Ruby: The King of Gems and July’s Fiery Birthstone
July’s birthstone, the ruby, has been celebrated across cultures and centuries as a symbol of passion, power, and protection. With its vibrant red hue and enduring strength, it’s no wonder ruby has earned the title of “the king of gems.” From ancient royalty to modern collectors, this radiant stone has captured hearts and sparked imaginations for generations.
In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history of rubies, their spiritual and cultural significance, how to care for ruby jewelry, and what makes them one of the most treasured gemstones in the world.
What Is a Ruby?
A ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, the same mineral family as sapphire. While sapphires can come in many colors, only red corundum is considered a ruby. The rich red color comes from trace amounts of chromium, and the most prized rubies are those with a deep, vibrant red often referred to as "pigeon blood" red.
Rubies are one of the four precious gemstones (along with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires) and are known for their exceptional hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamonds.
Why Is Ruby Called the "King of Gems"?
The title “King of Gems” goes back thousands of years and was first popularized in ancient India, where rubies were considered more valuable than diamonds. Indian royalty and warriors wore rubies as a symbol of protection, power, and eternal life.
The belief was that rubies held the power of life and blood—they could bestow good fortune, ward off evil, and ensure victory in battle. In the ancient Sanskrit language, ruby was known as ratnaraj, meaning “king of precious stones.”
This reverence wasn’t limited to India. In ancient Burma (modern-day Myanmar), warriors embedded rubies into their skin to make them invincible in battle. Medieval Europeans believed rubies brought health, wisdom, and success in love.
Even today, rubies remain a favorite of royalty and luxury designers, symbolizing both status and deep emotion.
Ruby’s Rich History Across Cultures
Ancient India: Rubies were believed to hold the essence of life. The Kalpa Tree, a mythical wish-fulfilling tree in Hindu legend, was said to be made entirely of precious stones—with rubies representing the fruit.
Burma (Myanmar): For centuries, Myanmar was one of the world’s most important sources of rubies. Burmese rubies, especially from the Mogok region, are famed for their color and clarity. Rubies were also believed to glow with an internal fire.
China: Rubies were used in Chinese armor and buried with emperors to protect them in the afterlife.
Europe: In the Middle Ages, rubies were believed to darken in color when danger was near. They were often worn by royalty as talismans of protection and passion.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance
Ruby’s bold red color naturally ties it to emotions of love, passion, and vitality. It is often associated with the heart and blood, symbolizing intense feelings and strong connections.
Some of the most enduring symbolic meanings of ruby include:
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❤️ Love & Passion: Often gifted for milestone anniversaries, especially the 15th and 40th.
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💪 Courage & Strength: Thought to bolster confidence and offer protection to the wearer.
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🌟 Vitality & Energy: Linked to life force, rubies are believed to energize and motivate.
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🛡️ Protection: Used historically to ward off negative energy and evil.
For those born in July, wearing a ruby is said to bring prosperity, joy, and a strong sense of purpose.
Ruby in Jewelry
Thanks to its durability and vibrant color, ruby is a popular choice for all types of jewelry:
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Rings: From elegant solitaires to intricate vintage settings, ruby rings make bold statements. They're also a unique choice for engagement rings.
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Earrings & Necklaces: Ruby adds a dramatic pop of color and looks stunning paired with diamonds or white gold.
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Bracelets: Delicate ruby tennis bracelets or bangles provide a refined, luxurious touch.
Due to their rarity—especially in high-quality forms—rubies can command higher prices than diamonds of the same size.
Ruby Care Tips
While ruby is a tough gemstone, proper care helps preserve its brilliance for generations.
DO:
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Clean ruby jewelry with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
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Store rubies separately from other gems to avoid scratches.
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Use a soft cloth to polish after wear.
DON’T:
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Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners (especially for treated stones).
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Don’t expose ruby jewelry to sudden temperature changes.
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Avoid wearing rubies during heavy physical activity or housework.
If your ruby has been heat-treated (a common practice to enhance color), it should still be cared for gently, though heat treatments are stable and permanent.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Rubies
Natural rubies are rare and can be very expensive, especially those with ideal color and few inclusions. Lab-grown rubies, which have the same chemical and physical properties, are a more affordable alternative and are often indistinguishable without specialized equipment.
When shopping, ask for certification to confirm whether a ruby is natural, lab-created, or treated, as this impacts both value and care instructions.
Ruby as a Meaningful Gift
Because rubies are associated with love, passion, and protection, they make wonderful gifts for:
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July birthdays
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15th or 40th anniversaries
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Romantic milestones
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Celebrations of courage or personal achievements
Their timeless beauty and rich symbolism make ruby jewelry deeply personal and enduring.
The Timeless Allure of Ruby
Rubies have inspired kings, warriors, and romantics for centuries. From ancient legends to modern luxury, their fiery beauty continues to captivate. Whether you're drawn to ruby’s rich color, its legendary strength, or its romantic symbolism, wearing a ruby connects you to a history as brilliant and bold as the stone itself.
As July’s birthstone, ruby is more than just a gem—it’s a statement of vitality, love, and timeless elegance.