Were you born in July? If so, then your birthstone is the magnificent ruby! Birthstones are more than just pretty gems — they’re steeped in history, meaning, and tradition. Each month is associated with a gemstone that is believed to bring luck, energy, or protection to those born during that time. For July babies, the fiery ruby reigns supreme.
What Are Rubies?
Rubies are striking gemstones ranging in colour from pinkish red to deep blood red. They’re a variety of the mineral corundum — the same family as sapphires. What makes rubies unique is their rich red hue, caused by traces of chromium. Alongside diamonds,
emeralds, and
sapphires,
rubies are considered one of the “cardinal gems”, the most precious and historically significant gemstones.
Just like diamonds, rubies are evaluated using the 4 Cs: colour, cut, clarity, and carat.
• Colour is the most important factor — top-quality rubies display a vivid, pure red.
• Cut affects how well the ruby reflects light.
• In terms of clarity, while some inclusions are expected, very clear rubies are rare and highly valuable.
• Carat weight influences the size and value of the stone.
The Meaning Behind Rubies
Rubies have long symbolised love, passion, protection, and vitality. Often called the "king of gemstones," they’ve been treasured across cultures for centuries.
• In ancient India, rubies were called Ratnanayaka, meaning “lord of the gemstones.”
• The French referred to rubies as “the dearly loved stone.”
• In the East, they were seen as “a drop of Mother Earth’s heart’s blood.”
Wearing a ruby was believed to attract good fortune, spark deep emotions, and protect the wearer from harm.
Famous Rubies Throughout History
The Sunrise Ruby
The world’s most famous and most expensive ruby is the Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat Burmese pigeon-blood ruby. Set between two diamonds in a ring, this breathtaking gem was named after a poem by the Persian mystic Rumi. It was described by the Swiss Gemmological Institute as “a unique treasure of nature” and sold for $30.42 million (approx. £23 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva.
The DeLong Star Ruby
This 100.32-carat star ruby was discovered in Burma in the 1930s and eventually donated to the American Museum of Natural History in New York. In 1964, it was stolen in a notorious heist led by Jack Roland Murphy. After months of negotiations, it was finally returned — left in a phone booth after a $25,000 ransom was paid by businessman John D. MacArthur.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Ruby Collection
Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor was known for her extraordinary jewellery collection, and rubies held a special place in her heart.
• Her husband, Mike Todd, surprised her with a Burmese ruby necklace, earrings, and bracelet while on holiday in Italy — famously gifting her the necklace just as she stepped out of the pool.
• Later, Richard Burton gifted her a ruby and diamond ring after years of searching for the perfect stone.
Celebrate Your Birthstone
Were you born in July? If so, then your birthstone is the magnificent ruby! Birthstones are more than just pretty gems — they’re steeped in history, meaning, and tradition. Each month is associated with a gemstone that is believed to bring luck, energy, or protection to those born during that time. For July babies, the fiery ruby reigns supreme.
Men's Signet Ring With Ruby Gemstone
From £644
Ruby marquise dragaonfly dainty stud earring
From £375
Ruby and diamond lariate necklace
From £220
Oval Ruby and diamond cluster stud earring
From £609
Bezel set ruby with twisted rope shank everyday ring
From £111
Ruby Gemstone Tennis Bracelet
From £940
Ruby rectangular everyday Hoop earring
From £355
Ruby star and diamond bar delicate chain necklace
From £239
What Are Rubies?
• Colour is the most important factor — top-quality rubies display a vivid, pure red.
• Cut affects how well the ruby reflects light.
• In terms of clarity, while some inclusions are expected, very clear rubies are rare and highly valuable.
• Carat weight influences the size and value of the stone.
The Meaning Behind Rubies
• In ancient India, rubies were called Ratnanayaka, meaning “lord of the gemstones.”
• The French referred to rubies as “the dearly loved stone.”
• In the East, they were seen as “a drop of Mother Earth’s heart’s blood.”
Wearing a ruby was believed to attract good fortune, spark deep emotions, and protect the wearer from harm.
Famous Rubies Throughout History
The Sunrise Ruby
The DeLong Star Ruby
Elizabeth Taylor’s Ruby Collection
• Her husband, Mike Todd, surprised her with a Burmese ruby necklace, earrings, and bracelet while on holiday in Italy — famously gifting her the necklace just as she stepped out of the pool.
• Later, Richard Burton gifted her a ruby and diamond ring after years of searching for the perfect stone.
Celebrate Your Birthstone