July Birthstone: Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for July. Interestingly, there are times when professional gemologists disagree about whether a gemstone is a ruby or a pink sapphire. The reason is that color is subjective, so the line between dark pink and light red is debatable. In fact, a gemstone that’s considered a pink sapphire in the Unites States might be called a ruby in other parts of the world.
The word ruby comes from the Latin word rubens, which means red. Long considered a stone of nobility, the ancients believed it surpassed all other precious stones in virtue. The Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan was said to have offered an entire city in exchange for a sizable ruby.
Commonly identified with the root chakra due to its red color, it is also associated with the heart chakra (there’s that color line again – the heart chakra is represented by the color pink). In European lore during the Middle Ages, ruby was believed to convey good health, resolve disagreements, and remove negative thoughts. Today it’s said to enhance creativity, represent pure love, and bring good fortune.
Here are few interesting ruby facts:
- Rubies are traditionally given for either a 15th or 40th anniversary
- Rubies are extremely strong, surpassed in hardness only by diamonds
- They’re also one of only four gemstones considered to be precious
- An 8.24 carat ruby ring belonging to Elizabeth Taylor sold at auction for more than $4.2 million
- When Jessica Simpson got engaged in 2010, her 5 carat engagement ring contained an oversized ruby as the center stone
- In a Valentine's Day proposal, Orlando Bloom gave Katy Perry a ring with an oval cut ruby surrounded by round cut diamonds
Whether your birthday is in July or you just love those gorgeous red gemstones, rubies are durable enough to be worn every day. Check out our collection of ruby jewelry by clicking here.
