What Is the July Birthstone? A Complete Guide to Ruby
- Lee Molseed
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
The July birthstone is ruby. Known for its rich red colour, ruby is one of the classic precious gemstones and has long been associated with passion, courage, vitality and lasting love. If you were born in July, ruby is the traditional birthstone most jewellers and birthstone guides will point you towards.
At West Country Goldsmiths in Plymouth, we offer ruby rings, pendants and earrings online in our ruby jewellery collection. We can often access more ruby jewellery than appears on the website, so if you are choosing a July birthday gift, it is worth comparing ruby colour, size, setting style and metal tone before you decide.
Traditional July birthstone: ruby.
July birthstone colour: red, often from bright red to deep crimson or slightly purplish red.
Gem family: corundum, the same mineral family as sapphire.
Durability: 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making ruby a strong choice for everyday jewellery.
Popular July birthday gifts: ruby studs, ruby pendants and ruby rings.
Anniversary link: ruby is traditionally given for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
What Is the Birthstone for July?
Ruby is the birthstone for July. The name comes from the Latin word for red, and that red colour is the reason ruby has been linked for centuries with love, energy and strength. In jewellery, ruby is valued for its colour, brightness, hardness and ability to bring warmth to both yellow gold and white gold settings.
There are other red stones that may be suggested as July alternatives, but ruby is the recognised traditional choice. For most July birthstone jewellery buyers, a natural ruby or ruby-and-diamond design will feel like the most classic answer.
Ruby is one of the few birthstones where the simple answer is also the traditional luxury answer: July’s birthstone is ruby, and ruby jewellery still feels special.
Why Is Ruby the Birthstone for July?
Ruby’s connection with July comes from traditional birthstone lists that became popular over time, but the association also makes sense symbolically. July sits in the height of summer, and ruby’s red colour has long been used to represent warmth, passion, courage and vitality.
Historically, ruby has been described as the king of gems. Ancient Indian traditions prized ruby for rarity and beauty, while medieval European traditions connected it with health, wisdom, wealth and success in love. These are cultural and historical associations rather than guarantees, but they explain why ruby has such a strong place in birthstone jewellery.
Ruby is traditionally associated with passion and romance.
Its red colour has made it a symbol of courage, warmth and vitality.
Ruby is also given for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
As a hard gemstone, ruby suits rings, pendants and earrings when set and cared for properly.
What Colour Is the July Birthstone?
The July birthstone colour is red. Rubies can range from lively bright red through to deeper crimson, with the finest colours often described as pure red to slightly purplish red. A famous trade description is pigeon blood red, although that phrase can be interpreted differently and should not be treated as a simple guarantee of quality.
Ruby gets its red colour from chromium within the mineral corundum. In general, colour is the most important quality factor for ruby. A stone that is too dark can look dull, while a stone that is too light may sit close to the boundary between ruby and pink sapphire.
What Is Ruby? Properties, Colour and Strength
Ruby is the red variety of corundum, a crystalline form of aluminium oxide. Corundum is a very hard gemstone material, and ruby measures 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. Only diamond is significantly harder in common fine jewellery use, which is one reason ruby can work well in rings and other frequently worn pieces.
Mineral family: corundum.
Chemical composition: aluminium oxide.
Colour cause: chromium gives ruby its red colour.
Mohs hardness: 9.
Lustre: vitreous, meaning glass-like.
Common cuts: oval, cushion, round, pear and marquise, depending on the rough and design.
Common treatments: heat treatment is widely accepted when disclosed; glass filling and dyeing require more caution.
Many rubies are heat treated to improve colour or clarity. Heat treatment is widely accepted in the jewellery trade when disclosed, but other treatments, such as glass filling or dyeing, can affect value and care. If you are buying an important ruby, ask what treatment information is available and choose a jeweller who is comfortable discussing it clearly.
Ruby offers an unusual combination of vivid colour and excellent durability, which is exactly why it works so well in sentimental jewellery made to be worn.
Is Ruby the Same as Sapphire?
Ruby and sapphire are closely related because they are both varieties of corundum. The difference is colour. Ruby is red corundum, while sapphire is corundum in other colours, including blue, pink, yellow, green, purple and white.
In simple terms, ruby can be thought of as the red member of the sapphire family, but the jewellery trade treats ruby as its own gemstone category because of its history, rarity and value. The boundary between very pink ruby and pink sapphire can be nuanced, so colour grading and seller description matter when buying.
Where Are Rubies Found Naturally?
Fine rubies have historically been associated with Myanmar, particularly the Mogok region. Rubies are also found in countries including Mozambique, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar. Mozambique has become an especially important modern source for ruby in the international market.
Origin can influence price and description, but it should not be the only thing you judge. A beautiful ruby still needs the right colour, clarity, cut, size, treatment disclosure and setting for the piece of jewellery you are buying.
Ruby, Plymouth and a Local Story Worth Knowing
Ruby has a natural place in Plymouth storytelling because of the city’s maritime history. One striking example is the Drake Jewel, associated with Sir Francis Drake and Queen Elizabeth I. The jewel features a carved sardonyx cameo bordered with rubies, diamonds and pearls, and it reflects the rich gemstone language of Elizabethan power and favour.
Plymouth also has naval links to the name Ruby through vessels known as HMS Ruby across different periods of Royal Navy history. While these stories are not reasons to choose a gemstone on their own, they give ruby a pleasing local resonance for customers buying in a city shaped by the sea, exploration and naval heritage.
For customers in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall, the practical advantage of visiting our workshop and showroom is simple: ruby changes dramatically under different lighting. Seeing stones in person helps you compare red tones, metal colour, diamond contrast and overall scale before deciding.
How to Choose Quality Ruby Jewellery
Choosing ruby jewellery is about balancing beauty, budget and everyday wear. The most expensive ruby is not automatically the right piece for a birthday gift. A well-chosen pendant or pair of earrings can be easier to buy than a ring, while a ring can feel more significant if you know the recipient’s size and style.
Start with colour. Look for a red that feels lively rather than flat, too dark or too pink for the style you want.
Check clarity with realistic expectations. Natural rubies often have inclusions, but they should not badly reduce beauty or durability.
Consider the cut. Oval and round rubies are popular, while pear, marquise and cluster designs can create a more distinctive look.
Ask about treatment. Heat treatment is common, but glass-filled or dyed rubies need more caution and different care.
Choose the setting for the wearer. Stud earrings and pendants are easy gifts; rings need more thought about size, lifestyle and setting security.
Compare metal tone. Yellow gold gives ruby warmth, while white gold creates brighter contrast, especially with diamonds.
Ruby Jewellery for July Birthdays
Ruby jewellery works well for July birthdays because it can be subtle or dramatic. Simple ruby studs are easy to wear every day, a pendant is a strong gift when you do not know ring size, and a ruby ring can mark a milestone birthday or anniversary.
Choose ruby studs for an easy everyday July birthstone gift.
Choose a ruby pendant if you want a gift with fewer sizing concerns.
Choose a ruby and diamond design for more sparkle and contrast.
Choose a ruby ring when the wearer likes statement jewellery or you can check the correct size.
Choose yellow gold for warmth or white gold for a brighter contrast with diamonds.
Ruby Pendants, Earrings and Rings: Which Should You Choose?
Ruby Pendants
A ruby pendant is often the most straightforward July birthstone gift. It is personal, easy to wear and less dependent on sizing. Current ruby pendant options include the 9CT Yellow Gold Pear Shaped Ruby Rubover Double Drop Pendant, the 9CT White Gold Oval Ruby “Eye” Pendant and the 9CT Yellow Gold Round Ruby Claw Pendant.
Ruby Earrings
Ruby stud earrings are a strong choice for birthdays because they can be worn regularly and feel polished without being too formal. Drop earrings and ruby-and-diamond designs suit customers looking for more movement, sparkle or occasion wear.
Ruby Rings
Ruby rings are more personal and often feel more significant. They can work beautifully as July birthstone rings, anniversary gifts, right-hand rings or bespoke engagement rings. Ruby is hard enough for regular wear, but the setting must be well chosen and checked periodically.
Choosing Ruby Jewellery in Plymouth, Devon
Ruby is a gemstone that benefits from being seen in person. Photographs can show style, but they do not always show how the red looks against skin tone, how bright the stone feels, or whether yellow gold or white gold gives the better contrast.
At our workshop in Cattedown, Plymouth, appointments give you time to compare options properly. We can discuss our online ruby jewellery, made-to-order possibilities and bespoke routes where appropriate. We hand-finish jewellery and make bespoke orders on site, although specialist work such as stone-setting or hallmarking may sometimes be carried out offsite.
If you are planning a meaningful ruby purchase and have old or unwanted gold you no longer wear, our guide to selling gold in Plymouth explains how selling gold can help fund a new piece of jewellery.
How to Care for Ruby Jewellery
Ruby is hard, but good jewellery care still matters. Most untreated or heat-treated rubies can be cleaned carefully with warm soapy water and a soft brush. However, if a ruby is glass-filled, dyed or fracture-filled, it may need gentler care and should not be placed in ultrasonic or steam cleaners without professional advice.
Clean ruby jewellery gently with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush where treatment allows.
Avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes.
Store ruby jewellery separately so harder stones and metal edges do not scratch other pieces.
Have ring claws and settings checked periodically, especially if the jewellery is worn every day.
Ask a jeweller before using ultrasonic or steam cleaning if you do not know how the ruby has been treated.
Professional inspection is particularly useful for rings, earrings and older inherited pieces. In our Plymouth workshop, we can check settings, advise on cleaning and discuss repairs or remodelling where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About the July Birthstone
What are the two birthstones for July?
Ruby is the traditional July birthstone. Some lists mention alternative red stones such as onyx or carnelian, but ruby is the main recognised choice for July.
What is July’s birthstone and flower?
July’s birthstone is ruby. The month is commonly associated with larkspur and water lily as birth flowers.
Is July’s birthstone red or pink?
July’s birthstone is red. Ruby can show slightly purplish or pinkish red tones, but if the colour is too pink it may be described as pink sapphire instead.
What is July’s birthday colour?
July’s birthstone colour is red, inspired by ruby. Individual stones can range from bright red to deeper crimson or slightly purplish red.
Who cannot wear ruby stone?
From a jewellery point of view, most people can wear ruby if the setting suits their lifestyle and any metal sensitivities are considered. Astrological rules are a separate belief system, so ask an appropriate specialist if that matters to you.
What is the rarest July birthstone?
Fine natural ruby is the rarest and most valuable July birthstone option, especially in larger sizes with strong red colour, good transparency and minimal visible inclusions.
What is Cancer’s lucky stone?
Ruby is often listed as a Cancer birthstone for people born in late June or July. Pearl, moonstone and emerald are also commonly associated with Cancer in zodiac stone lists.
What birthstone am I if I was born in July?
If you were born in July, your traditional birthstone is ruby. Ruby is also a popular gift for July birthdays and for 15th or 40th wedding anniversaries.
Is ruby the only July birthstone?
Ruby is the standard and traditional July birthstone. Alternative stones can appear on some modern or symbolic lists, but ruby is the classic jewellery answer.
Is there an alternate birthstone for July?
Some alternative birthstone lists mention onyx, carnelian or turquoise for July, but ruby remains the dominant and most commercially recognised choice.
What birth month has two birthstones?
Several months have more than one accepted birthstone depending on the list used. March is commonly associated with aquamarine and bloodstone, while June is associated with pearl, moonstone and alexandrite.
What is the most powerful birthstone?
There is no measurable “most powerful” birthstone in jewellery terms. Ruby is one of the strongest symbolically because of its long association with love, courage, passion and royalty.
How many birthstones does the month of July have?
July has one main modern birthstone: ruby. Alternative stones may appear in older or symbolic lists, but ruby is the standard July birthstone for jewellery.
What are the 12 modern birthstones?
A common modern list is garnet for January, amethyst for February, aquamarine for March, diamond for April, emerald for May, pearl for June, ruby for July, peridot for August, sapphire for September, opal for October, topaz for November, and tanzanite for December.
Is the July birthstone expensive?
Fine ruby can be very expensive, especially in larger sizes with strong colour and good clarity. Smaller ruby jewellery, studs and pendants can be more accessible birthday gift options.
Is ruby stronger than emerald?
Ruby is generally harder than emerald. Ruby is 9 on the Mohs scale, while emerald is usually 7.5 to 8 and often needs more careful wear because of natural inclusions.
Is ruby the same as sapphire?
Ruby and sapphire are both corundum. Ruby is red corundum, while sapphire is corundum in other colours, including blue, pink, yellow, green and white.
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