Is ruby the birthstone for July?

Yes. Ruby is the birthstone for July and has held that designation since the original 1912 birthstone list. It is also the traditional gemstone gift for both the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. Ruby is one of four precious gemstones alongside diamond, emerald, and sapphire.

Can you wear ruby jewelry every day?

Yes. Ruby scores a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the second hardest natural gemstone after diamond. It resists scratching better than nearly every other colored gemstone and is ideal for daily wear in all jewelry types, including rings. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

Are most rubies treated?

Yes. Most rubies on the market are heat-treated to improve color and clarity. Heat treatment is the industry standard for ruby and is considered a permanent, stable enhancement. Untreated rubies of fine quality are rare and command significantly higher prices. At Erin Gallagher Jewelry, we are transparent about all gemstone treatments.

What is the difference between ruby and garnet?

Ruby and garnet are different minerals entirely. Ruby is corundum (Mohs 9), one of the four precious gemstones, with a bright red color caused by chromium. Garnet (Mohs 6.5 to 7.5) is a separate mineral group with a typically darker, brownish-red color. Ruby is significantly harder, rarer, and more valuable than garnet.

What is the difference between ruby and sapphire?

Ruby and sapphire are actually the same mineral: corundum. The only difference is color. Red corundum is classified as ruby. All other colors of corundum, including blue, pink, yellow, and white, are classified as sapphire. They share the same hardness (Mohs 9), crystal structure, and physical properties.

What does ruby symbolize?

Ruby symbolizes love, passion, courage, protection, vitality, and power. In ancient Sanskrit, ruby was called ratnaraj, meaning king of precious stones. It is connected to the Root Chakra (stability and grounding) and Heart Chakra (love and compassion). Ruby is associated with the zodiac signs Cancer and Leo.

Stackable ruby eternity ring with lab-created rubies

Ruby jewelry

Handcrafted ruby necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, made to order in our Colorado studio. Set in sterling silver, 14K gold-fill, and solid 14K gold.

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Bezel-set Ruby Necklace

From $175.00

Ruby dangle earrings product shot, genuine deep red stone in sculptural bezel setting on model variant--Gold-fill variant--Sterling-silver variant--Ruby

Close-up of natural ruby bezel dangle earring, showing rich red stone and handcrafted wire detail variant--Gold-fill variant--Sterling-silver variant--Ruby

Ruby Dangle Earrings

$145.00

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Handcrafted ruby necklace featuring a vibrant red gemstone

Minimal ruby pendant necklace with deep crimson sparkle on model

Ruby Drop Necklace

From $95.00

bezel set ruby bracelet in 14k gold variant--14K-yellow-gold variant--Ruby

Bezel-Set Ruby Bracelet

From $235.00

Ruby stud earrings in 14K gold, 4mm genuine ruby, product shot on white

Ruby birthstone stud earrings on model, deep red studs at ear

Ruby Stud Earrings

From $275.00

Luxury ruby tennis bracelet 14K gold USA made

Gemstone tennis bracelet in 14K gold, on wrist

Emerald-cut Ruby Tennis Bracelet

$4,895.00

East West Ruby necklace in 14K yellow gold variant--14K-yellow-gold variant--14K-white-gold variant--14K-rose-gold variant--Sterling-silver variant--Ruby

Minimalist birthstone necklace featuring Ruby shown on model variant--14K-yellow-gold variant--14K-white-gold variant--14K-rose-gold variant--Sterling-silver variant--Ruby

East West Emerald-Cut Ruby Necklace

From $425.00

Mini ruby necklace in 14K gold variant--14K-rose-gold, variant--14K-yellow-gold, variant--14K-white-gold, variant--Sterling-silver

Mini Ruby Solitaire Necklace

From $255.00

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Ruby pendant necklace bezel-set in 14K gold, handcrafted in Colorado

About ruby

Ruby is a a red variety of corundum, the same mineral family as sapphire, colored by trace amounts of chromium rated 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, Ruby rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond among natural gemstones. For context, a steel nail is roughly 6.5, sapphire shares ruby's 9 rating, and diamond is 10. At 9, ruby is exceptionally durable and well-suited to everyday wear in any style of jewelry, including rings. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and the stone tolerates ultrasonic cleaning when untreated.. Its color ranges from deep red, ranging from vivid pinkish-red to rich blood-red, with the most prized shades described as pigeon's blood, with the most prized stones showing even saturation and high clarity.

Ruby has been treasured for thousands of years across cultures, with Sanskrit texts calling it ratnaraj, the king of precious stones. Burmese rubies from the Mogok valley set the historical quality standard, prized for their pure red color and silky inclusions. Today fine rubies come from Myanmar, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Thailand. The finest stones can rival diamond and emerald in per-carat value.

Historically, ruby has been associated with passion, vitality, and courage. In crystal healing and metaphysical traditions, ruby is associated with the Root and Heart Chakras. It is linked to life force, romantic love, and bold action. Practitioners often use it as a stone for confidence and motivation, themes that align with July's peak-summer energy and warmth.

Ruby vs garnet

Same color family, different stones. Here's how to choose.

Ruby

Ruby and garnet are entirely different mineral families. Ruby is a variety of corundum and rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale; garnet is a silicate group and rates 6.5 to 7.5. Ruby's red comes from chromium; garnet's color depends on the variety, with almandine and pyrope ranging from deep wine to rosy red.

Garnet

Garnet reads warmer with more burgundy undertones at a fraction of ruby's cost. Ruby is the harder, brighter, and more saturated stone, with significantly higher price points and cultural weight as the July birthstone and a symbol of passionate commitment. If you are deciding between the two, ruby is the heirloom investment; garnet offers a similar red-stone story at much more accessible pricing.

Born in July?

Ruby is the modern birthstone for July July birthstone. For people who follow birthstone jewelry traditions, ruby makes a striking gift for anyone born in July. Its rich red color is unmistakable, the stone is exceptionally durable for daily wear, and the symbolism of passion and vitality makes it as meaningful for engagements and anniversaries as for birthdays.

See all July birthstones on the July birthstone jewelry hub.

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Handcrafted jewelry packaged in eco-friendly box, gift bag with tissue and polishing cloth.

Made to order in Colorado

Every ruby piece is handcrafted to order in our Steamboat Springs studio, shipped in about 10 business days, and arrives in eco-friendly gift packaging.

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Frequently asked questions

Is ruby the birthstone for July?

Yes. Ruby is the birthstone for July and has held that designation since the original 1912 birthstone list. It is also the traditional gemstone gift for both the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. Ruby is one of four precious gemstones alongside diamond, emerald, and sapphire.
Can you wear ruby jewelry every day?

Yes. Ruby scores a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the second hardest natural gemstone after diamond. It resists scratching better than nearly every other colored gemstone and is ideal for daily wear in all jewelry types, including rings. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Are most rubies treated?

Yes. Most rubies on the market are heat-treated to improve color and clarity. Heat treatment is the industry standard for ruby and is considered a permanent, stable enhancement. Untreated rubies of fine quality are rare and command significantly higher prices. At Erin Gallagher Jewelry, we are transparent about all gemstone treatments.
What is the difference between ruby and garnet?

Ruby and garnet are different minerals entirely. Ruby is corundum (Mohs 9), one of the four precious gemstones, with a bright red color caused by chromium. Garnet (Mohs 6.5 to 7.5) is a separate mineral group with a typically darker, brownish-red color. Ruby is significantly harder, rarer, and more valuable than garnet.
What is the difference between ruby and sapphire?

Ruby and sapphire are actually the same mineral: corundum. The only difference is color. Red corundum is classified as ruby. All other colors of corundum, including blue, pink, yellow, and white, are classified as sapphire. They share the same hardness (Mohs 9), crystal structure, and physical properties.
What does ruby symbolize?

Ruby symbolizes love, passion, courage, protection, vitality, and power. In ancient Sanskrit, ruby was called ratnaraj, meaning king of precious stones. It is connected to the Root Chakra (stability and grounding) and Heart Chakra (love and compassion). Ruby is associated with the zodiac signs Cancer and Leo.