July Birthstone: Quick Guide to Ruby

The July birthstone is Ruby. The name Ruby comes from the Latin word Rubeus or Ruber, which means “red.” It has been called “the king of precious stones.”The deeper the red color, the more valuable the gem. The deep red color is associated with passion and love, which also makes it a wonderful gift for Valentine’s Day. The deepest red has a hint of purple and is called “pigeon’s blood.” Rubies run in color from pink to red-purple. The darker, more vibrant colored Rubies come from Myanmar and Thailand. Its history goes back as far as 200 B.C.It is also a gift for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

5 Things the Jewelry Lover Wants to Know About the July Birthstone

1.  Ruby is one of the rarest gems in the world.
2.  Rubies demand the highest per-carat price of all colored stones.
3. In 2015 a 25.59 carat Ruby sold for $32.4 million dollars, $1,266,901 per carat.
4. Ruby was instrumental in developing the first working laser in 1960. They are still used to make lasers, watches, and medical instruments.
5. Rubies (and sapphires) are the hardest gemstones following diamonds. Rubies and sapphires are both corundum. The different colors are caused by impurities within the stone.

July Birthstone FAQ

#1 Why Does July Have 3 Birthstones?

The 3 birthstones for July are Ruby, Onyx, and Turquoise. In 1912 the Jewelers of America Society named Ruby the official birthstone for July. 

Onyx

Onyx, the black birthstone, was the birthstone for July as far back as old Roman, Hebrew, and Italian calendars. The Onyx is the birthstone for the Zodiac symbol Leo which is partly in July. The Onyx may have white bands.

Turquoise

Turquoise is the third July birthstone. Turquoise is known as the traditional birthstone of July. It is also considered the spiritual birthstone of July.

#2 What is the True Birthstone for July?

The custom of associating particular gemstones with months of birth is believed to go back to the breastplate of 12 precious stones worn by Israel’s high priest. They then represented the 12 months of the Zodiac. In Poland, between the 15th and 18th centuries, they were assigned to a particular birth month. There have been different versions over the years. In 1912, the Jewelers Of America Society met to establish an official list of birthstones by the month. Since 1912, Ruby has been the official birthstone for July.

#3 What is the Meaning of the July Birthstone?

Like the deep red color of Ruby, the Ruby is associated with strong and passionate emotions like romance, passion, affection, energy, strength, and courage.

This fiery red stone is said to be one of the rarest and most romantic precious stones.

• Ancient warriors in Myanmar and China wore rubies on their armor for protection in battle.
• They even put them in their flesh for protection.
• Because the deep red color is reminiscent of blood, early cultures associated it with the power of life.

#4 What is the Color of July?

Red is the color of July. In the United States, this fits into the patriotic sentiments of July with red, white, and blue. Red hot heat, fireworks, and sumptuous summer fruits like watermelon, ripe berries, and tomatoes. It appears that red became the color for July because Ruby is its birthstone. Red is a primary color and the third color an infant sees after black and ten white.  

#5 Is Emerald a July Birthstone?

Emerald is not an official birthstone for July based on the Jewelers of America Society definition of monthly birthstones. Emerald is the birthstone for the Zodiac sign Cancer which goes from June 22 – July 22. Emerald is the June gem for guardian angles in the month of June and represents the Apostle John. Emerald is also the birthstone for the spring season.

#6 What is the Birthstone of Leo?

The Zodiac sign Leo goes from July 23 to August 22. Leos have four birthstones:

1. Onyx which represents strength and calm;
2. Peridot which appeals to their calm and confident side;
3. Tiger’s Eye, which grouds and re-centers their thoughts; and
4. Ruby, which helps them attain spiritual wisdom and enlightenment.

The color for Leo is bright orange. Red and gold are also associated with Leo. The animal that represents Leo is the Lion, and the signature star is the sun.

#7 What are Typical July Birthstone Bracelets?

#8 What Are Typical July Birthstone Necklaces?

#9 What Are Typical July Birthstone Rings?

Interesting Facts About Rubies

The top most precious stones in the world are Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, and Diamonds. Rubies are the most expensive per/carat of all the precious stones. Corundum (Rubies and Sapphires) are the second hardest stones behind the Diamond. Rubies range in color from the deep red with purplish hues (the most expensive) to pinkish hues.

Ruby engagement rings are becoming more popular because the deep red is associated with love and romance.  

The largest Ruby is the 125 West Ruby weighing more than 18,000 carats. The Liberty Bell Ruby (carved to resemble the Liberty Bell) weighs 8,500 carats. This Ruby went missing after a jewelry heist in 2014. It was created for the 1976 bi-centennial. It also has 50 diamonds, one for every state. It has never been recovered. The Jubilee Ruby, a Burmese Ruby, sold for 14.2 million dollars in 2016. The highest price for a colored stone ever.

Living a Life in Peace

Ruby has accumulated a host of legends over the centuries. People in India believed that rubies enabled their owners to live in peace with their enemies. In Burma (a ruby source since at least 600 AD – now called Myanmar), warriors possessed rubies to make them invincible in battle. However, it wasn’t enough to just wear the rubies. They had to insert them into their flesh and make them part of their bodies.

Color of Life

Blood-red. Fire-red. Color that burns along the veins, and gives brightness to the night.

Rubies for a very long time have represented love, passion and courage.

It was believed that anyone who wore a beautiful red ruby it bestowed good fortune on its owner.

Rubies were also a highly sought after gem by royalty the word over! To this day it is still the most valuable gemstone! In today’s world you can find an array of gorgeous rubies in fashion and statement jewelry.

If you’re looking for the color of life itself, look no further than red. And the gemstone that brings red to vivid life can have only one name: Ruby.

The King of Gems

The “king of gems,” Ruby is one of the world’s oldest and most revered gemstones. It is also one of the rarest. The mineral Chromium is responsible for the gem’s startling color. Rubies with hardly any inclusions are so rare that large stones of good color fetch higher prices at auction than even diamonds. Fiery and romantic, showing brilliant depth and intensity, the red hue of Ruby is certain to draw attention.

Feminine and Glamorous

In settings that focus attention on voluptuous color, Ruby sends a message of drop-dead glamour and femininity. Geometric-inspired jewelry designs featuring Ruby are equally appealing to both men and women who seek to convey strength, honor and classic style. Ruby is the gem most often bestowed on those born in July as well as those born under the sign of Aries. Its arresting hue speaks of passion and love, making it a stunning gem option for the celebration of the 15th and 40th wedding anniversary. While Ruby producing countries include Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tanzania and Madagascar, almost 90% of the world’s production of Ruby is from Myanmar.

Joseph Jewelry’s Rubies have been described as sultry and passionate. The deep yet vibrant red color of a ruby runs deep throughout the entire stone. From modern to vintage jewelry, rubies are widely used in the industry. If you’re looking for a stunning, everyday look, Rubies are for you!

Check your jewelry often and make sure the stones are not loose. To keep your precious gems from scratching, wrap them in a soft cloth. To wash them, pour gentle soap in warm water and let them soak possibly overnight. Use a soft toothbrush if the debris does not loosen on its own. Dry with a soft cloth.

Joseph’s Jewelry is the premier location for Ruby in bracelets, earrings, or necklaces on the Treasure Coast. From custom creations to  designer favorites, we can take care of your every need. We carry the largest selection of fine gold and diamond jewelry near you on the Treasure Coast, including jewelry for men. You’ll find exactly what you’re looking for without having to drive around Stuart, Hobe Sound, Palm City, Jensen Beach, or Port St. Lucie for fine jewelry. Our professional jewelers will help you find the perfect gift every time you visit us nearby. You just don’t get that with an online jewelry store.

July is a perfect time to visit Joseph’s Jewelry. We are celebrating our great Christmas in July sale. Everything storewide is up to 60% off.