Estate, Gemstones & Watches
Ruby: July's Birthstone – History, Meaning, and Buying Guide
Published: Jul 20, 2026
Few gemstones have captivated the world quite like the ruby. Known for its rich red color and extraordinary rarity, the ruby has been treasured by kings, queens, warriors, and collectors for thousands of years. As July's birthstone, it symbolizes passion, love, courage, and prosperity, making it one of the most meaningful and sought-after gemstones in fine jewelry.
Whether you're celebrating a July birthday, an anniversary, or simply looking for a timeless addition to your collection, a ruby is a beautiful investment that can be enjoyed for generations. At Perry's, we offer an exceptional selection of ruby jewelry, including one-of-a-kind estate pieces that cannot be found anywhere else.
The Fascinating History of Rubies
The word "ruby" comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning "red." For centuries, rubies were considered the "King of Gemstones" because of their vivid color and rarity.
Ancient civilizations believed rubies possessed protective powers. Burmese warriors were said to wear rubies into battle, believing the stones made them invincible. In medieval Europe, royalty prized rubies as symbols of wealth, wisdom, and success, while many cultures believed they could bring good fortune and protect the wearer from harm.
Before modern gemology, many famous red gemstones were simply called rubies. It wasn't until the late 18th century that scientists determined some legendary "rubies" were actually red spinels. One famous example is the Black Prince's Ruby, which adorns Britain's Imperial State Crown and has been part of the British Crown Jewels for centuries.
Today, fine rubies remain among the rarest and most valuable colored gemstones in the world, often commanding prices that rival or even exceed those of exceptional diamonds.
What Gives Rubies Their Color?
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, the same mineral family as sapphires. Their vibrant red color comes from trace amounts of chromium within the crystal structure.
The most prized rubies display a rich, vibrant red with subtle hints of blue, often referred to as "pigeon's blood" red. This legendary color is most commonly associated with fine rubies from Myanmar (formerly Burma), although beautiful rubies are also mined in Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Because natural rubies are formed deep within the earth under extraordinary conditions, high-quality stones over one carat are exceptionally rare.
Ruby Symbolism and Meaning
For centuries, rubies have represented:
- Love and romance
- Passion and vitality
- Courage and strength
- Protection
- Prosperity and success
Because of these meanings, ruby jewelry has become a popular gift for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and life's most important celebrations.
Ruby is also the traditional gemstone for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, making it a meaningful way to commemorate years of lasting love.
How to Choose a Ruby
When shopping for ruby jewelry, several factors determine quality and value.
Color
Color is the single most important factor. The finest rubies display a vivid, evenly distributed red without appearing overly dark or too light.
Clarity
Unlike diamonds, inclusions are common in natural rubies. Completely inclusion-free rubies are incredibly rare. Many collectors actually appreciate natural inclusions because they help confirm a stone's natural origin.
Cut
A well-cut ruby enhances both color and brilliance. Popular shapes include oval, cushion, round, emerald, and pear cuts.
Carat Weight
Large, high-quality rubies become exponentially rarer as size increases. A fine ruby over two carats is considered exceptionally collectible.
Why Estate Ruby Jewelry Is So Special
One of the most exciting ways to own a ruby is through estate jewelry. Estate ruby pieces offer a level of individuality and craftsmanship that is often difficult to find in modern jewelry.
At Perry's, our estate collection regularly includes vintage ruby rings, elegant ruby and diamond bracelets, Art Deco brooches, Victorian pendants, Mid-Century cocktail rings, and heirloom-quality earrings. Many of these pieces were handcrafted decades ago, featuring intricate details and designs that reflect the artistry of their era.
Estate jewelry also gives buyers access to gemstones that have already stood the test of time. Whether it's a richly colored Burmese ruby nestled in an antique mounting or a Retro-era ruby cocktail ring with bold styling, each estate piece tells a story and offers a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity.
Because estate jewelry is unique by nature, once a piece is sold, it is rarely possible to find another exactly like it. For collectors and jewelry lovers alike, that exclusivity is part of what makes estate jewelry so appealing.
Caring for Ruby Jewelry
Rubies rank 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds. Their durability makes them an excellent choice for everyday rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets.
To keep your ruby jewelry looking its best:
- Clean it regularly with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
- Store pieces separately to prevent scratches.
- Have prongs and settings professionally inspected at least once a year.
- Bring your jewelry to Perry's for professional cleaning and maintenance to preserve its beauty for years to come.
Ruby Jewelry as an Investment
Exceptional natural rubies have become increasingly desirable among collectors due to their rarity and worldwide demand. Fine untreated rubies, particularly those with exceptional color and quality, have consistently remained among the most valuable colored gemstones.
Estate ruby jewelry can be especially appealing as an investment because it combines the intrinsic value of the gemstone with vintage craftsmanship, rarity, and historical significance. A beautifully preserved estate ruby ring or antique ruby brooch is not only a stunning accessory but also a tangible piece of jewelry history that may continue to appreciate over time.
Discover Ruby Jewelry at Perry's
Whether you're searching for the perfect July birthday gift, celebrating a milestone anniversary, or adding a remarkable gemstone to your collection, Perry's offers an exceptional selection of ruby jewelry to suit every style.
From timeless new designs to extraordinary estate treasures, our collection showcases the beauty, history, and enduring appeal of one of the world's most treasured gemstones. Visit Perry's in Charlotte to explore our unique ruby jewelry and discover a piece you'll cherish for a lifetime.