Fierce and captivating, ruby has long been cherished for its vivid red hues and enduring symbolism. Named from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red,” this July birthstone represents passion, courage, and vitality. Once believed to hold the power of life itself, rubies were worn by warriors for protection and royalty for strength. Their fiery brilliance ranges from deep crimson to vibrant scarlet, making ruby a striking centrepiece in both timeless and contemporary designs. At Waldemar Jewellers, we create bespoke ruby jewellery that celebrates life’s boldest moments—whether for birthdays, milestones, or meaningful expressions of love.
JULY BIRTHSTONE - RUBY
Ruby: The Gem of Kings and Hearts
Few gemstones have captivated the human spirit quite like Ruby. Known for its mesmerising fiery red hue, Ruby has been celebrated for centuries as a symbol of passion, vitality, and protection. Revered by royalty and warriors alike, this extraordinary gem has earned its place as the “King of Gemstones“, embodying both emotional intensity and timeless beauty.
Rubies are among the most precious and valuable gemstones in the world, often commanding higher prices than Diamonds of comparable size. Their striking colour, rarity, and durability make them a prized choice for those seeking a gem that represents both elegance and strength. From ancient battles to modern celebrations, Ruby’s brilliance has consistently been associated with courage, devotion, and enduring love.
For those born in July, Ruby holds a particularly special significance. As the official July birthstone, it perfectly captures the spirit of midwinter birthdays in Australia — representing inner fire, resilience, and joy. Whether gifted as a meaningful token or chosen as a personal talisman, Ruby’s enduring allure continues to inspire across generations, making it a truly exceptional gemstone for marking life’s most cherished moments.
The Story of Ruby Through Time
Throughout history, few gemstones have held such a revered place in human civilisation as Ruby. Admired since ancient times, Ruby has been treasured by cultures across the world — from the royal courts of Burma (modern-day Myanmar) and India to the castles of Medieval Europe — for its vivid beauty and profound symbolism.
In Burma, which remains one of the most famous sources of fine Rubies, these fiery gems were believed to contain the blood of Mother Earth. Ancient Burmese warriors would embed Rubies into their skin to grant them protection and invincibility in battle. The Burmese people considered Rubies not only as symbols of wealth but also as vital spiritual talismans, ensuring safety and strength.
In India, Rubies have long been referred to as the “ratnaraj” — meaning “king of precious stones” in Sanskrit. According to Hindu mythology, offering a fine Ruby to the god Krishna would secure one’s rebirth as an emperor. Rubies were closely associated with nobility, prosperity, and divine favour, and they frequently adorned the crowns, sceptres, and ceremonial attire of kings and queens.
Meanwhile, in Medieval Europe, Rubies were equally prized by the aristocracy. Regarded as stones of passion, protection, and wisdom, Rubies were believed to ward off evil, bring success in love, and ensure physical and emotional health. European royalty often commissioned Rubies to be set into crowns, armour, and regal jewellery as a sign of power and prestige. The gem’s intense colour symbolised the flame of the heart — undying love, courage, and vitality — making it a popular choice for engagement gifts and royal treasures.
Across continents and centuries, Ruby’s significance has remained remarkably consistent: a gemstone that embodies strength, leadership, and eternal passion. Today, it continues to carry that majestic legacy, representing not only luxury and beauty but also the unbreakable spirit of those who wear it.
Unearthing Rubies: The Secrets of Their Creation and Discovery
The story of Ruby begins deep beneath the Earth’s surface, where intense heat and immense pressure work together to create one of nature’s most extraordinary treasures. Formed from the mineral corundum — the same mineral that produces Sapphires — Rubies derive their vivid red colour from trace amounts of chromium present during their crystallisation process. It is this rare interaction that gives Ruby its signature fiery glow, a brilliance so unique that no two stones are ever truly identical.
Creating a Ruby is no simple feat. Conditions must be just right — the right temperature, pressure, and chemical environment — which is why high-quality Rubies are considerably rarer than many other gemstones. The formation process can take millions of years, making every Ruby not just a beautiful adornment, but a tangible piece of Earth’s ancient history.
Today, the world’s finest Rubies are primarily sourced from several renowned regions, each known for producing distinct qualities of stone.
- Myanmar (Burma) has long been celebrated as the most prestigious source, producing the legendary “Pigeon Blood” Rubies — stones with an intensely pure, vibrant red hue, often considered the pinnacle of Ruby quality.
- Mozambique has emerged as a significant modern source, offering Rubies with exceptional clarity and saturation, bringing new energy to the global market.
- Sri Lanka yields lighter, pinkish-red Rubies known for their exceptional brilliance and softer tones, while Thailand is renowned for its darker, more burgundy-hued stones.
- Madagascar and Vietnam have also gained recognition in recent years for contributing high-grade Rubies to the international stage.
Interestingly, although synthetic Rubies can now be created in laboratories using advanced techniques, natural Rubies remain the ultimate standard of rarity and prestige. Each natural Ruby carries with it the story of its geological journey — shaped over eons, hidden within the Earth, and ultimately discovered to bring beauty, passion, and power into human hands.
Whether unearthed from the fabled Mogok Valley in Myanmar or the vibrant mines of Mozambique, every Ruby is a testament to the wonders of nature, offering a glimpse into a world forged in fire, pressure, and time. Owning a Ruby is not just a statement of style — it is a connection to Earth’s ancient artistry, crafted long before human history began.
The Ruby’s Whisper: Stories of Love, Strength, and Power
Beyond its breathtaking beauty, Ruby holds a powerful place in the world of spiritual symbolism and astrology. For centuries, Ruby has been revered as a stone of profound emotional connection, vitality, and unwavering strength — qualities that have only deepened its allure as the July birthstone.
Ruby’s rich red hue has long been associated with the energy of the heart — symbolising passionate love, deep devotion, and the fire of life itself. In many traditions, Ruby is believed to strengthen emotional bonds, encouraging loyalty, courage, and a zest for life. Its vibrant colour reflects the intensity of human emotion, making it a natural emblem of enduring relationships and heartfelt passions.
On a spiritual level, Ruby is closely linked to the Heart Chakra, the energetic centre associated with love, compassion, and emotional healing. It is said that wearing Ruby can stimulate the Heart Chakra, helping to restore trust, bring balance to emotions, and inspire greater openness to love and joy. For those seeking to nurture emotional wellbeing and strengthen personal resilience, Ruby offers a timeless symbol of inner vitality.
Astrologically, Ruby resonates strongly with the zodiac signs of Cancer and Leo — those born in July. For Cancerians, Ruby is thought to enhance emotional security, courage, and the ability to express deep feelings. For Leos, Ruby amplifies qualities of leadership, passion, and personal power, perfectly complementing the natural charisma and fiery spirit of this zodiac sign.
Whether worn for its spiritual meaning, astrological connection, or simply its dazzling beauty, Ruby continues to be a gemstone that speaks directly to the soul. It is a whisper of love, a symbol of strength, and a timeless source of inspiration for all who cherish its fiery brilliance.
Shades, Cuts, and Quality of Ruby
When selecting a Ruby, understanding the nuances of its colour, cut, clarity, and carat weight is essential to appreciating the gem’s true value and beauty. As the July birthstone, Ruby offers a rich palette of shades and styles, making it a versatile and deeply personal choice for fine jewellery.
Colour: The Heart of a Ruby’s Beauty
The most important factor in evaluating a Ruby is its colour. The finest Rubies display a vibrant, intense red hue, often referred to as ” pigeon blood red “. This colour is characterised by a pure, vivid red with a slight hint of blue, giving the stone a deep, velvety appearance. However, Rubies can naturally vary across a spectrum — from bright pinkish-red to darker, more purplish or brownish tones.
In general, Rubies with a strong saturation, medium to medium-dark tone, and minimal colour zoning are the most highly prized.
- Pure, vivid red Rubies command the highest value.
- Pinkish-red Rubies are still exceptionally beautiful and offer a softer, romantic alternative.
Heat treatment is a common and accepted practice in the industry to enhance a Ruby’s colour and clarity, and stones with natural, untreated colour can be even rarer and more valuable.
Cut: Shaping the Ruby’s Radiance
The cut of a Ruby plays a crucial role in how it captures and reflects light, impacting its brilliance and overall appeal. Due to the crystal’s natural growth patterns, Rubies are often cut carefully to maximise both colour and weight.
Popular Ruby cuts include:
- Cushion Cut: A classic favourite, offering soft edges and a deep, elegant profile that enhances Ruby’s natural richness.
- Oval Cut: Known for its flattering shape, the oval cut brings out a Ruby’s brilliance while maintaining a timeless sophistication.
- Pear Cut: A graceful, elongated form that lends itself beautifully to pendants and statement rings.
- Round Brilliant Cut: Although less common due to the high material loss during cutting, round Rubies are celebrated for their exceptional sparkle and perfect symmetry.
- Emerald Cut: Step facets and a rectangular shape that highlight the Ruby’s depth of colour rather than sparkle.
In high-end jewellery, designers often favour custom or artistic cuts to balance colour intensity with visual brilliance, creating one-of-a-kind Ruby pieces.
Clarity: The Inner World of Ruby
Natural Rubies typically contain inclusions, which are internal features formed during the gem’s creation. In fact, the presence of minor inclusions is often considered evidence of a Ruby’s authenticity.
However, the type, size, and visibility of these inclusions can impact a Ruby’s value.
- Rubies with few visible inclusions under the naked eye are particularly rare and highly sought after.
- Some inclusions, such as “silk” (tiny needle-like rutile inclusions), can even enhance the stone’s appearance by diffusing light and giving it a soft, velvety glow.
A balance between clarity and rich colour is essential — a slightly included Ruby with vibrant colour is generally more desirable than a flawless stone with weak colour.
Carat Weight: The Size of Significance
As with all gemstones, larger Rubies are significantly rarer and more valuable. Fine-quality Rubies over one carat in size are uncommon, and their prices rise exponentially with weight.
- A 1-carat vivid red Ruby can often be more valuable than a larger stone of lower colour quality.
- In high jewellery, Rubies exceeding five carats are extremely prized and are typically reserved for the most luxurious bespoke pieces.
When choosing your perfect Ruby, consider the magical combination of colour, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Each stone tells its own story — whether it’s a vivid crimson Ruby with captivating brilliance or a softly glowing pinkish-red gem that whispers of romance.
Famous Rubies in History and Celebrity Jewellery
Throughout history, Ruby has held a place of prestige among royalty, collectors, and style icons. Its rich, passionate hue and symbolic power have made it a favourite in some of the world’s most celebrated jewellery collections. From legendary Hollywood stars to royal families, Rubies have adorned many of the most recognisable figures in history.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Legendary Ruby Collection
Elizabeth Taylor, renowned for her extraordinary jewellery collection, famously adored Rubies. One of her most iconic pieces was the Ruby and Diamond suite gifted to her by her third husband, Mike Todd, in 1957.
The set included a stunning necklace, bracelet, and earrings featuring vivid Rubies surrounded by brilliant Diamonds. In her autobiography, Taylor described receiving the set as one of the happiest moments of her life, dancing around the pool in a swimsuit and dripping with Rubies.
Today, the collection remains one of the most legendary displays of Ruby jewellery, representing passion, glamour, and timeless Hollywood elegance.
Princess Margaret’s Ruby Engagement Ring
British Royalty has long embraced Rubies for their symbolism of love and vitality. Princess Margaret, the sister of Queen Elizabeth II, received a bespoke Ruby engagement ring from Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960.
Designed in the shape of a rose — a nod to her middle name, Rose — the ring featured a vibrant central Ruby surrounded by a halo of Diamonds.
This design broke away from traditional Diamond-only engagement rings of the time, showcasing Ruby as a daring yet deeply romantic choice. Today, Princess Margaret’s ring continues to inspire modern interpretations of Ruby engagement rings, blending royal tradition with bold individuality.
Rubies on the Red Carpet
Rubies continue to captivate on the world’s most glamorous stages. From high-profile award ceremonies to international film festivals, celebrities frequently choose Rubies to make unforgettable statements.
Stars such as Jessica Simpson, Scarlett Johansson, and Eva Longoria have been seen wearing exquisite Ruby pieces, often paired with classic Diamond accents for a look that is both striking and sophisticated.
Rubies offer a richness and intensity that few other gemstones can match — making them the perfect choice for red carpet moments that demand presence, passion, and enduring style.
The Art of Caring for Your Ruby Treasures
Renowned for its exceptional durability, Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the toughest gemstones after Diamond. However, even a gemstone as resilient as Ruby deserves careful attention to preserve its brilliance, structure, and sentimental value over time.
Protecting Your Ruby from Damage
While Ruby’s hardness ensures excellent resistance to scratches, it is not impervious to damage. Sharp impacts, particularly along natural inclusions, can cause chips or fractures if not handled with care.
To protect your Ruby jewellery:
- Remove rings, bracelets, and earrings before engaging in activities such as exercising, gardening, or household chores.
- Avoid exposing your Ruby to sudden changes in temperature, which can place stress on both the stone and its setting.
Thoughtful, everyday care will help safeguard your Ruby’s beauty and longevity, allowing it to be worn and loved for generations.
Cleaning Your Ruby Jewellery
Maintaining Ruby’s radiant glow is simple with the right care routine.
To clean your Ruby jewellery at home:
- Soak the piece in a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Using a soft-bristled brush, gently remove any residue, paying particular attention to the setting and underside of the stone.
- Rinse thoroughly in clean water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
It is important to avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners for Rubies that are vintage, heavily included, or fracture-filled, as the intense heat and vibrations may cause damage.
For heirloom or particularly valuable pieces, professional cleaning by an experienced jeweller is highly recommended once a year.
Storing and Inspecting Your Ruby Jewellery
Proper storage is essential to prevent accidental damage.
- Always store Ruby pieces separately from other jewellery, particularly harder gemstones like Diamonds, to avoid scratching.
- Keep your jewellery in a soft-lined box or individual fabric pouches when not in use.
- When travelling, wrap each piece individually to protect it from impact and abrasion.
Regular inspections are equally important. Having your Ruby jewellery professionally checked annually ensures that the gemstone remains secure in its setting and that any minor issues are addressed before they become larger problems. This ensures your treasured pieces continue to shine as beautifully as the day they were first worn.
A Ruby is more than just a gemstone; it is a symbol of passion, resilience, and timeless elegance. With thoughtful care, proper storage, and occasional professional maintenance, your Ruby treasures can continue to captivate and inspire for a lifetime and beyond.
July Birthstone Alternatives: Ruby and Onyx
While Ruby is the primary birthstone for July, there is also a recognised alternative — Black Onyx.
Both gemstones offer their own unique beauty and meaning, giving those born in July different options to express their style and story.
Black Onyx: The Secondary Birthstone for July
Black Onyx is a striking gemstone known for its deep, rich black colour and smooth, glossy surface. Unlike Ruby’s fiery passion, Onyx carries a more grounded and protective energy.
Throughout history, Black Onyx has been associated with strength, resilience, and emotional stability. It is believed to help its wearer stay calm under pressure and remain focused during challenging times.
Visually, Black Onyx offers a sleek and modern look. It pairs beautifully with white gold, platinum, and Diamonds, making it a popular choice for contemporary jewellery designs.
Ruby vs Onyx: Two Different Expressions
Both Ruby and Onyx symbolise strength, but they express it in very different ways.
- Ruby represents love, vitality, and bold passion, with a vibrant red hue that draws immediate attention.
- Onyx symbolises protection, calm, and resilience, offering a more understated yet powerful aesthetic.
Choosing between Ruby and Onyx comes down to personal style and the meaning that resonates most.
Whether you are drawn to the fiery brilliance of Ruby or the quiet strength of Black Onyx, each stone offers a meaningful connection to the month of July.
Discover Exquisite Ruby Jewellery at Waldemar Jewellers
At Waldemar Jewellers, we believe Ruby is more than just a gemstone — it is a symbol of passion, strength, and timeless elegance.
Our expert craftsmen carefully select the finest Rubies, ensuring that every piece we create highlights the natural beauty and power of this extraordinary gem.
Whether you are looking for a stunning Ruby engagement ring, an elegant Ruby necklace, or a meaningful July birthstone gift, our collection offers a variety of designs to suit every style.
For those seeking something truly unique, we also offer bespoke services, allowing you to design a custom Ruby piece that perfectly reflects your story and spirit.
To create a piece that is truly yours, book a private consultation with our team. We would be honoured to bring your vision to life through exceptional craftsmanship and passion for fine jewellery.
