The name 'ruby' comes from the term ‘ruber’, the Latin word for 'red'. The colour can actually vary from a vibrant pink to a rich blood red, but whether it’s closer to a blush or a scarlet sunset, the ruby remains one of the most instantly recognisable and well-known gemstones.
Ruby jewellery can be perfect for all sorts of occasions but can be particularly well-suited for summer birthdays, as it’s widely recognised as the July birthstone. A ruby ring or ruby necklace can also make the perfect anniversary gift, especially for those celebrating their 15th or 40th milestones.
Here’s everything you need to know about this beautiful and culturally significant gemstone.
The Physical Composition of Ruby
A mainstay of July birthstone jewellery, the ruby is a type of the mineral corundum, a crystalline form of aluminium oxide. This naturally translucent material can take various forms, notably forming two cardinal gem types – rubies and sapphires.
The colours of these gemstones are affected by the presence of certain ‘transition metals’ in the crystalline structure. The distinctive red of a ruby is produced by the presence of chromium. Other forms of corundum gemstones are known as sapphires, so colour really is key in defining a ruby.
Ruby Evaluation and the Four Cs
Like other primary gemstones, rubies are generally graded according to ‘the four Cs' – colour, cut, clarity and carat weight.
Colour is the most important factor, with the finest rubies exhibiting a rich, vibrant red often described as “pigeon’s blood.”
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions (foreign bodies). While minor inclusions are common and natural, fewer and less visible inclusions increase a ruby’s value.
Cut affects the stone’s brilliance and how well it reflects light, enhancing its sparkle and overall appearance.
Carat weight measures the size of the ruby, with larger stones being rarer and typically more valuable.
All four of these aspects are essential for determining just how high quality a ruby is.
Ruby Colour
Colour is incredibly important when valuing rubies and can be divided into a further three components: hue, saturation, and tone. Rubies can span a range of colours at the end of the spectrum, with secondary hues including orange, purple, violet and pink. The most precious rubies are generally held to be those with a full, rich red colour. These can sometimes have a subtle hint of blue tones.
Rubies can sometimes exhibit a three-rayed, six-pointed star, known as an asterism, when held up to the light. This phenomenon is produced by light reflecting from the gemstone’s natural rutile ‘needles’, which are aligned along the crystal’s facets.
Ruby Hardness
Rubies are also incredibly hard. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a way of measuring the ability of one harder material to scratch another, softer one. It is commonly used in identifying gemstones and goes from one to ten.
You’re probably aware that diamond is one of the hardest naturally occurring materials in the world. Diamond and black diamond (an impure form also known as 'carbanado') are the only minerals to achieve a ten on the Mohs scale, but ruby is not far behind.
Ruby (and the closely related sapphire) are rated at nine on the scale. There are other harder minerals, but it is second only to diamond when it comes to cardinal gemstones.
How to Style Your Ruby Birthstone Jewellery
The rich red hue of ruby jewellery adds an elegant and sophisticated air to any outfit, making it simple to style with many looks.
For daytime wear, you should pair ruby rings, earrings, or pendants with more neutral tones like black or soft pastels to let the stone stand out. For evening or formal occasions, rubies complement gold jewellery or silver jewellery beautifully and can also be layered with diamond jewellery or other coloured gemstones for a luxurious and eye-catching effect.
How to Care for Ruby Jewellery
To keep your ruby jewellery looking its best, gentle care is key. Rubies are durable but should be cleaned regularly with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush to keep them in their best condition.
It’s especially important to avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners if the piece contains delicate settings. You should also take care to store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratches from other jewellery. With the right care, your ruby jewellery will maintain its brilliance and beauty for many years.
History and Symbolism
Cardinal gems are gemstones that have traditionally been considered the most valuable in many cultures around the world. The list and definition can vary across different periods and locations, but generally include red rubies, blue sapphires, green emeralds, and white diamonds. Purple amethyst was also incredibly precious in the Old World until large deposits were discovered in South America, reducing its rarity.
Rubies have a rich history and have been given various symbolic meanings across cultures. Many cultures have considered rubies to be the stone of kings, rich with passion and protection. The blood-like property has seen the ruby linked to strength, and the ancient Burmese regarded it as the stone of warriors. In China, they have been worn to grant protection, and their links to love and passion have often seen rubies featured in marriages and weddings.
Rubies have been mined in Myanmar since 600 AD, and the country continues to be a major producer. They are also mined in Vietnam, Thailand, India, East Africa and some parts of the Middle East. As well as the four Cs criteria, rubies can also be valued based on their point of origin.
The July Birthstone’s Meaning and Symbolism
Ruby is commonly held to be the birthstone for July, so the July birthstone meaning can be linked to the various symbolic properties already mentioned. Rubies are frequently associated with protection, passion and love, but the red of a ruby can also have more modern connotations, whether it’s summer heat or the red of July fireworks in the US.
July birthstone history can be a little complicated. In some cultures, birthstones are connected to celestial bodies rather than calendar months and must be worked out astrologically. In terms of the Zodiac, rubies are often linked with Capricorn (for birthdays between 22 December and 20 January).
Rubies and Anniversaries
Rubies are not only perfect for July birthstone jewellery; they are also ideal for anniversaries. The 40th wedding anniversary is traditionally the classic ‘Ruby Wedding’, but the 15th is also associated with crystal, making ruby jewellery a perfect choice.
Handcrafted Ruby Birthstone Jewellery at Allum & Sidaway
At Allum & Sidaway, we have a wide selection of beautiful, ornate July birthstone jewellery and many more exquisite ruby jewellery choices across our site. You can discover our collections of ruby rings, ruby necklaces, ruby earrings, and more online or visit one of our Allum & Sidaway jewellery stores to find the perfect choice in person.
If you have any questions about our ruby jewellery or any of our other pieces from our extensive array of jewellery, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our expert team will be more than happy to help with any queries you have.