The July birthstone is ruby, a gem whose red has stood for love and passion for centuries. It is also one of the hardest gems used in jewellery, which makes it as practical as it is beautiful. In this guide from Wanderlust Jewelry we look at what ruby is, where it comes from, what people have believed about it, and how to care for it.
July birthstone: ruby at a glance
- What it is: the red variety of the mineral corundum, the same mineral as sapphire.
- Colour: orangy red to purplish red, from traces of chromium; the more chromium, the stronger the red.
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond.
- Anniversaries: traditionally given for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
Where the name comes from
The name ruby comes from the Latin ruber, meaning red. Ruby and sapphire are the same mineral, corundum: when it is red it is called ruby, and in every other colour it is sapphire.
Where rubies come from
According to GIA, the search for ruby starts in Myanmar (formerly Burma), long famous for fine rubies. Other important sources include:
- Mozambique, home to the prolific mines at Montepuez.
- Vietnam, in the Luc Yen and Quy Chau regions.
- Thailand and Cambodia, where deposits along the border were a major source in the late 1900s.
- Sri Lanka, among other producers.
Ruby meaning and beliefs
Early cultures treasured rubies because their colour resembled the blood that flowed through their veins, and ruby has been linked with passion, love and life ever since. Its folklore is rich:
- In ancient India, ruby was called ratnaraj, the king of precious stones.
- Ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the god Krishna were granted rebirth as emperors.
- People in India also believed rubies let their owners live in peace with their enemies.
- Burmese warriors believed rubies made them invincible in battle.
- Many medieval Europeans wore rubies to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom and success in love.
Today many people still wear ruby as a symbol of passion and love.
These are traditional beliefs, not proven effects, and are no substitute for medical advice.
Ruby or spinel?
For centuries, other red gems were mistaken for ruby. The best-known example is red spinel: the famous Black Prince's Ruby in England's Imperial State Crown is actually a spinel, not a ruby at all. Spinel is a lovely gem in its own right (it is also one of the August birthstones), but it is a different mineral. Today a gem laboratory can tell the two apart, and GIA notes that an identification report can also show whether a ruby is natural or synthetic, and whether it has been treated.
Ruby treatments: what to ask
Many rubies are treated, and GIA advises asking whether a ruby has been treated and how. Heat treatment, commonly used to remove purplish colour, is widely accepted in the trade. Other treatments include lattice diffusion, dyeing and, in lower-quality material, filling surface-reaching fractures with glass (usually high-lead glass). Filled or dyed stones need gentler care, so it is worth knowing which you have.
Wearing and caring for ruby
Ruby is very hard, with excellent toughness and no cleavage, so it resists breaking and suits rings worn every day.
- Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are always safe.
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually fine for untreated, heat-treated and lattice diffusion-treated stones.
- Glass-filled, cavity-filled or dyed rubies should only be wiped with a damp cloth, and kept away from even mild acids such as lemon juice.
See our jewellery care guide for more everyday tips.
Choosing ruby jewellery
Ruby's strength makes it one of the best coloured gems for a ring you will wear daily, and its red stands out in both silver and gold. For a July birthday, a 15th or 40th anniversary, or simply a statement of love, it is hard to beat.
A few things that help when shopping with Wanderlust Jewelry South Africa:
- Use the printable ring sizer on our size guide. Rings over R2,000 include a free first resize within 30 days.
- Words and symbols are priced in the engraving box as you type; on stone-set rings we engrave inside the band. See the engraving guide.
- Schedule a video call with one of our consultants to see the exact piece before you buy (WhatsApp 068 613 6350).
Shop the July birthstone
Our founders hand-pick pieces from artisans in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Hong Kong, along with pieces made in South Africa. Browse our July birthstone collection, or explore our gemstone rings.