Those born in July can claim one of the rarest and hardest gems as their birthstone ⁠— the ruby, noteworthy for its rarity, history, symbolism, and beauty. In our July edition of the birthstone series, we take an in-depth look at rubies and what they mean for those born in this seventh month of the year.

The Fascinating History of Ruby Gemstones: From Ancient Lore to Legendary Mines

Ruby gemstones, often called “the gem of kings,” have captivated cultures across Asia, Europe, and beyond for thousands of years. These striking red stones are frequently featured in ancient texts and legends, symbolizing power, protection, and passion. In early mythology, natural rubies were believed to be the petrified blood of dragons — a vivid tale that speaks to the gem’s fiery allure.

The history of rubies stretches deep into antiquity. Ruby gemstones were highly prized in ancient India, China, and throughout the Roman Empire. Early ruby mining sites reveal the stone’s importance across centuries, with prehistoric tools discovered near significant deposits. Some of the world’s most renowned ruby sources include the Mogok Valley in Burma (now Myanmar), the Chantaburi and Battambang regions of Thailand, and the Jegdalek mines near Kabul, Afghanistan.

Rubies have been mined in Sri Lanka since around 800 B.C. They made their way along the North Silk Road around 200 B.C. and appeared in classical Greek texts, as noted by the scholar Pliny in the first century A.D. 

The Symbolism and Emotional Power of Rubies

As the legendary “gem of kings,” rubies have long symbolized power, passion, and protection. These vivid red gemstones frequently adorned the armor, regalia, and jewelry of rulers and the noble elite. One famous example is Queen Elizabeth I’s pelican brooch, which prominently featured rubies as a symbol of her strength and sovereignty.

Throughout history, rubies have been regarded as living stones — their color is linked to blood, love, fire, and raw emotion. Ancient Egyptians believed that if a ruby touched a woman’s skin, it would bring her prosperity, love, and happiness. In many cultures, rubies were thought to hold a life-giving force, making them deeply symbolic and spiritually charged.

Warriors also placed their faith in the protective power of rubies. These gemstones were often featured on swords, scabbards, armor, and helmets as symbols of status and power. Some Burmese soldiers even embedded rubies into their skin, believing the stone would make them invincible in battle.

According to the Gemological Institute of America, rubies have long been associated with intense emotional energy. Their fiery red hue was believed to influence mood and spirit, calming tempers, igniting courage, or enhancing inner vitality, depending on the wearer’s disposition. Because of these emotional and spiritual associations, rubies became more than symbols of luxury; they were seen as powerful tools of transformation.

Whether worn for protection, emotional strength, or royal distinction, the ruby gemstone has endured as one of history’s most meaningful and mesmerizing jewels.

‌A Look at the Ruby Gemstone

Few gemstones ignite the imagination like the ruby. Named for its rich red hue (from the Latin ruber, meaning red), the ruby is cherished not only for its stunning color but also for its strength, rarity, and fascinating origin.

Rubies belong to the corundum family — a mineral made of aluminum oxide that forms deep within the Earth. While most rubies are transparent or semi-transparent, their color can range from soft pinkish-red to deep, dark crimson. What gives rubies their iconic red color? A dash of chromium, a natural metal element. It’s this very trace that sets rubies apart from their sister gem, the sapphire, which comes in many hues depending on the minerals it contains. Pink sapphires may have some chromium, but not enough to officially qualify as rubies.

The most prized rubies are a vivid, slightly purplish red, famously known as “pigeon’s blood” rubies — glowing, rich, and incredibly rare. These high-quality stones often show exceptional clarity, although no natural ruby is flawless. In fact, the fine, thread-like inclusions called rutiles are part of what proves a ruby’s authenticity. Some rubies are heat-treated to enhance their appearance, but untreated stones with natural brilliance and fluorescence command the highest prices.

Geology plays a big role in a ruby’s visual impact. Rubies formed in marble — a low-iron rock — tend to fluoresce brightly in sunlight and ultraviolet light, adding a luminous glow that makes them especially valuable. You’ll also find rubies in gravel beds and basaltic rock formations.

Aside from their beauty, rubies are exceptionally durable. Ranking 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, rubies are second only to diamonds in toughness — perfect for jewelry that’s meant to be worn every day.

Today, natural ruby deposits are mined in locations around the globe. While Myanmar’s Mogok Valley remains legendary, modern ruby sources include Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Australia’s Northern Territory, Madagascar, Tanzania, Pakistan, and even small pockets in the United States and Japan.

Is Ruby the Only Birthstone for July?

The ruby is considered the traditional and modern July birthstone. Not all birthstones have such an honor, though. Only six of the 12 birthstones appear on both lists. 

The list of traditional birthstones first appeared in Poland between the 16th and 18th centuries, and the ruby was proudly on it. In the modern era, the National Association of Jewelers created their list of birthstones in 1912. Thanks to the ruby’s luminous color and transparency, it stayed on the list of exceptional gemstones fit for a baby’s birthday celebration. 

For an alternate July birthstone, astrology, and the zodiac signs offer you two options. If you’re born between July 1st and 22nd, your Zodiac sign is Cancer, and you have an emerald birthstone. If you’re born between July 23rd and July 31st, you’re a Leo, and your birthstone is an onyx.

‌The ruby is also the traditional gemstone for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries — fitting for a gemstone of life, the heart, and love.

‌Celebrating July: How to Wear Rubies 

There are countless ways to wear rubies, but the classics are classics for a reason. Try a ruby as the centerpiece of a necklace or shining on your finger as a ring. 

It looks great as a teardrop or heart-cut set in sterling silver, yellow gold, or rose gold. It looks great paired with diamond, alexandrite, or pearls. Oval and cushion cuts are the most popular ways to bring out the ruby’s natural shine, especially with larger gems. However, round and emerald-cut styles work well for smaller rubies.

Brinker’s is proud to feature Roberto Coin, where the ruby is an exclusive signature in their jewelry. Roberto Coin has been setting a small ruby inside each piece of their jewelry creations since 1996. Flush-setting the ruby inside (or on the reverse) of each design allows direct contact with the skin. It bestows upon the wearer the ruby’s beneficent properties. 

Imagine how special you’ll feel wearing ruby jewelry, knowing that this rare gem has traveled a long journey from the earth to your home. Whether set in platinum or inlaid in jade, the ruby is an exceptional gem with a story like no other. Shop Brinker’s Roberto Coin selections today for gorgeous items such as this 18kt Yellow Gold Satin Finish Diamond Princess Bangle Bracelet containing the Roberto Coin signature round ruby set inside.