July Birthstone - Ruby

The July birthstone is the captivating ruby, a gem that has fascinated humanity for millennia with its deep red hue and symbolic significance. This article delves into the rich history, unique characteristics, and enduring allure of rubies, offering comprehensive insights for both jewelry enthusiasts and those born in July.

What is the July Birthstone?

The July birthstone is ruby, a vibrant red gemstone that belongs to the corundum mineral family. Rubies are prized for their rich color, durability, and rarity. They're formed deep within the Earth under high pressure and temperature conditions, typically in marble deposits or basalt rocks.

The distinctive red color comes from the presence of chromium in the crystal structure. The intensity of the red depends on the amount of chromium present - the more chromium, the deeper the red. Rubies can range from pink to deep red, with the most valuable specimens exhibiting a pure, vibrant red hue often described as "pigeon's blood."

Interestingly, rubies and sapphires are actually the same mineral (corundum). The only difference is the color - red corundum is called ruby, while corundum in any other color is called sapphire.

Characteristics of Ruby

• Color: Deep red to pinkish red. The most prized rubies have a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish red color.
• Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale, making them extremely durable and resistant to scratching.
• Composition: Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with chromium as the primary coloring agent.
• Refractive Index: 1.762 to 1.770, contributing to the gem's brilliance and fire.
• Specific Gravity: 3.97 to 4.05, which helps gemologists distinguish rubies from other red stones.
• Fluorescence: Many rubies fluoresce red under ultraviolet light, adding to their visual appeal.

Rubies also often contain needle-like rutile inclusions, known as "silk." These can sometimes create a star effect (asterism) when the stone is cut as a cabochon.

The History and Symbolism of Ruby

Rubies have been revered throughout history, often associated with:

• Passion and love: In many cultures, rubies symbolize the heart and romantic love.
• Courage and strength: Ancient warriors believed rubies brought them strength in battle.
• Protection and good fortune: Rubies were thought to ward off evil and bring good luck.
• Power and prosperity: Many royal crowns and regalia feature prominent rubies.

"The glowing ruby shall adorn, Those who in July are born; Then they'll be exempt and free From love's doubts and anxiety." -- Traditional birthstone poem

Ancient cultures believed rubies held the power of life. In India, they were called "ratnaraj," meaning "king of precious stones." This title reflects the high esteem in which rubies were held in Indian culture.

Chinese nobles used rubies to adorn their armor for protection, believing the stones would grant them safety in battle. Similarly, ancient Burmese warriors believed inserting rubies into their flesh would make them invincible.

In medieval Europe, rubies were thought to have prophetic powers. It was believed that the stone would darken when danger was near and return to its original color when the danger had passed.

The ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the god Krishna were granted rebirth as emperors. Buddhists considered the ruby as one of the seven treasures, associated with Buddha.

Ruby in Jewelry

Rubies make stunning centerpieces in various jewelry designs:

1. Rings: From solitaire engagement rings to elaborate cocktail rings, rubies are a popular choice for their durability and symbolism of love.
2. Necklaces: Ruby pendants or ruby-studded necklaces can make a bold statement.
3. Earrings: Ruby studs, drops, or hoops add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
4. Bracelets: Tennis bracelets featuring rubies or charm bracelets with ruby accents are timeless choices.

When selecting ruby jewelry, consider these important factors:

• Cut: The cut affects the gem's brilliance and color. Common cuts for ruby include oval, cushion, round, and pear.
• Clarity: Look for eye-clean stones. Unlike diamonds, small inclusions in rubies are acceptable and can even increase value if they form a star pattern (asterism).
• Carat weight: Influences size and price. Large, high-quality rubies are extremely rare and priced accordingly.
• Color zoning: High-quality rubies should have consistent color throughout the stone.
• Origin: Rubies from Myanmar (Burma) are traditionally most valued, but fine specimens also come from Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Africa.

The setting of the ruby is also crucial. The metal should complement the ruby's color - white gold or platinum can make the red appear more vivid, while yellow gold can add warmth to the stone's appearance.

Caring for Ruby Jewelry

To maintain the beauty and integrity of your ruby jewelry:

• Clean gently with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage some treated rubies.
• Store separately in a soft cloth or padded jewelry box to prevent scratching other gemstones or being scratched by harder stones like diamonds.
• Remove ruby jewelry before engaging in strenuous activities or household chores to prevent accidental damage.
• Have your ruby jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned annually to ensure the settings remain secure.

While rubies are durable, they can still be damaged by sharp blows or extreme temperature changes. Always remove ruby jewelry before swimming in chlorinated water, as chlorine can potentially damage the metal settings.

For more detailed care instructions, check out our comprehensive guide to cleaning jewelry.

Synthetic Rubies and Treatments

Many rubies on the market are either synthetic or have undergone treatments to enhance their appearance:

• Synthetic Rubies: Lab-created rubies have the same chemical and physical properties as natural rubies but are significantly less expensive. They're often used in affordable jewelry options. These stones are optically, chemically, and physically identical to natural rubies, but are created in controlled laboratory conditions.
• Heat Treatment: Most natural rubies undergo heat treatment to improve color and clarity. This process involves heating the stones to very high temperatures, sometimes over 1800°C, to dissolve rutile inclusions and enhance the red color. This treatment is permanent and stable, and is widely accepted in the industry but should be disclosed at the time of sale.
• Lead Glass Filling: Some lower-quality rubies are treated with lead glass to fill fractures and improve appearance. This treatment can significantly improve the look of heavily included rubies, but it's less stable than heat treatment. These rubies require special care and are less valuable than untreated or heat-treated rubies.
• Diffusion Treatment: This involves heating rubies in the presence of beryllium or other elements to improve their color. The treatment affects a shallow layer of the stone and can be detected by a trained gemologist.

When purchasing ruby jewelry, always ask about any treatments or if the stone is synthetic. Reputable jewelers will disclose this information, as it affects the value and care requirements of the stone.

Famous Rubies and Investment Value

Some of the world's most famous rubies have achieved legendary status:

• The Sunrise Ruby: This 25.59-carat Burmese ruby sold for $30.42 million in 2015, setting a record for the most expensive colored gemstone ever sold at auction. Its exceptional "pigeon's blood" color and large size make it truly one-of-a-kind.
• The Liberty Bell Ruby: Discovered in the 1950s in East Africa, this 8,500-carat ruby was carved into a miniature form of the Liberty Bell. It was tragically stolen in a jewelry heist in 2011 and has not been recovered.
• The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby: This 138.7-carat star ruby, displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, is famous for its sharp, well-defined star and deep red color.
• The DeLong Star Ruby: At 100.32 carats, this star ruby is known for its near-perfect star and fine color. It's currently housed in the American Museum of Natural History.

High-quality rubies have historically maintained their value and can appreciate over time. They are often considered an investment, particularly large, fine rubies which are rarer and frequently more valuable than diamonds of comparable size.

Factors affecting a ruby's investment value include:

1. Color: The most valuable rubies have a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish red color.
2. Clarity: Eye-clean stones or those with desirable inclusions (like those causing asterism) are most valuable.
3. Cut: A well-cut ruby will exhibit the best color and brilliance.
4. Carat weight: Larger rubies are exponentially more valuable due to their rarity.
5. Origin: Burmese rubies typically command the highest prices.
6. Treatment: Untreated rubies are extremely rare and valuable, followed by those with standard heat treatment.

For more on this topic, you might be interested in our article on jewelry as an investment.

Conclusion

The ruby, with its fiery red brilliance and rich historical significance, is a fitting birthstone for the passionate and vibrant month of July. Its enduring beauty, remarkable durability, and symbolic meanings make ruby jewelry not just a birthstone option, but a timeless investment in elegance and personal expression.

Whether you're born in July or simply captivated by the allure of this magnificent gemstone, ruby jewelry offers a blend of beauty, durability, and symbolism that can be cherished for generations. When choosing ruby jewelry, remember to consider factors like cut, clarity, and origin to ensure you're selecting a piece that truly showcases the gem's inherent beauty and value.