July’s birthstone is ruby, a gem so prized throughout history that it was once considered more valuable than diamond. At Lilliane’s Jewelry, we find that the deep red of a fine ruby stops clients in their tracks every time we bring one out in our Leawood showroom.
The King of Colored Gemstones
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, the same family as sapphire, and gets its rich red color from traces of chromium. In fact, ruby and sapphire are chemically identical; the only difference is color. Any corundum that is red is called ruby, while every other color is classified as sapphire.
Pigeon's Blood
The most prized rubies display a color often called pigeon’s blood, a vivid, slightly purplish red with intense saturation. Historically, the finest rubies came from Myanmar’s Mogok Valley, though fine material is also found in Mozambique, Thailand, and Sri Lanka today.
A History of Power and Passion
Ancient warriors in Burma believed embedding rubies into their skin would make them invincible in battle. In medieval Europe, ruby was thought to bring good health and protect its wearer from misfortune. Even today, ruby remains a popular anniversary gift, symbolizing passion, protection, and prosperity.
Durability and Care
Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond, making it an excellent choice for daily wear rings. Most rubies on the market are heat-treated to improve color and clarity, a widely accepted and stable enhancement. Clean ruby jewelry with warm soapy water and a soft brush, though we recommend avoiding ultrasonic cleaners if the stone has been fracture-filled.
Lilliane’s Tip: Ruby’s deep red pairs beautifully with both yellow gold and platinum. For a truly showstopping look, try a ruby surrounded by a halo of diamonds to make the color pop even more.
Quick Facts About Ruby
- Mohs Hardness: 9
- Color Range: Pinkish red to deep, vivid red
- Symbolism: Passion, protection, and prosperity
- Zodiac Connection: Cancer and Leo
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is ruby a good choice for an engagement ring?
Yes. With a hardness of 9, ruby is one of the most durable gemstones available and holds up beautifully to daily wear.
Q: What does it mean if a ruby is heat-treated?
Heat treatment is a common, stable, and widely accepted practice that improves a ruby’s color and clarity by removing some internal imperfections. It does not compromise the stone’s durability.
Visit Us in Leawood
If you were born in July or simply love the passion behind a fine ruby, we invite you to visit our Leawood showroom to see this fiery gem in person.
