July Birthstone Guide: Ruby Jewelry, Meaning & Care Tips
- Michelle Macias
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
The ruby, July’s official birthstone, is celebrated for its intense red hue and timeless symbolism. As the ultimate July birthstone, ruby brings passion, protection, and luxury to any piece of ruby jewelry. In this guide, we’ll delve into the history, meaning, and care of this fiery gem—plus showcase J&M Jewelry’s best ruby birthstone designs you can shop or customize today.
A Gem Steeped in History
Ancient Allure: Civilizations from India’s Mogul courts to medieval Europe revered ruby as the “king of gemstones.” Sanskrit texts called it “ratnaraj,” or “king of precious stones.”
Royal Connections: Emperors and maharajas adorned crowns and dagger hilts with rubies, believing the gem offered protection and vitality.
Symbolism & Meaning
Passion & Protection: Ruby’s bold red symbolizes love, courage, and energy. Folk traditions held that wearing ruby could safeguard against misfortune and inspire confidence.
Heart & Vitality: In modern crystal lore, ruby is linked to the heart chakra, promoting emotional balance, passion, and self-worth.
Gemstone Properties
Attribute | Ruby Details |
Color | Ranges from deep “pigeon’s blood” red to pinkish hues |
Hardness (Mohs) | 9 (very durable for daily wear) |
Composition | Corundum (aluminum oxide) colored by chromium |
Sources | Myanmar, Mozambique, Thailand, Madagascar |
Styling with Ruby: J&M Jewelry Favorites
14K Gold Natural Ruby Line Bracelet: A continuous row of round-cut rubies set in warm yellow gold—perfect for stacking with bangles or letting it shine solo.
14K Gold Ruby Earrings: Elegant teardrop rubies suspended from delicate gold hooks—ideal for elevating both daytime and evening looks.
14K Gold Ruby Huggie Earrings: Petite hoop earrings encrusted with pavé-set rubies that “hug” the earlobe, adding a pop of July birthstone sparkle to any look.
14K Gold Natural Ruby Eternity Band: A half circle of vibrant oval-cut natural rubies—each bordered by micro-pavé diamonds—set in lustrous 14K yellow gold. This signature J&M eternity band is fully customizable in our CAD studio, creating a timeless heirloom that celebrates July’s birthstone in endless sparkle.
Caring for Your Ruby Jewelry
Cleaning: Gently wash with warm, soapy water and a soft brush; ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for most rubies.
Storage: Keep pieces in individual soft pouches to prevent scratches.
Inspections: Have settings checked annually to ensure stones remain secure.
Why Choose Ruby Jewelry?
Striking Red Hues: From deep “pigeon’s blood” to pinkish tones, ruby suits both classic and contemporary designs.
Built to Last: Scoring 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby withstands daily wear in rings, bracelets, and earrings.
Meaningful Symbolism: As July’s birthstone, ruby embodies passion, courage, and vitality.
Ready to capture ruby’s passionate glow?
Explore our ruby products or visit our Custom Design page to create a unique ruby piece. Embrace July’s birthstone and let its fiery beauty become part of your story!
