JULY BIRTHSTONE- Ruby

Ruby, the king of precious gems, is the birthstone for fortunate folks born in July. Whether you're showing your love for someone born in July, or celebrating a 15th or 40th wedding anniversary, there's no better gift than ruby gemstone jewelry.

Photo Courtesy: AGTA

Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, colored by the element chromium. All other colors of gem-quality corundum are called sapphire, which means color is key for this royal gemstone.

Few things catch the eye like the ruby birthstone. The finest color of the birthstone for July is a deep red with a hint of purple, called “pigeon’s blood” in the trade. Rubies can command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone. This makes ruby one of the most important gems in the colored stone market. In its purest form, the mineral corundum is colorless. Trace elements that become part of the mineral’s crystal structure cause variations in its color. Chromium is the trace element that causes ruby’s red color. The more chromium, the stronger the red. Few rubies actually grow large enough to crystallize into fine quality gems, and these can bring even higher prices than diamonds.

Ruby’s strength and red fluorescence make it valuable for applications beyond jewelry. Both natural and synthetic rubies are used in watchmaking, medical instruments, and lasers.

In ancient India, ruby was called the “king of precious stones” for its rarity, hardness (second only to diamond), beauty and seemingly mystical powers. Long associated with the life force blood, ruby was a symbol of power and youthful energy in Indian jewelry. In past centuries, some believed this birthstone for July could predict misfortune or danger, and others claimed it would cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. Burmese warriors believed it made them invincible in battle. Medieval Europeans maintained that rubies bestowed health, wisdom, wealth and success in love.

Whether or not you have a July birthstone, owning a beautiful ruby is a rare and precious thing. Check this pair of Cleo & Me's ruby earrings here!