The Laings Journal

Loading...
Discover Ruby the July Birthstone at Laings

The intense heat of a red ruby is the perfect match for the warmth of July and this month’s birthstone is certainly magnificent. Their vibrant and powerful hue has been coveted for centuries and here we explore the enchanting world of rubies and look at what a ruby stone means.

The ruby is the celebrated birthstone of July. The beautiful gem tells tales of passion and romance and has inspired many legends. It is the captivating red hue of the ruby that makes it so special, with its strong colour creating striking pieces of jewellery. Their undeniable allure makes them a beautiful gift for anyone with a birthday in July. It is also traditionally given to mark a 40th Wedding Anniversary, perfect if you're celebrating this landmark in July!

A ruby is a variety of the corundum mineral species, the same family as sapphire, and the red colour is caused by traced of chromium. The strength of the colour, therefore, depends on how much chromium is present. Some of the most beautiful rubies have been found in marble deposits, and these incredible gemstones often have a vibrant, red glow. The most renowned rubies can be found in Myanmar, the Himalayas and Northern Vietnam, and they typically form in marble.

Ruby necklaceRuby

However, long before we knew about the minerals that created their red colour ancient cultures were celebrating the beautiful gemstones, holding them in high regard. They were often prized possessions of Emperors and Kings, and many associated them with blood, the ‘power of life’. The ancient Sanskrit for ruby – ‘ratnaraj’ – even translates as ‘the king of precious stones’.

They played host to a range of legends. Burmese warriors believed the gems would make them invincible in battle, whilst Chinese noblemen adorned their armour with glowing rubies. The ancient Chinese also buried them beneath their building foundations for good luck, whilst Ancient Hindus proclaimed that they would be reborn as emperors if they offered rubies to the god Krishna.

Their association with royalty carried on and the ruby was the most sought-after gem of European royalty. Admirers in the medieval era thought that they would guarantee health, wealth, wisdom and success in love. This desire for rubies carries on today and they’re still thought of as a particularly romantic gift.

But what does a ruby mean now? For many people, the ruby represents love, passion, energy and wisdom. Rubies have strong romantic symbolism, mainly due to its distinctive red hue. It is said that this amazing vibrancy comes from a fire that burns within the stone, giving off an amazing glow. Some say that this fire represents an indistinguishable flame of love, making it the perfect gift for someone special to you. Their passionate colour also means that a ruby engagement ring is a particularly romantic choice.

RubyRuby

Choosing a piece of ruby jewellery is a wonderful experience, whether it's a ruby ring or a ruby necklace. Their red fluorescence glows intensely in the sunlight. The most sought-after red is known as ‘pigeon’s blood’, a deep red with a hint of purple that has a magical feel to it. However, the joy of rubies is that they come in a range of hues, allowing you to choose a red that best reflects your personality.

They add a regal touch of charm to any look and the red-carpet style glamour that they invoke mean they are a statement-making stone. Rubies can have a vintage feel to them, especially when paired with yellow gold and are perfect for those who favour an elegantly retro style. The gems are also available in more contemporary designs, often being paired with diamonds to enhance their red hue.

 

SHOP RUBY JEWELLERY

Thank you for taking the time to read about the July birthstone, ruby. Follow our latest news on TwitterFacebookInstagramYouTube, and Pinterest, or if you have any questions, please pop us an email at [email protected].