July’s birthstone: ruby
Ruby – just the word alone sounds powerful, right? This intense red gemstone is the birthstone of July, symbolizing passion, love and zest for life. Rubies are striking, full of character and anything but modest. In this blog I take you into the world of the ruby: what makes this stone so special, what it stands for and how to wear it in jewelry.
What is a ruby anyway?
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, just like sapphire. The difference? The color. As soon as corundum is red, we call it ruby. That red color comes from the element chromium, and ranges from bright red to deeper wine red. The more vivid and pure the color, the more valuable the stone.
The meaning of ruby
For centuries, ruby has been seen as a stone of strength and passion. In ancient cultures, rubies were even thought to protect against misfortune or danger. The stone is said to energize, fuel your passion and even boost your self-confidence.
Ruby is also often associated with love – but not the pink heart variety. More the fiery, sincere love that is sometimes tempestuous, but always genuine.
Ruby as July’s birthstone
Were you born in July? If so, then ruby is your birthstone. Birthstones have been associated with personal qualities, luck and protection for centuries. Ruby fits well with people who live with conviction, dare to feel and do not let themselves be overshadowed easily.
And of course, it is also just a beautiful stone that perfectly reflects July’s summer heat.
Ruby in jewelry
Ruby is a gemstone with presence. It’s not a subtle accent, but a statement – though that doesn’t have to mean you have to go big right away. In the right design, a ruby can actually look great in a minimalist piece of jewelry. Think of a delicate ring with a deep red stone, or a pendant in which the warm red contrasts beautifully with the precious metal.
In my work as a goldsmith, I like to choose gemstones that say something. Ruby is one such stone that not only stands out visually, but also has something tangible – a certain energy, a fire. Any design with ruby requires attention and balance. That is precisely what makes it so beautiful to work with.
Why choose a ruby?
- Symbolism: Love, strength, courage and passion
- Appearance: Warm red to deep bordeaux, sometimes with a beautiful “star” (asterism) in cabochon cuts
- Durability: Ruby scores 9 on the Mohs hardness scale – almost as hard as diamond
- Unique: Natural rubies are rare, making each piece of jewelry extra special
Ruby in your jewelry?
Whether you were born in July or just fall for that intense ruby glow – it’s a stone that should be seen. And I believe a gemstone only really comes alive when it’s in the right design. Want to spar about that? I like to think with you.