Ruby: July’s Birthstone

July’s birthstone, ruby, is celebrated for its vivid red colour and exceptional strength. One of the most valuable gemstones in the world, ruby has long been associated with fine jewellery.

Ruby is the red variety of corundum, coloured by chromium. It ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, making it second only to diamond in hardness.
The most prized rubies display a rich, saturated red often described as “pigeon blood.”

Due to their durability, rubies are particularly well suited to rings and jewellery intended for regular wear.

Important ruby sources include Myanmar, Mozambique, and Thailand. Rubies are often heat-treated to enhance colour and clarity, an accepted practice, although harder to find untreated rubies are very desirable.

In ancient cultures, rubies were believed to bring courage and prosperity, and were often worn by royalty as a sign of authority and confidence. They were also thought to protect the wearer from harm and misfortune. Rubies have always been associated with passion, vitality, and protection. Their deep red colour has historically symbolised life force and strength, making rubies one of the most powerful gemstones in traditions and folklore.

Today with their rich vibrant colour and value they are a meaningful choice for jewellery intended to mark significant life moments.

At Almagrove Jewellers we like to source a good selection of rubies. We can create any piece of jewellery for you to include a ruby, or you can take a look online to see what we have in store.