July Birthstone: Ruby

Introduction to Ruby

As one of the most coveted gemstones globally, the ruby’s crimson allure captures hearts and fascinates jewelry lovers. For individuals born in July, this regal stone serves as their birthstone, representing passion, courage, and protection.

ASPECT	DETAILS
Birthstone Month	July
Birthstone	Ruby
Symbolism	Love, Passion, Courage, Emotion
Origins	Historically mined in Myanmar, but can be found in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, India, Afghanistan, and Brazil.
Mythology and Beliefs	Associated with love, health, and wisdom. Many believe it brings good fortune to its wearer.
Physical Properties	Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it an excellent gemstone for all types of jewelry. Its color can range from pink to blood-red.
Use in Jewelry	Due to its vibrant color and hardness, rubies are a popular choice for all types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Care and Maintenance	As with most gemstones, rubies should be cleaned with mild soapy water and a soft brush. It is best to avoid sudden temperature changes as this may cause the stone to crack.
Psychological and Emotional Significance	The ruby is said to stimulate the heart chakra and encourage a passion for life, but it also balances the heart and instills confidence.
Choosing a Birthstone	For those born in July, the fiery and captivating Ruby is the gemstone of choice. Its timeless beauty, hardness, and lasting appeal make it a popular choice for symbolic jewelry.

Origin and History of Ruby

The ruby originates from the mineral corundum, sharing this origin with the sapphire. Its distinct red hue sets it apart, owed to the traces of the element chromium. The name ruby comes from ‘ruber,’ the Latin word for red.

Rubies have a rich history dating back over 2000 years and were first found in India. Over the centuries, they’ve been discovered in many locations worldwide, including Thailand, Madagascar, and Myanmar, which produces some of the world’s most beautiful rubies known for their pigeon’s blood red color.

In ancient times, rubies were revered by many cultures. The Indians believed they would help them live at peace with their enemies. In contrast, the Chinese buried them beneath building foundations to bring good fortune.

The Mythology and Symbolism of Ruby

Rubies carry substantial mythological significance, representing love, health, wisdom, and wealth in numerous cultures. Ancient lore often associated these beautiful stones with power and protection. Warriors implanted rubies under their skin to bring valor in battle, while others considered these gems a ward against disaster and poor health.

In contemporary times, rubies are seen as symbols of passion and the power of life. They’re associated with deep love and courage, believed to instill strength and bravery in the wearer.

The Various Facets of Ruby

Rubies are evaluated using the same criteria as diamonds—color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Of these, the most critical factor for a ruby’s worth is its color. The most sought-after color is a deep, vibrant red with a hint of blue, often referred to as ‘pigeon’s blood.’

Ruby’s clarity is second in importance. Although finding a ruby without any inclusions is rare, they don’t detract from the value as much as with other gemstones, unless they compromise the transparency of the stone or are located in the center of the table facet.

The Physical Properties of Ruby

Rubies rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them one of the hardest gemstones and second only to diamonds. Their excellent hardness makes them highly resistant to scratching and ideal for everyday wear.

Another notable property of ruby is its fluorescence, which can cause the gem to emit a fiery red glow when subjected to ultraviolet light. Some rubies also exhibit a silky shine, known as asterism, when cut into a cabochon (dome shape).

Ruby in Jewelry Design

Rubies are incredibly versatile in jewelry design due to their durability and vibrant color, fitting for both daily wear and more glamorous occasions. From ornate vintage designs to sleek modern styles, rubies can take center stage in a jewelry piece or serve as accent stones alongside diamonds or other colored gemstones. They are commonly used in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

The most popular cut for rubies is the cushion cut, followed by the oval cut. However, due to their hardness and durability, rubies can be cut into almost any shape, including round, emerald, pear, and marquise shapes.

How to Care for and Clean Ruby Jewelry

Although rubies are one of the hardest gemstones, they still require proper care to maintain their luster. It’s advisable to avoid wearing ruby jewelry when doing heavy physical work to prevent knocks and scratches.

Cleaning ruby jewelry at home is quite simple. Use warm water with mild soap, gently scrubbing with a soft brush to remove dirt and oils. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. For more extensive cleaning, consider professional cleaning services.

Ruby: The Birthstone of July

For those fortunate to be born in July, the radiant ruby serves as their birthstone. Symbolizing passion and courage, this gemstone is said to bring good fortune to its wearer, making it not just a beautiful accessory, but also a talisman of protection and strength.

The Psychological and Emotional Significance of Ruby

Rubies are often associated with passion, vitality, and life-force energy. They’re believed to promote clear thinking and concentration, removing negative thoughts and stimulating creativity. Ruby is also thought to rekindle an individual’s passion for life when feeling overwhelmed or unenthusiastic.

Conclusion: The Lasting Appeal of Ruby

The ruby’s vibrant red color and its rich historical and symbolic connotations contribute to its enduring appeal. Whether in a sleek, modern setting or a vintage-inspired design, the ruby is a testament to enduring style and passion, making it a prized gemstone for those fortunate to celebrate their birthday in July. This regal gemstone’s allure, coupled with its hardness and durability, ensures that ruby jewelry pieces are not just visually stunning, but also made to last, symbolizing the enduring nature of love and passion.