-wear jewellery.
• Clarity: Most natural rubies contain inclusions (internal flaws) – completely inclusion-free rubies are extraordinarily rare. Only highly transparent rubies command top value. Gem traders expect ruby inclusions, and minor ones generally do not severely detract from beauty. (In fact, completely flawless rubies are so rare that “eye-clean” or inclusion-free stones can be worth many times more.) Skilled cutting and polishing bring out a ruby’s brilliance and fire, even in stones with some inclusions.
• Cut and Carat: Like all gemstones, rubies are graded on colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. A well-cut ruby will display maximum sparkle and even colour. Large, vivid red rubies are extremely rare and valuable – prices can far exceed those of diamonds by weight.

Ruby jewellery is incredibly versatile. Thanks to their natural strength, rubies are perfect for all kinds of jewellery, from delicate pendants to bold statement rings. Their rich red colour looks beautiful in yellow, white, or rose gold, and they sparkle even more when paired with diamonds. Because ruby is such a tough and durable gemstone, it’s ideal for everyday wear as well as special occasions.

July Birthstone Gift Ideas

Looking for the perfect gift for a July birthday? Ruby jewellery is a thoughtful choice. Two of our favourites in stock now at Aleks Jewellers are:

• 9ct Wishbone Ruby and Diamond Ring – An elegant V-shaped band set with alternating rich rubies and tiny 0.06ct diamonds. Crafted in 9ct white gold, its graceful curve and warm tones make it deeply romantic. It looks beautiful on its own or stacked with other rings.
• Men’s Oval Single Ruby Signet Ring – A bold 9ct yellow-gold signet with a smooth, polished finish. At its center is a single oval ruby, cleanly set in a modern bezel. Ideal for those who appreciate a minimalist design, it’s a timeless statement piece that complements both casual and formal attire.

Whether you’re drawn to classic styles or something more contemporary, ruby-set pieces feel both luxurious and personal. Their deep red glow makes them especially meaningful for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion in July and beyond.

Caring for Your Ruby Jewellery

Rubies are wonderfully durable, but like any cherished piece of jewellery, they’ll stay at their best with a little simple care. Avoid harsh chemicals (like bleach or acetone) and unnecessary ultrasonic cleaning – especially if the ruby has been fracture-filled or treated, as vigorous cleaners can damage such stones. A mild jewellery cleaner labelled safe for gemstones is also fine.

Cleaning: Use a soft toothbrush and mild detergent in lukewarm water to remove everyday dirt. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Use gentle cleaning solutions… or just warm, soapy water. Ultrasonic or steam cleaners can be used for healthy, untreated rubies, but should be avoided if your ruby is fracture-filled or has surface-reaching cracks.

Storage: Store ruby jewellery separately from other pieces. Rubies are hard enough to scratch softer gems, and although only diamonds are harder, even diamonds can dull a ruby. A soft-lined box or pouch for each piece prevents scratches.

Inspect Settings: Our jewellery experts on-site can check that prongs and bezels are secure. The vibration from cleaning or everyday wear can loosen gems over time. Before and after cleaning, make sure the ruby is firmly held. We advise 6 monthly check-ups of settings.

With a little attention, quality ruby jewellery will last for generations. Having pieces professionally inspected and cleaned occasionally keeps them at their best. In short, rubies are built to last, so they can become cherished heirlooms.

At Aleks Jewellers, we offer a hand-picked selection of ruby jewellery both online and in our Norwich store. Browse our full ruby jewellery collection or visit our Norwich showroom to discover even more one-of-a-kind pieces — including pre-loved vintage designs and custom-made options. Ruby is more than just a gemstone; it’s a symbol of strength, love, and enduring style. Celebrate a July birthday, anniversary, or any special moment with the fiery gift of ruby. 

For more gemstone inspiration, see our Pearl: A Complete Guide to the June Birthstone, our guide to June’s graceful birthstone.