July Birthstone Guide - Ruby

birthstones overview

RUBYview ruby jewellery

Devotion, integrity and courage - ruby is the birthstone for July

Red hot and summery

The deep red of ruby has long been associated with religion and spiritual matters.
The birthstone ruby is second only to diamond for hardness. Ruby is a variety
of the mineral corundum. Any corundum that is not red is known as sapphire.

Buying rubies

An incredibly valuable gemstone, take into account considerations similar
to the ones used when buying diamonds. Size, clarity and cut are
all important when buying this birthstone and contribute to the
value of your gemstone. A large ruby with lower clarity will have
a lower value than a smaller one with greater clarity.

Oval and cushion cut are popular shapes for rubies
in jewellery - including necklaces, rings
and earrings - although emerald cut, brilliant round
and pear-shaped rubies are also available.

Victorian red

The ruby was the favourite of the Victorians
but also looks great with modern outfits
and in modern and classic jewellery.