Ruby - The Queen of Stones Birthstone for July

Did you know? Rubies were called the 'King of Gems' by ancient Hindus. However we like to think they are the 'Queen of Stones' ... 

For centuries, the ruby has represented nobility & passion. When worn, rubies are said to heighten all powerful emotions. This fiery precious stone is also known as the stone of courage and is said to ward off misfortune. 

So, what is ruby? Rare, unique and valuable, the ruby birthstone is one of the most sought-after gemstones after diamonds. Unusually for a precious gemstone, the natural imperfections can actually increase the value and are used to confirm a ruby's authenticity. 

A 40th wedding anniversary is certainly something to celebrate, and the traditional gift for 40 years of marriage is the ruby.

Ruby is the July birthstone – and it’s one of the most coveted of gems. The name is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red” – the colour of love and passion. Few things catch the eye like the July birthstone. The finest colour of the birthstone for July is a deep red with a hint of purple, called “pigeon’s blood” in the trade. A variety of the mineral corundum, ruby gets its colour from trace amounts of the element chromium. The more chromium, the stronger the red. Here’s what you need to know about this beautiful July birthstone so you can better choose one for yourself or a loved one who was born in the month of July.

RUBY BIRTHSTONE MEANING & HISTORY

In ancient India, ruby was called the “king of precious stones” for its rarity, hardness (second only to diamond), beauty and seemingly mystical powers. Long associated with the life force blood, ruby was a symbol of power and youthful energy in Indian jewellery. In past centuries, some believed this birthstone for July could predict misfortune or danger, and others claimed it would cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. Burmese warriors believed it made them invincible in battle. Medieval Europeans maintained that rubies bestowed health, wisdom, wealth and success in love.

WHERE ARE RUBIES FOUND?

Our search for the July birthstone starts in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), one of the oldest recorded sources of fine rubies. For more than five centuries, the Mogok area in Myanmar has produced some of the most sought-after rubies – vibrant red beauties softened by inclusions and a glowing red fluorescence. The region is a place of weathered marble and ancient Buddhist temples.

Since the late 20^th century, Vietnam has been another important source for the July birthstone. The Luc Yen region in northern Vietnam, where rainforest-clad mountains rise over broad paddy fields, produces rubies of red to purplish red colour. Further south, the Quy Chau district has also yielded many fine rubies. Today, artisanal miners work the soil in the hope of finding a gem that will change their fortunes.

Mozambique is an important new source for the July birthstone. This African nation is home to the prolific mines at Montepuez. Rubies found there have been compared to the famed gems of Mogok.

For many years in the late 1900s, the ruby deposits along the border between Thailand and Cambodia were the major source of rubies in the marketplace. Other important producers of the July birthstone include Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar.