The gemstone world is packed with an amazing mix of colours and cuts, meaning there's always something to brighten up your jewellery box. But if you're looking for a stone that brings warmth, a rich history, and a striking pop of colour, there's nothing quite like the ruby.

Known worldwide for its red glow, this iconic gem has captivated people's imaginations for thousands of years. But what makes this stone such a standout?

In this guide to the July birthstone, we'll analyse what rubies actually are, where they're found, what they mean, and how you can style and look after your own pieces to keep them sparkling for years to come.

What is a ruby?

The answer starts miles below the Earth's crust. To put it simply, a ruby is a pinkish to deep blood-red gemstone that belongs to the corundum mineral family. That's the same family as the sapphire, which makes the two very close siblings in the gemstone world (more on this later).

What really makes the ruby stand out from the crowd is its toughness and brilliant colour. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which ranks gems from 1 to 10, rubies score an impressive 9 — to put that into perspective, the only natural gemstone on the planet that's stronger than a ruby is a diamond. This makes rubies excellent for everyday wear because they can easily resist scratches, scuffs, and chips.

That iconic red shade we all love comes from trace amounts of chromium that get trapped inside the crystal as it grows. When corundum crystals form over millions of years with a tiny bit of chromium, they turn into the vibrant red gems we're familiar with.

Unfortunately, because the conditions needed to create rubies are incredibly rare, finding large, clear stones is a challenge. This means these stones often come with a higher price tag than other gems on the market. In fact, quality natural rubies can sometimes even fetch higher prices per carat than diamonds!

Where do rubies come from?

Just like any natural gemstone, rubies are made deep underground under intense heat and pressure. For a ruby to form, mineral-rich water has to mix with chromium in rocks that contain hardly any iron or silica. This is crucial to creating a bold, bright colour, because any iron in the rock can actually dull the chromium's glow and leave the stone looking muddy.

The search for these rare red treasures takes us to some of the most beautiful parts of the world:

  • Myanmar (formerly Burma) — This is the ultimate home of the ruby. For over 500 years, the Mogok Valley in Myanmar has produced the world's most famous specimens. Burmese rubies are known for their rich colour and soft, velvety look, which is caused by tiny mineral inclusions that scatter the light. They also have a natural glow in daylight that makes them look like a small fire is burning inside.
  • Mozambique — Over the last few years, Mozambique has become a hotspot for gemstone lovers. The mines here produce large, clean rubies with amazing clarity and a deep red tone that give Burmese stones a run for their money.
  • Other spots around the globe — You can also find ruby deposits in places like Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. Each region has its own unique soil and mineral mix, which gives local rubies subtle shade variations.

What colour is ruby?

When you picture a ruby, your mind probably goes straight to a classic red stone. But if you've ever spent time browsing different pieces, you'll know there's a whole world of beautiful shades out there. While they're all red by definition, the tint can vary quite a bit depending on where the stone was mined and the minerals around it while it was growing.

Here are the main shades you'll spot when you're shopping:

  • Pure red — Often called "pigeon's blood", this is a deep red with just a tiny hint of blue. This is the gold standard of ruby colours, making these stones the rarest and most expensive on Earth.
  • Pinkish-red — Lots of rubies have a softer, slightly pink undertone. However, it's worth keeping in mind that, if a stone is too pink, gem labs will actually classify it as a pink sapphire rather than a ruby.
  • Purplish-red — A hint of purple or violet is very common, especially in Burmese rubies. This gives the stone a dark, mysterious look that's incredibly popular in jewellery-making.
  • Orangey-red — Some rubies show warm, golden-orange undertones. This is very common in stones from Thailand due to trace amounts of ferric iron that shift the colour away from a true red.

How colour impacts price

Example of a pure red rubyExample of a pinkish-red ruby

To work out the value of a ruby's colour, experts look at three key areas:

  1. Hue — This is the basic colour of the stone. While tints of orange, pink, or purple are common, the closer a stone is to a pure red, the more valuable it is.
  2. Saturation — This is all about the brightness and strength of the colour. A vibrant, rich ruby is always going to be more sought-after than one that looks dull or brownish.
  3. Tone — This refers to how light or dark the red is. If a ruby is too light, it looks pink; if it's too dark, the red gets lost, and it looks almost black. A medium-dark tone is considered the sweet spot.

What is the birthstone for July?

If you or someone special in your life has a birthday in the middle of summer, you've hit the jackpot in more ways than one. Not only are you blessed with good weather, you also have the ruby as your primary birthstone. But how did this stunning red gem end up linked to the seventh month of the year?

When we look into the history of ruby as the July birthstone, we find a lovely mix of folklore and ancient stories stretching back thousands of years:

Biblical links

The idea of matching different gems to the months of the year is believed to have originated in the Breastplate of Aaron, an ancient ceremonial breastplate described in the Bible. This sacred piece of armour was set with twelve different gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Over time, early historians and scholars started linking these twelve stones to the twelve signs of the zodiac, which eventually turned into the twelve calendar months. According to early records, the first stone set into that famous breastplate was a ruby, creating a long-standing link to leadership, new beginnings, and protection.

Old school folklore

Long before we had official calendars, people wore certain gemstones because of the powers they believed the stones held. The ruby was the natural choice as the representation of July for a couple of reasons:

  • Summer heat — Because of its blazing red colour, the ruby has always been linked to fire and passion. This made it the perfect choice for the sunny heat of mid-summer.
  • "The King of Gems" — In ancient Sanskrit, the ruby was called ratnaraj, meaning "king of precious stones". In ancient Burma and China, warriors actually inserted rubies into their armour (and sometimes even under their skin), believing the stone would make them completely invincible in battle.

The official standardisation in 1912

For centuries, people just wore the stones they liked best, based on local myths or family traditions, rather than following any strict birthstone structure.

That all changed in 1912, when the American National Association of Jewelers got together to create a standardised list of modern birthstones. They officially named the ruby as the star gem for July, and it's a tradition we've loved keeping alive ever since.

Ruby meaning explained

Aside from their appearance, rubies are packed with emotion, symbolism, and ancient myth. Across different cultures and throughout history, this red gem has always been seen as a powerful stone with strong connections to the heart.

Here are some of the most popular meanings behind the ruby:

  • Life and vitality — Because of its deep red shade, ancient civilisations believed rubies held the life force of the Earth, comparing their warm glow to the flow of blood. This is why we came to associate them with physical strength, health, and endless energy.
  • Wisdom and beauty — Rubies are mentioned several times in the Bible, usually to describe things of high value, wisdom, and beauty. It's also one of the five traditional "cardinal stones" — the five gems that are historically seen as more precious than anything else, alongside diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and amethysts.
  • Love and romance — The ruby is the ultimate symbol of love and desire, thanks largely to its romantic colour. Because of this, it has become a top choice for engagement rings and is now the traditional gift for a 40th wedding anniversary (which we proudly call the 'Ruby Anniversary').
  • Inner strength and confidence — Rubies are thought to boost your confidence and give you strength. By helping you tap into your own inner power, the stone helps you face life's challenges with your head held high.
  • Good luck and protection — In many Eastern cultures, rubies are seen as symbols of wealth and success. Business owners have worn them for centuries to attract prosperity. At the same time, many believe the stone acts as a protective shield, keeping you safe from bad dreams and negative energy.

Why is ruby jewellery so popular?

It's not hard to see why rubies have stayed at the very top of the jewellery world for so long. They offer a fantastic mix of practical benefits and sheer visual beauty that other stones struggle to match, including:

  • Durability — Thanks to that Mohs hardness rating of 9, they are easily tough enough for daily wear. You can wear a ruby ring or necklace every day without worrying about it scratching or looking tired.
  • Colour — While there are other red gems on the market, none have quite that same warm, intense shade. The natural chromium in rubies gives them a glow that catches the eye from across the room.
  • Style — Thanks to their rarity and higher price point, rubies carry a real sense of luxury. Choosing a ruby shows you appreciate classic style and pieces that tell a story.
  • Great for engagement rings — With many modern couples looking for something different from a traditional white diamond, rubies have become a popular alternative. They give you all the durability you need for a ring you'll wear forever, but with a gorgeous splash of colour.

How to style ruby jewellery

Because rubies are so bold, some people worry that styling them might be tricky. It's easy to assume a stone like this is only for fancy black-tie events or formal dinners, but, with a few simple tricks, you can easily make this stunning gem a natural part of your everyday style. Here's how:

Ruby necklaces

Wearing a ruby necklace is a fantastic way to frame your face and add a hint of warmth to whatever you're wearing. It's a versatile look that goes from a day at the desk to a night out with friends without skipping a beat.

Here are a couple of popular styles to look out for:

  • Pendant necklaces — A simple ruby pendant necklace is a classic piece that looks gorgeous on both yellow gold and silver chains. Keeping the focus on a single, beautiful stone lets the colour do all the talking. It looks great paired with a simple white t-shirt, a cosy winter knit, or a smart blazer.
  • Wishbone necklaces — These traditional designs offer a softer, vintage-inspired look. They're a lovely choice for date nights, sitting beautifully against a sweetheart neckline.

Ruby rings

A ruby ring brings a bright pop of colour to any outfit without being too overpowering. Because we look at our hands all day, it's also a fantastic way to enjoy your stone's beauty whenever you look down.

When you're searching for the perfect ruby rings, here are three classic styles to think about:

  • Cluster rings — Featuring a central ruby surrounded by a halo of smaller sparkling diamonds or other gemstones, cluster rings offer a stunning, vintage look that brings maximum shine to your finger.
  • Dress rings — If you love unique styles, a larger ruby dress ring is a brilliant option. These often feature detailed metalwork and larger, cut stones that really stand out from the crowd.
  • Eternity rings — These rings have a continuous line of rubies, or rubies alternating with diamonds or other stones, around the band. They are a romantic symbol of endless love and look fantastic stacked next to your wedding band or engagement ring.

How to care for ruby jewellery

While rubies are known for being tough, they still need a bit of care and attention to keep them looking their best. Over time, natural oils from your skin, hand creams, soaps, and everyday dust can build up behind the stone and around the setting. This blocks the light, which can dull that signature sparkle.

If your favourite pieces are starting to look a bit cloudy, don't worry. Cleaning and protecting your ruby jewellery at home is actually very simple when you follow these easy steps:

  1. Soak your jewellery — First, fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a couple of drops of ordinary, mild washing-up liquid. Pop your jewellery in and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This gives the soapy water time to loosen up any stubborn dirt or oils hiding behind the setting without damaging the stone.
  1. Brush very gently —  Grab a toothbrush with soft bristles. Gently brush around the ruby, paying extra attention to the metal claws (or prongs) and the space underneath the stone where grime loves to build up. Don't scrub too hard, as you don't want to loosen any delicate settings.
  1. Rinse and pat dry — Rinse your jewellery under warm, clean running water to wash away any leftover soap. Once clean, pat it dry using a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth. Avoid paper towels, as these can leave tiny paper fibres caught in the setting.

Cleaning your jewellery is only half the battle; you'll also need to make sure you're caring for it properly every day. Here are some of our top tips:

  1. Skip the harsh chemicals and high-tech cleaning gadgets — Lots of rubies on the market have had treatments (like heat or fracture-filling) to boost their colour and clarity. Because of this, never use harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, or acetone. It's also best to avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as the intense vibrations can damage treated stones or loosen their settings.
  1. Store your pieces safely — Since rubies are so resilient, they can scratch softer gems like opals, pearls, and emeralds. On the other hand, a diamond is hard enough to scratch a ruby! You can avoid this by storing your ruby pieces in their own soft cloth pouches or separate compartments in your jewellery box.
  1. Get regular professional checks — Over time, the metal claws keeping your ruby secure can wear down or snag on clothing. We recommend taking your rings or necklaces to a local jeweller every six months or so to make sure the stones are still safe and secure.

Looking for more expert advice on restoring the shine to the rest of your collection? We've debunked the biggest myths and shared our tips in our complete guide to cleaning jewellery.

Frequently asked questions

Are rubies and garnets the same thing?

It's easy to see why people get rubies and garnets confused, as both are famous for their rich red tones. They are actually completely different gemstones with their own unique chemistry, physical properties, and price tags.

While rubies are made of corundum and have a hardness of 9, garnets belong to a different mineral group and are softer, scoring between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Garnets also tend to have a slightly darker, warmer tone with hints of orange or brown, whereas rubies lean towards a bright, purplish-red. Learn more in our guide to garnet jewellery here.

Because rubies are much rarer than garnets, they carry a higher price tag. If you love that deep red look but want something more budget-friendly, our collection of garnet jewellery is a great option.

Are rubies the same thing as sapphires?

From a scientific point of view, rubies and sapphires are essentially the same gemstone. Both are made of the mineral corundum and have the same crystal structure and hardness.

The only difference is the tiny trace elements trapped inside, which decide the colour:

  • Rubies — If the corundum is red (thanks to chromium), we call it a ruby.
  • Sapphires — Every other stone colour is called a sapphire. While we usually think of classic blue (coloured by iron and titanium), sapphires can also be yellow, green, pink, or purple.

Chemically speaking, a ruby is just a red sapphire. You can read more about its gorgeous sister stone in our guide to blue sapphires.

Do rubies really glow under UV light?

They certainly do. This glowing effect is called fluorescence, and it causes rubies to release a bright, glowing red or pinkish-red light when you put them under ultraviolet (UV) light.

This glow comes from the same element that gives the stone its red colour: chromium. When UV light hits the chromium atoms in the ruby, they absorb that energy and release it as visible red light.

How brightly a ruby glows can tell you a lot about its history:

  • Natural vs lab-grown — Both natural and lab-grown rubies can glow under UV light. Synthetic rubies actually tend to glow even more intensely because they don't have any iron in them, which naturally dampens the glow.
  • Where they came from — The strength of the glow depends on where the ruby was formed. Rubies from Myanmar are known for having very low iron levels, giving them a strong glow. On the other hand, rubies from areas with higher iron levels, like Thailand, will have a much softer glow.

Discover ruby jewellery at William May

Whether you're looking for a thoughtful birthday present for a July baby, celebrating a special milestone, or just want to add a new stone to your collection, a piece of ruby jewellery is something you'll love and cherish for a lifetime.

At William May, we've spent over a century sourcing, checking, and curating the best new and pre-owned jewellery. From stunning ruby rings that make a statement to classic, everyday necklaces that add just the right amount of warmth, our collection has something for everyone.