The birthstone for July is ruby. Known and beloved for its bright red color, it’s a fiery gemstone perfect for celebrating the heat of summer, your birthday, or your favorite person born in July.
What is the birthstone for July?
The color of love and passion, the ruby is the July birthstone that gets its name from the Latin word ruber, meaning red. Rubies are the most valuable variety of corundum – the same mineral family as sapphires – and generally command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone. Throughout history to today, rubies have captivated with their beauty and significance, gracing jewelry pieces that become meaningful gifts and instant heirlooms. With their enduring allure and rich symbolism, rubies remain a timeless expression of affection and admiration.
July Birthstone Color
The most desirable ruby color is a deep red with a hint of purple, but rubies also feature hues like Barbie pink or bold magenta. Chromium, and other trace elements, give it this signature range of vibrant hues. The July birthstone’s red fluorescence allows it to glow in sunlight and candlelight – making it the perfect gemstone to wear from dawn to dinner.
July Birthstone History
Ancient records suggest that rubies were traded along the North Silk Road in China in as early as 200 B.C. Ancient Burmese and Chinese warriors used rubies in their battle armor to provide protection and invincibility. In ancient India, the ruby was referred to as “ratnaraj,” the “king of precious stones,” and associated with youthful energy and power. Medieval European traditions held that rubies symbolized good health, wisdom, wealth, and good luck in love. Around 1800, the ruby was differentiated among other red colored gems, like garnet and red spinel, as a variety of corundum.
Rubies have also been used in practical applications such as medical instruments, lasers, and watchmaking. The first laser was made with red fluorescent light emitted from a ruby in 1960.
July Birthstone Meaning
Long treasured for its rarity, hardness, beauty, and aura of mysticism, the ruby was also believed to predict misfortune or danger and soothe inflammation and anger. Now, rubies symbolize passion, love, and commitment, and are the gemstone given on 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
Where is the July Birthstone Found?
Natural rubies were initially found among weathered marble and ancient Buddhist temples in Myanmar in the Mogok Valley, home to many other sought-after gems. Now, the July birthstones are found in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. We source our natural rubies from Greenland.
July Birthstone Durability
The ruby is nearly as hard and durable as a diamond, ranking at a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds rank at 10).
July Birthstone Cleaning & Care
Although both lab and natural rubies are very hard, they are often heat treated to remove excess purple coloration. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your ruby’s treatment for proper cleaning methods and care. Rubies can be cleaned with ultrasonic and steam cleaners or cleaned with a damp cloth or other gentle cleaning methods, such as warm soapy water and a soft brush.
July Birthstone Jewelry
Red rubies are set in all forms of jewelry – from stud earrings to tennis bracelets, pendant necklaces, and even engagement rings.
July Birthstone Necklaces
Teardrop Lab Ruby Pendant
A pear-shaped lab grown ruby rests within a bezel setting with an open back to allow maximum light to reach the gem.
Beatrice Lab Ruby and Diamond Tennis Necklace
This tennis necklace is elevated with the addition of a sparkling emerald cut lab ruby at its center.
Floating Solitaire Lab Ruby Pendant
A beautiful lab grown ruby is set in this elegant pendant style, which glides smoothly along a lustrous cable chain.
July Birthstone Rings
Lab Ruby Sweetheart Signet Ring
This charming signet ring features a heart-shaped silhouette with a round lab ruby at its center.
Beatrice Lab Grown Ruby and Diamond Ring
Leona Lab Ruby and Diamond Ring
This vintage-inspired ring features shimmering lab ruby baguettes alternating with round diamonds for an eye-catching look.
July Birthstone Earrings
Solitaire Lab Ruby Stud Earrings
Burgundy Ombre Hoop Earrings
Diamonds, light pink sapphires, rubies, and garnets create a unique ombre effect in these red-hued hoop earrings.
Bloom Huggie Earrings
These captivating huggie hoop earrings feature a row of diamonds, rubies, tourmalines, and citrines set in lustrous gold.
July Birthstone Bracelets
Lab Grown Ruby Tennis Bracelet
Eye-catching and unique, this tennis bracelet embellishes the wrist with beautiful lab grown rubies individually set in lustrous links.
Beatrice Lab Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet
This classic tennis bracelet is elevated with the addition of a sparkling emerald cut lab ruby at its center.
Lab Ruby Bezel Bracelet
Both elegant and timeless, this bracelet features a charming bezel-set lab grown ruby on a delicate cable chain.
July Birthstone FAQs
How many birthstones does July have?
July has two birthstones – ruby is the long-established choice while onyx is a secondary option for those inclined toward darker stones.
What is July’s birthstone flower?
Larkspur and water lilies are the July birthstone flowers.
What month is the ruby birthstone?
The July birthstone is ruby.
Still interested in learning more about birthstones? Check out our other birthstone guides: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
