Rubies: The King of Gemstones – A Complete Guide to Buying, Wearing, and Designing Ruby Jewelry
Few gemstones capture attention quite like a ruby. With its rich crimson color and centuries of royal history, the ruby has long been considered one of the world's most treasured gemstones. Often associated with love, passion, courage, and prosperity, rubies have adorned crowns, engagement rings, and heirloom jewelry for generations.
Whether you're celebrating a July birthday, searching for a meaningful anniversary gift, or dreaming of a one-of-a-kind custom jewelry design, ruby jewelry offers timeless beauty that never goes out of style.
At Everglow Jewelry, we love helping customers discover the perfect ruby or create a custom piece they'll treasure for a lifetime. Here's everything you should know about this extraordinary gemstone.
The Fascinating History of Rubies
Rubies have been admired for over 2,000 years and were once believed to possess mystical powers. Ancient cultures considered rubies a symbol of protection, vitality, and success in battle. Warriors in parts of Asia even believed wearing a ruby made them invincible.
Throughout history, rubies became the gemstone of royalty. Kings and queens wore them in crowns, ceremonial jewelry, and royal regalia as symbols of wealth and power. In many cultures, rubies represented passion, wisdom, and prosperity, making them one of the most desired gemstones in the world.
Today, their symbolism remains just as meaningful. Rubies continue to represent:
Love
Passion
Strength
Courage
Prosperity
Good fortune
Why Are Rubies So Rare?
Many people assume diamonds are the rarest gemstone, but fine-quality natural rubies are actually much more difficult to find.
Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum. While corundum itself is relatively common, the conditions required to produce a vivid, richly saturated red ruby are exceptionally rare.
The finest rubies display what's known as "pigeon's blood red," a vibrant red with a slight hint of blue. These stones are highly sought after by collectors and can command prices that exceed even high-quality diamonds on a per-carat basis.
Large natural rubies with excellent color and clarity are especially uncommon, making them prized additions to any jewelry collection.
What Determines a Ruby's Value?
When shopping for ruby jewelry, there are several factors that influence quality and price.
Color Is King
Unlike diamonds, where clarity often receives the most attention, the most important characteristic of a ruby is its color.
The most desirable rubies display:
Rich, vibrant red
Strong saturation
Even color throughout the stone
Excellent brightness
Rubies that appear too dark can lose brilliance, while overly light stones may resemble pink sapphires rather than true rubies.
Clarity
Almost every natural ruby contains inclusions formed during its creation deep within the earth.
These natural characteristics are completely normal.
In fact, completely flawless natural rubies are extraordinarily rare.
The goal is finding a ruby whose inclusions don't significantly impact its beauty or durability.
Cut
A well-cut ruby maximizes brilliance and color.
Popular ruby cuts include:
Oval
Cushion
Round
Emerald
Pear
Radiant
The right cut enhances the ruby's natural beauty while complementing the overall jewelry design.
Carat Weight
Larger rubies become exponentially rarer.
Because of this, price increases dramatically as size increases, especially when exceptional color and clarity are present.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Rubies
Many customers are surprised to learn that lab-grown rubies have been produced for over a century.
Lab-grown rubies possess the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural rubies but are created in controlled laboratory environments.
Benefits include:
Exceptional clarity
Rich color
Lower cost
Environmentally friendly production
Natural rubies remain highly collectible because they were formed by nature over millions of years.
At Everglow Jewelry, we're happy to explain the differences and help you choose the option that best fits your style, budget, and goals.
Ruby Is the Birthstone for July
For those born in July, ruby is the official birthstone.
Its vibrant red color symbolizes love, confidence, and vitality, making it a meaningful birthday gift that can be cherished for generations.
Popular July birthstone gifts include:
Ruby pendants
Ruby stud earrings
Ruby bracelets
Ruby fashion rings
Ruby necklaces
Ruby anniversary bands
Ruby Jewelry Makes a Perfect Anniversary Gift
Rubies are traditionally associated with the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing enduring love and lasting commitment.
A ruby ring, pendant, or pair of earrings makes a heartfelt gift that celebrates years of shared memories while creating new ones.
Custom Ruby Jewelry Designed Just for You
One of the most exciting ways to enjoy a ruby is through a completely custom-designed piece.
At Everglow Jewelry, we specialize in designing one-of-a-kind jewelry that reflects your personal style and story.
Whether you're envisioning:
A custom ruby engagement ring
A ruby halo pendant
A family heirloom redesign
A ruby anniversary ring
A vintage-inspired cocktail ring
A modern ruby necklace
our design process allows you to create something truly unique.
Using advanced CAD technology and in-house manufacturing, we transform your ideas into a finished piece crafted with precision and exceptional attention to detail.
Every custom design begins with your vision and ends with a piece made specifically for you.
How to Care for Ruby Jewelry
Rubies are one of the hardest gemstones, ranking 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them an excellent choice for everyday wear.
To keep your ruby jewelry looking its best:
Clean regularly with warm water and mild soap.
Use a soft brush to remove dirt behind the stone.
Store pieces separately to avoid scratching other gemstones.
Have your jewelry professionally inspected to ensure prongs remain secure.
Routine maintenance helps preserve both the beauty and security of your jewelry for years to come.
Why Buy Ruby Jewelry from Everglow Jewelry?
Choosing gemstone jewelry is about more than simply purchasing a beautiful piece—it's about finding something meaningful that reflects your style and lasts for generations.
At Everglow Jewelry, we offer:
Expert guidance when selecting rubies
Custom jewelry design
In-house CAD design and manufacturing
Jewelry repairs and restoration
Professional cleaning and inspections
Personalized service focused on quality and craftsmanship
Whether you're shopping for a July birthstone gift, celebrating a milestone, or creating a one-of-a-kind custom design, we're here to help bring your vision to life.
Discover the Timeless Beauty of Rubies
Rubies have captivated people for centuries with their extraordinary beauty, rich history, and enduring symbolism. Their vibrant red color, exceptional rarity, and timeless elegance make them one of the most treasured gemstones in the world.
Whether you're searching for a meaningful gift, a stunning statement piece, or a custom-designed heirloom, ruby jewelry is an investment in beauty that never goes out of style.
Visit Everglow Jewelry to explore our collection of ruby jewelry or let our team help you design a custom piece that will be treasured for generations.
