July Birthstone Guide: The Legacy and Beauty of the Ruby
If you were born in July, your birthstone is one of the most powerful and iconic gemstones in the world: the ruby. Known for its fiery red hue, enduring symbolism, and regal history, rubies have captivated hearts for centuries.
At Everglow Jewelry, we love working with this timeless stone. Whether you're looking for a meaningful birthday gift, a bold custom ring, or something symbolic for a major milestone, ruby jewelry is full of warmth, passion, and prestige.
Here’s everything you need to know about rubies—the July birthstone—and how to shop for the perfect piece.
The History of Rubies
Rubies have been treasured for over 2,000 years. The name “ruby” comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning red. In ancient India, rubies were considered “the king of precious stones,” believed to bring protection and prosperity. Warriors in Burma (now Myanmar) wore them into battle, believing the gem made them invincible.
Rubies first gained widespread use in jewelry during ancient Roman times and were especially prized throughout the Middle Ages. European royalty wore ruby-adorned crowns, rings, and armor as symbols of courage and nobility.
Some of the world’s most famous jewelry pieces contain rubies:
The Burma Ruby Tiara, owned by Queen Elizabeth II, features 96 rubies set in a diamond-encrusted design.
The Graff Ruby, a 8.62-carat Burmese ruby, is considered one of the finest ever found. It sold at auction in 2014 for $8.6 million and remains in a private collection.
The Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat stone from Myanmar, holds the record as the most expensive ruby ever sold—fetching over $30 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2015.
Historically, rubies were mined in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar (formerly Burma), which remains one of the most sought-after origins due to the intense "pigeon blood" red color found there.
Symbolism and Meaning of Ruby
Throughout history, rubies have symbolized:
Passion and romantic love
Strength and vitality
Prosperity and protection
Courage and confidence
They are also the traditional gift for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, making them a beautiful and symbolic choice for lasting relationships.
Ruby Jewelry for July Birthdays and Beyond
At Everglow Jewelry, we offer ruby pieces in a variety of styles—from simple and elegant to bold and custom-designed. Some of our most popular ruby designs include:
Ruby engagement rings: A vibrant alternative to traditional diamonds, especially in yellow or rose gold settings.
Stackable ruby rings: Great for everyday wear or marking a birth month.
Ruby necklaces and earrings: Classic gifts for July birthdays or meaningful milestones.
Ruby anniversary bands: Often paired with diamonds for a luxurious look.
We can also incorporate rubies into custom jewelry designs or permanent jewelry options—ideal for mother/daughter gifts, friendship bracelets, or personal celebrations.
What to Look for When Shopping for Rubies
Not all rubies are created equal. When selecting a ruby, especially for fine jewelry or a custom design, here’s what to consider:
Color:
The most desirable rubies are a rich, vibrant red—sometimes described as “pigeon blood red.” Look for stones that are neither too dark (which can look brownish) nor too light (which can resemble pink sapphires).
Clarity:
Rubies naturally have inclusions, but avoid stones with large or cloudy imperfections. Fine rubies will have visible inclusions, but they shouldn’t distract from the beauty of the gem.
Cut:
A well-cut ruby will reflect light evenly and enhance the depth of color. Popular shapes include oval, cushion, and round.
Origin:
Myanmar (Burma) rubies are considered the most valuable, followed by stones from Mozambique and Sri Lanka. While origin affects price, beauty is ultimately determined by color, cut, and clarity.
Treatment:
Many rubies on the market are heat-treated to improve color and clarity. This is widely accepted in the industry, but untreated stones are rarer and more valuable.
Alternatives to Natural Rubies
If you love the look of ruby but are working within a specific budget or want an ethical, sustainable option, there are excellent alternatives:
Lab-Grown Rubies:
These are real rubies—chemically identical to natural stones—but grown in a lab. They’re conflict-free and significantly more affordable than mined rubies.
Red Spinel:
Once mistaken for ruby (even in royal crowns), red spinel is a beautiful and durable natural gemstone that offers a similar look at a lower cost.
Red Garnet:
A deeper, often more brown-toned red than ruby, garnet is a lovely and more budget-friendly option for January birthdays or deep red designs.
When to Gift Ruby Jewelry
Ruby isn’t just for birthdays. Here are some perfect occasions to give someone a ruby piece:
July birthdays – As the official birthstone, ruby makes a thoughtful and personalized gift.
Anniversaries – Particularly the 15th and 40th.
Valentine’s Day – Symbolic of romantic love and passion.
Mother’s Day – A ruby represents the heart and strength of motherhood.
Custom gifts – Celebrate personal milestones like promotions, achievements, or transitions.
Shop Ruby Jewelry in Tampa Palms
At Everglow Jewelry, we work with both natural and lab-grown rubies to help you find the perfect fit for your vision, budget, and values. Whether you’re drawn to the rich history, the fiery beauty, or the emotional significance of rubies, we can create a piece that’s as meaningful as it is stunning.
We proudly serve clients across Tampa Palms, Wesley Chapel, and the greater Tampa Bay area with personalized jewelry design, high-quality gemstone sourcing, and a warm, welcoming approach.
Visit our showroom or schedule a design consultation today to explore the beauty of ruby and how it can be part of your next meaningful moment.
