Ah, July! A month caressed by warm breezes and basked in the glory of sun-filled days, where clear skies beckon adventure and calendars brim with the promise of vacation delights. This time of year is wrapped in a tapestry of joys that many would argue makes it the pinnacle of the calendar. For the fortunate souls who celebrate their birth amid this summer splendor, the ruby—a gem as fiery as July's essence—stands proud as their birthstone. This crimson treasure serves as the perfect emblem for those born during this vibrant season. But what does the July birthstone of ruby represent? In truth, a whole lot! So read on to discover the history, characteristics, and the spiritual symbolism of ruby gemstone!

WHAT ARE RUBIES?

Before we get into the ruby gemstone spiritual meaning, let’s talk about what rubies are. Because, yes, they are a  gemstone, but how are they different from sapphires and what came first, ruby as a color or ruby as a gem?

RUBIES AND SAPPHIRES

Rubies are a type of corundum from the same mineral family that includes sapphires. What sets rubies apart is their captivating red color, which stems from the presence of chromium. This distinction is important; while all colors of corundum except red are termed  sapphires, only the red variety earns the name ruby. This can sometimes be confusing, especially as, while red sapphire doesn’t exist-pink sapphire does. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) labels rubies as any corundum that lands between the 5 and 8 on the GIA Tone Scale. So rubies are then defined by their tone and saturation, if they are mid to deep red, the presence of chromium will be higher and thus it we be defined as a ruby instead of a sapphire.

Alright, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s go over what came first-the stone or the color. The term "ruby" is thought to have come from "ruber," Latin for red. During medieval times the ruby was referred to as “rubinus lapis” aka a red stone. It actually wasn’t until the late 15th century that we began to see use of “ruby” to describe color of items that were not rubies themselves. So there you have it, should the ruby have been named anything else we would have a completely different name for the color ruby. And can you imagine Dorothy’s "blawn" shoes?

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE RUBY?

It is believed that rubies were discovered as early as 2500 BC in the Mogok region of Myanmar thanks to the discovery of Stone Age mining tools. In the bible, the ruby is mentioned on four separate occasions and is believed to be one of the stones in Aaron’s famous breastplate-you know, the one that gave way to the concept of birthstones?

In fact, ancient cultures greatly prized and paused the ruby. In the first century AD, the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder marveled at the ruby's "gentle fire," extolling its captivating brilliance and rich luster. To this day, this gem continues to be cherished, embodying both ancient tradition and timeless beauty, securely positioned as one of the most desirable treasures in the world.

WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL SYMBOLISM OF RUBY GEMSTONE?

By Rob Lavinsky

Rubies aren’t just pretty stones; they also hold a large amount of spiritual significance and symbolism. Historically, rubies have been associated with passion, protection, and prosperity. In many cultures, this vibrant red gem is considered the stone of kings, symbolizing power, nobility, and the fiery core of life itself. Its deep red hue is often linked to the heart, representing intense emotions such as love and anger, and is said to assure the wearer emotional balance and enhanced intuition.

On a spiritual level, rubies are believed to energize and balance, stimulate the heart chakra, and encourage a passion for life. It's also said to improve motivation and the setting of realistic goals by promoting positivity and a clear mind. Additionally, rubies are believed to protect the wearer from negative entities and psychic attacks, making them a shield as much as a decoration. These properties make rubies a powerful tool in metaphysical practice, helping to nourish the spiritual self.

WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SHOPPING FOR RUBY

Sold on the ruby? We don’t blame you! Just keep the following in mind when shopping for rubies and you can’t go wrong.

CUT

The cut of a ruby is essential, not just for its shape but for how it unleashes the stone's inner fire and brilliance. A well-cut ruby will beautifully reflect light, highlighting its rich color.

COLOR

the most defining characteristic of rubies. Look for vibrant, deep reds—the more intense the color, the more valuable the ruby.

CLARITY

Clarity is another vital aspect; while it’s rare to find a ruby without any natural inclusions, those with minimal visible flaws are more prized.

CARAT

Lastly, the carat, or weight of the ruby, affects its value greatly, but always remember that color and clarity can surpass carat weight in importance.

FIND RUBY ENGAGEMENT RINGS AT OLIVIA EWING JEWELRY

From ruby birthstone jewelry to ruby engagement rings, Olivia Ewing Jewelry offers an exquisite selection of ruby adornments. Each piece pairs expert craftsmanship with the timeless beauty of rubies, ensuring a luxurious, captivating addition to any collection. Ready to find your own timeless ruby piece?

SHOP RUBY JEWELRY 

Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing