Resplendent Ruby: The July Birthstone

The Birthstone for July, Ruby is the fiery gem also associated with the 40^th Wedding Anniversary. Derived from the Latin word ‘rebeus’, meaning red, this majestic gemstone is one of ‘the big four’ alongside Diamond, Emerald, and Sapphire. Firmly linked to love and passion, Ruby is one of the most eye-catching, impactful gemstones. In this article we discover how Ruby is formed, where it’s found, its symbolism and some of the beautiful ways it can be worn.

 

Ruby Facts

- Ruby measures 9 on the Moh’s scale of hardness, making it the hardest mineral after diamond

- Rubies are a variety of Corundum, a crystal made of Aluminium Oxide (the blue variety of Corundum is Sapphire!). Therefore, Rubies are essentially red Sapphires

- The red colour is due to the presence of chromium (which also makes Ruby subject to cracking)

- Ruby colour varies from deep shades of red to dark pink

- The most desirable shade for a ruby is called ‘pigeon blood’ as it is a deep red with blue tones

- When exposed to UV rays (sunlight), rubies exhibit fluorescence

- In terms of rarity, rubies are slightly rarer than sapphires

- Rubies are not to be confused with other red gemstones including Garnet, Tourmaline, Spinel and Beryl

 

 

Where are Rubies Found?

Burma (Myanmar) has been a significant source of rubies from as long ago as 600 A.D., specifically in the Mogok Valley in the Upper region of the country. Rubies found in this region tend to fetch the highest sums due to their vivid, saturated red colour. More recently, rubies have been mined in the Mong Hsu area of central Myanmar. However, political conflict and trade embargoes have made rubies from Myanmar highly controversial in recent years. As the provenance of gemstones and their supply chain has become more transparent, jewellers have instead looked to countries such as Mozambique as a source of high quality, ethical rubies.

Rubies are also found in Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, India, Brazil, Afghanistan, Namibia, Japan, and Colombia.

How are Rubies Graded?

Like diamonds, rubies are assessed using the 4 C’s: colour, clarity, cut and carat. However, the factor that affects the value the most is colour.

The darkest rubies are the most valuable with the stone’s hue, saturation and tone all considered. Firstly, the hue is the colour ruby’s overall colour. Secondly, saturation refers to the visibility of the colour whether light, dark or in-between. Finally, tone is a measure of the purity of the colour. A pure tone has no secondary colours whereas a tone that is not pure has secondary hues such as orange, purple and pink.

Clarity is also an important factor when assessing rubies. Clear stones are the most sought-after, but many rubies will have needle-like inclusions. Only inclusions that are highly visible or those that affect the durability, transparency or shine will reduce the value of a ruby. Watch out for rubies without any inclusions because this could be a sign that the gemstone has undergone treatment.

Ruby: History & Mythology

In ancient mythology it was believed that rubies could confer health, wealth, and wisdom. Also, ruby was thought to protect soldiers and give them courage if worn on their armour (or embedded in their skin!). This belief is demonstrated in the Bible when, according to the Book of Exodus, the high priest Aaron wears a breast plate with a “sardius” (the ancient name for a ruby). Furthermore, rubies are mentioned three more times in the Bible.

What is the Symbolism of Ruby?

The colour of blood and fire, it stands to reason that ruby symbolises love and passion. This makes it the perfect gemstone to give to a partner.

Ruby also stands for energy, power, success, and wealth. In terms of chakras, ruby stimulates the heart chakra, helping to achieve balance. Also, for health problems, ruby is said to cure circulatory and heart-related issues.

Famous Rubies

Three of the world’s most famous rubies include: -

The Sunrise Ruby: the world’s most expensive Ruby and coloured gemstone. A pigeon-blood top quality ruby, it weighs 25.59 carats and sold for a record $30 million at auction in Switzerland in 2015.

The Peace Ruby: is one of the world’s largest rubies. Found in Myanmar in 1919, just after the end of WW1, it weighs 43 carats.

The Liberty Bell Ruby: is the largest ruby ever mined. Found in East Africa it weighs a whopping 8,500 carats. Sadly, it was stolen in 2011 and has never been recovered.

Rubies and Hollywood

When you think of rubies on the silver screen, two movies immediately spring to mind: The Wizard of Oz and Pretty Woman.

In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy Gale’s ruby slippers have become iconic. Although silver in the book, they were changed to ruby for the film, to take advantage of the advent of glorious Technicolour. Originally created with sequins, in 1989, Harry Winston was commissioned to mark the 50^th anniversary of the film by re-creating the ruby slippers in precious gemstones. At a cost of over $3 million, they contained over 4,600 rubies totalling over 1,350 carats as well as 50 carats of diamonds.

In the 1990 film Pretty Woman, one of the most memorable scenes was originally set-up as a prank and not intended to be included in the final cut. Dressed for the opera in a red dress with white gloves, Julia Robert’s character, Vivian, is presented with a stunning ruby and diamond necklace by Richard Gere’s character, Edward Lewis. As she reaches in to touch it, Gere, snaps the box shut on her fingers. Roberts’ laugh is so spontaneous and the scene so funny, it was famously left in. With an estimated value of $1.5 million, the necklace was made for the film by Fred jeweller Fred Joaillier to complement Robert’s red hair.

 

Ruby: July Birthstone & 40^th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas

At James Porter & Son, we have a fantastic selection of ruby jewellery in a variety of metals and settings. Whether you’re looking for ruby jewellery for a July birthstone gift, to mark a 40^th wedding anniversary or as an engagement ring, we have stunning ruby jewellery to suit every style and budget. Here we share our pick of the hottest ruby styles that are in-store now.

 

Ruby Rings

Ruby is a wonderful choice for an engagement ring. This 18ct Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond 3 Stone Engagement Ring features an oval 0.97 carat ruby at the centre flanked by 2 brilliant cut diamonds with a total diamond weight of 0.22 carat. A simple 4-claw setting in yellow gold allows the eye-catching ruby to be the star of the show whilst the diamonds are set in white gold.

If, on the other hand, you got engaged over 40 years ago, you’ll be about to celebrate your Ruby Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations! A ruby eternity ring could be exactly what you’re looking for to mark this happy milestone. Crafted in 18ct white gold, this Ruby & Diamond Eternity Ring is channel set with five square rubies and six princess cut diamonds. With 0.60 carats of diamonds and 0.68 carats of rubies, it offers a sleek, contemporary look.

Ruby Bracelets & Bangles

If you love the style of an eternity ring but are running out of fingers for another ring, how about an eternity style bangle? This elegant Round Ruby & Diamond Bangle is channel set with round rubies and 0.48 carats of brilliant cut diamonds. Crafted from 9ct yellow gold, it’s narrow enough to suit even the slenderest of wrists. Hinged so it is easy to take on and off, it secures with a discreet safety catch.

For a more flexible style, we adore this Marquise & Round Ruby and Diamond Bracelet. The alternating marquise and round rubies are complemented by a pair of brilliant cut diamonds on either side of each stone. In a beautiful 18ct yellow gold rubover setting, it’s an effortlessly elegant design any woman would love to own.

Ruby Earrings

For a versatile ruby earring, studs are the obvious choice. Firstly, these 18ct White Gold Ruby & Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings are really attractive. With a brilliant cut diamond at the centre, four marquise-shaped rubies create the perfect circle.

A traditional ruby cluster stud earring makes a wonderful 40^th Anniversary gift. In 9ct white gold, these classic Oval Ruby & Diamond Cluster Earrings incorporate a pair of oval-cut rubies surrounded by 0.41 carats of diamonds.

However, for a dressy occasion, drop earrings make a strong impact, particularly when hair is worn away from the face. These gorgeous Ruby & Diamond Drop Earrings are in 18ct yellow gold. With two round rubies and a brilliant cut diamond in each, we love the way the infinity setting holds the rubies in place.

Ruby Pendants

For a traditional ruby pendant with a twist, we love this Ruby & Diamond Cluster Pendant & Chain. Rather than a traditional cluster with an oval gemstone at the centre, this pendant has a round ruby with the surrounding 0.20 carats of brilliant cut diamonds arranged in a sparkling star-shape.

Additionally, this Ruby & Diamond 3 Stone Necklet is great for everyday wear. With a contemporary rubover setting, the central pear-shaped ruby has two illusion set brilliant cut diamonds on either side. An 18-inch chain is the perfect length for both visibility and comfort.

Finally, for a real showstopper, don’t miss our fabulous Ruby & Diamond Line Necklet. Set with 75 oval rubies and 150 brilliant cut diamonds, this stunning 17-inch necklet in 18ct white gold is the focal point of any outfit.

Ruby at James Porter & Son

When buying ruby jewellery as a July birthstone gift, it’s important to buy from a reputable jeweller.

Here at James Porter & Son, we are a fifth-generation family business with over 160 years of expertise handed down from father to son. Our director Simon Porter personally selects every piece of ruby jewellery in our store, for its quality and design.

Browse our collection of ruby jewellery online or visit one of our boutiques in Glasgow’s famous Argyll Arcade.

If you have any questions about Ruby or if we can help in any way, please do contact us.