Featured: The Heavenly Purity Earrings from the PORTRAITS OF PORCELAIN High Jewellery Collection, set with a pair of Pigeon Blood Rubies, matte White Quartz, and Diamonds. Crafted in 18k White Gold.
July Birthstone - Ruby
July babies, rejoice! Your birthstone is one of the most fiery, powerful, and legendary gems in history: the ruby. Known for its intense red hue and ties to passion, power, and protection, rubies are far more than just beautiful. Here are 10 surprising facts about July’s birthstone that might just make you love it even more.
1. Rubies Are One of the Hardest Natural Gemstones
Rubies score a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them second only to diamonds in durability. That means they're not just gorgeous - they’re also tough enough for daily wear.
2. They’re Actually the Same Mineral as Sapphires
Believe it or not, rubies and sapphires are both forms of corundum. The only difference? Rubies are red due to trace amounts of chromium. Any other color, and it’s officially a sapphire!
3. The Name "Ruby" Comes from the Latin Word for Red
"Rubeus" is Latin for red, fitting for a gem so famous for its fiery hue. Throughout history, the ruby’s vibrant color has symbolised love, courage, and life force.
4. Some Rubies Glow Under UV Light
Thanks to that chromium, many rubies fluoresce under ultraviolet light. Some even glow intensely, making them look like they're lit from within... pretty magical!
5. The World’s Most Expensive Ruby Sold for Over $34 Million
In 2023, the Estrela de Fura ruby - a 55-carat unheated stone from Mozambique - sold at an auction for $34.8 million, breaking all previous records for coloured gemstones.
6. Rubies Were Believed to Protect Warriors in Battle
Ancient warriors from Burma (modern-day Myanmar) believed rubies made them invincible. Some even embedded rubies into their skin as a form of magical armor.
7. One of the Most Famous Rubies is Actually Not a Ruby
The Black Prince’s Ruby, proudly set into the British Imperial State Crown, is in fact a red spinel. For centuries, no one knew. This is proof that even royalty can be fooled by the ruby’s lookalike, and why gemology matters.
8. Ruby is One of the Few Gemstones Used in Space Technology
Tiny synthetic ruby crystals are used in lasers, including those involved in early satellite technology. The same gemstone revered in temples and crowns also played a role in mankind’s journey to space.
9. In Ancient Folklore, Rubies Could Predict Danger
Some cultures believed rubies could darken or lose their brilliance when danger was near, giving their wearer a mystical warning system.
10. Ruby is the Gemstone for the 40th Wedding Anniversary
Looking for a meaningful gift for a long-lasting love? Ruby is the traditional stone for the 40th anniversary, symbolising enduring passion and commitment.
Rubies in Gemstone Jewellery
At Simone Jewels, each of our ruby high jewellery creation is meticulously crafted to showcase the gem’s rich hues and captivating fire, celebrating both its storied past and modern allure.
Featured: The Majestic Mosaic Bangle from the DOLMABAHCE High Jewellery Collection, set with unheated Rubies and marquetry White Mother of Pearl. Crafted in 18k White Gold.
Featured: The Heavenly Purity Earrings from the PORTRAITS OF PORCELAIN High Jewellery Collection, set with a total of 2.06 carats of Rubies. Crafted in 18k White Gold.
Whether you're a July baby or just love its deep red color and powerful symbolism, the ruby is more than deserving of its place in the birthstone spotlight. It’s a gem that carries centuries of meaning, and looks just as stunning today as it did in ancient times.
