July Birthstone

July Birthstone

Ruby – July's Gemstone of Hot & Spicy Fun

Ruby is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of opaque or translucent red, and is widely recognized as the July Birthstone as well as the gemstone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, ruby holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your ruby jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!

Ruby is a variety of the species Corundum, and is one of the most sought-after precious colored gems in the world. The word ruby is said to come from the Latin word "rubber" or "rubens," which means red.

In ancient Sanskrit, ruby is called "ratnaraj," or "king of precious stones." Centuries ago, people believed that if a ruby were placed in a pot of water, it would cause the water to boil. People also believed that if rubies were placed beneath the skin, they would generate a mystical force field that would protect the wearer from mishaps. Red is also the color of blood--the life force of all mankind.

Ruby gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with diamonds, black onyx or dark blue sapphire. More casual combinations include softer contrasts of brilliant ruby reds with clear quartz, emerald or pearls. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring ruby, click here. Ruby is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of green or hazel eyes.

Rubies became a popular colored stone among European royalty and other nobility because of their intense red color. Whenever a ruby was found, the emperor/royalty sent out people to see and welcome the precious stone. The ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the God Krishna could be granted the life of an emperor in their next lives.

The ruby is often associated with the emotions of love, passion, majesty, power and anger. Rubies are also believed to open the heart, attract others, and overcome fear. They were also said to help predict the future if they change color or intensity. Rubies were first mined 2500 years ago. While they originated in Sri Lanka, today rubies are found in Thailand, Mynamar, and Kenya.

Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Ruby gets a score of 9, meaning that it is very scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Ruby gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Other methods, including ultra-sonic cleaners, are also okay as long as they are not oiled. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.

Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart.

About the Author

Sarah Stephens is the Fashion Director for Dasha Boutique. Visit our online shop today, featuring hundreds of handmade jewelry designs. Customize orders ship in 3 business days. Dasha Boutique is featured in Lucky, InStyle, People, Bridal Guide and Brides.

Wheel - July Birthstone Swarovski $45 Share the personality and pride of your birth month. Roll out the sparkle of passion with the July Wheel Birthstone bead. MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Dimensions: 6.36 in x in

Stackable July Birthstone Ring $89 Sterling silver faceted July birthstone ring can be stacked with other gemstones. (299DC06R-July) 89 each. 10x5mm marquise cut synthetic Ruby gemstone Weighs approx 3.7 grams Measures approx 1/4" wide Comes in a nice gift box Stack with other gemstones to make up your own personalized unique birthstone ring - see pop up menu for selection

10mm Bezel July Birthstone Stud Earrings $8.99 10mm Bezel July Birthstone Stud Earrings 10mm bezel-set round-cut earrings. July Birthstone Earrings. Classic post stud earrings are a must have accessory and add sparkle to any ensemble. Birthstone jewelry is a great gift idea. Specifications: 10mm Glass Stone, Post with Friction Back, Rhodium Plated

5mm Bezel July Birthstone Stud Earrings $6.99 5mm Bezel July Birthstone Stud Earrings 5mm bezel-set round-cut earrings. July Birthstone Earrings. Classic post stud earrings are a must have accessory and add sparkle to any ensemble. Birthstone jewelry is a great gift idea. Specifications: 5mm Glass Stone, Post with Friction Back, Rhodium Plated

6mm Bezel July Birthstone Stud Earrings $6.99 6mm Bezel July Birthstone Stud Earrings 6mm bezel-set round-cut earrings. July Birthstone Earrings. Classic post stud earrings are a must have accessory and add sparkle to any ensemble. Birthstone jewelry is a great gift idea. Specifications: 6mm Glass Stone, Post with Friction Back, Rhodium Plated

9mm Bezel July Birthstone Stud Earrings $7.99 9mm Bezel July Birthstone Stud Earrings 9mm bezel-set round-cut earrings. July Birthstone Earrings. Classic post stud earrings are a must have accessory and add sparkle to any ensemble. Birthstone jewelry is a great gift idea. Specifications: 9mm Glass Stone, Post with Friction Back, Rhodium Plated

11mm Bezel July Birthstone Stud Earrings $8.99 11mm Bezel July Birthstone Stud Earrings 11mm bezel-set round-cut earrings. July Birthstone Earrings. Classic post stud earrings are a must have accessory and add sparkle to any ensemble. Birthstone jewelry is a great gift idea. Specifications: 11mm Glass Stone, Post with Friction Back, Rhodium Plated

Pugster July Birthstone Silver Circle $12.49 Stay a step ahead the latest wave of European Italian charm bead fashion jewelry. This exquisite beaded Pugster July birthstone silver circle European Italian charm bead dazzles with individual beauty. The humble Italian charm and simple elegance of this European Italian charm bead is an unforgettable and alluring piece of accessory. This interchangeable Pugster July birthstone silver circle European Italian Italian charm Bead is the perfect gift for any occasion. It is also a great addition to your European Italian charm bead bracelet or necklace. Crafted and authenticated by Pugster, the July birthstone silver circle European Italian Italian charm Bead is available for both retail and wholesale purchase through our store.Pieces of alluring Pandora Bracelets makes the hightide of the trend.

Claddagh Ring with Birthstone - White Gold Simulated Ruby Birthstone Ring for July $219 Claddagh Ring with Birthstone - White Gold Simulated Ruby Birthstone Ring for July is available from jewelbasket.com for only $148.00. Buy now and save. Jewelbasket offers the best value on Rings, jewelry and gifts.

Claddagh Ring with Birthstone - Yellow Gold Simulated Ruby Birthstone Ring for July $249 Claddagh Ring with Birthstone - Yellow Gold Simulated Ruby Birthstone Ring for July is available from jewelbasket.com for only $148.00. Buy now and save. Jewelbasket offers the best value on Rings, jewelry and gifts.

July Birthstone Chamilia Bead in Sterling Silver $45 Sterling silver Swarovski crystal July celebrations Chamilia bead. (355-2025-0667) 45 Authentic Chamilia jewelry bead Available for all birthstone months More July birthstone beads shown below View entire Euro beads collection here More Chamilia beads shown below

Swarovski Crystal July Birthstone Bead in Sterling Silver $49 Sterling silver July full Swarovski Crystal birthstone bead. (QRS1252-June) Four rows of genuine colored Swarovski crystals Spice up your beads with that extra special birthstone color! Compatible with Reflections, Pandora, Zable and Trollbead bracelets Available for all Birthstone months View entire TrollBeads compatible collection here

July 16mm Diamond Birthstone Belly Ring $11.99 July 16mm Diamond Birthstone Belly Ring July birthstone belly ring. Birthstone jewelry is a great gift idea and it is something that will likely be treasured because it has real meaning and significance. Dazzling diamond shaped birthstone body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Diamond-Shape 16mm, 5mm Ball Belly Button Ring Body Jewelry

July 13mm Oval Solitaire Birthstone Belly Ring $11.99 July 13mm Oval Solitaire Birthstone Belly Ring July birthstone belly ring. Birthstone jewelry is a great gift idea and it is something that will likely be treasured because it has real meaning and significance. Dazzling oval birthstone body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Oval 13mm (h) x 12mm (w), 5mm Ball Belly Button Ring Body Jewelry

July 14mm Heart Solitaire Birthstone Belly Ring $11.99 July 14mm Heart Solitaire Birthstone Belly Ring July birthstone belly ring. Birthstone jewelry is a great gift idea and it is something that will likely be treasured because it has real meaning and significance. Dazzling heart birthstone body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Heart 14mm (w) x 13.75mm (h), 5mm Ball Belly Button Ring Body Jewelry

14k Gold July Birthstone Charm - Ruby $49 14K Charm July - Genuine Ruby

Heart - July Birthstone CZ $25 Birthdays are simply the best day on the planet. Presents, cake, candles, parties, everything you love. The July Heart bead celebrates your day. Miss Chamilia collection is specially designed for girls ages 6 and over. The beads in this collection are specifically designed to only fit the Miss Chamilia bracelets and necklaces. WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Dimensions: in x in

Pugster July Birthstone Heart Dangle $12.49 Ride the latest wave of European bead fashion jewelry with an exquisite Pugster July birthstone heart dangle European Bead for your modern-looking beaded bracelet. heart, this bead is a great addition to your European bead bracelet or necklace. Each bead is made by craftsmen working in a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years. Create a traditional European beaded bracelet with many Pugster European beads, or hang just one or two from a special European bead bracelet chain. Either way, your bracelet will be a treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Crafted and authenticated by Pugster, July birthstone heart dangle European Beads are available for both wholesale and retail purchase. NOTE: Pictured chain is not included.

Austrian Crystal Heart July Birthstone Belly Ring $9.99 Austrian Crystal Heart July Birthstone Belly Ring A beautiful heartwarming Swarovski heart belly ring. Artisan crafted birthstone belly ring for July. Birthstone body jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16" (11mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, .925 Sterling Silver, Genuine Swarovski Crystal (Swarovski is a registered trademark of Swarovski AG). Handmade in the USA Belly Button Ring Body Jewelry

Zable Crystal Sphere Birthstone Beads - July $44 July birthstone bead in sterling silver with color crystals. (205-BZ-1107) Genuine Zable beads by Zoppini Spice up your beads with that extra special birthstone color! Compatible with Reflections, Baci, Zable and Trollbead bracelets Snake bracelet sold separately, see below Available for all Birthstone months View entire Pandora Beads compatible collection hereZable Crystal Sphere Birthstone Beads - XX

Simulated Ruby July Contemporary Birthstone Ring $165 Simulated Ruby July Contemporary Birthstone Ring is available from jewelbasket.com for only $96.00. Buy now and save. Jewelbasket offers the best value on Rings, jewelry and gifts.

Heart JULY Birthstone Italian Charm $4.99 Heart JULY Birthstone Italian Charm D e t a i l s Size 9mm Modular Charm Link Shiny Finish Metal Stainless Steel Mount SOLDERED Charm (not glued) Coat Enamel Plating 18kt Gold Commemorate special occasions, capture memorable moments, or simply show off your personality by creating your own original Italian charm bracelet. Add premium quality interlocking Italian charm links to your Italian Charm Bracelet and create your own memory bracelet. Fits all major brand Italian charms.

Austrian Crystal Heart July Birthstone Clip Earrings $12.99 Austrian Crystal Heart July Birthstone Clip Earrings July birthstone earrings designed with a dazzling Swarovski heart crystal. Non-pierced earrings. Handmade Artisan crafted earrings. Handmade Screw back clip earrings. Specifications: Approximately 1.5" Length, Silver Plated Clip-On Earrings, Swarovski Crystal (Swarovski is a registered trademark of Swarovski AG), Handmade in the USA Handmade Clip Earrings

Titanium July Birthstone Earrings Made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $11.99 Titanium July Birthstone Earrings Made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Dazzling July earrings designed with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS hearts. These Hypoallergenic earrings are great for anyone with a nickel allergy. Nickel free pierced earrings. Allergy free titanium birthstone earrings. Specifications: Approximately 1 Inch Length, Titanium Earwire, Hypoallergenic, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Handmade in the USA Artisan Handcrafted Earrings

Reflections(tm) Sterling Silver July Swavorski Crystal Birthstone Bead / Charm $32.99 Reflections(tm) Sterling Silver July Swavorski Crystal Birthstone Bead / Charm crafted in 925 Sterling Silver

July Birthstone Leverback Ruby Earrings in 14k Gold $169 14kt gold dangling oval Ruby birthstone earrings, for the month of July, are available for every month of the year. Choose from 14kt yellow or white gold and please select your birthstone option of choice. (151FC03E-R) 169 1.2 ctw of Rubies (6x4mm faceted ovals) Measures 1" long x 3/16" at widest Weighs approx 1 gram Leverbacks are for pierced ears only Available in all Birthstone months, please specify below Comes in a nice gift box

Austrian Crystal Heart July Birthstone Earrings MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS $9.99 Austrian Crystal Heart July Birthstone Earrings MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Sterling silver birthstone earrings designed with a brilliant SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal heart. Artisan crafted birthstone earrings for July. Specifications: .925 Sterling Silver, MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Handmade in the USA Artisan Handcrafted Jewelry