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Ruby’s meaning, styling, and care
This precious, deep-red gem has been revered for centuries for its beautiful color and symbolic meanings. Learn about how to style and care for jewelry featuring July’s birthstone.
The meaning of Ruby
This stunning gemstone has long been associated with love, passion, power, and luck. According to legend, it bestows strength and courage upon all who wear it.
Due to its deep red color, the gem is also associated with the heart, both physically and emotionally. The stone signifies passionate love and commitment (it's the gemstone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries). It's also a gem of romantic love – its beautiful red color, representing the heart, makes it a favorite for jewelry, especially on Valentine's Day. It's especially popular when paired with Diamond, which symbolizes fidelity. The stone has been used in engagement and wedding rings for centuries.
Ruby was once believed to have a variety of prophetic and healing properties. It was thought to darken in the presence of danger, and to counteract poison. It was considered an especially protective stone when worn by soldiers, keeping them safe from swords and spears. Its deep red color meant that the gem was also associated with blood and muscles, and thought to be an effective pain reliever.
Ancient peoples considered Ruby to be a protective charm, and wore it for good luck. It's aligned with the root chakra, and said to enhance physical vitality and promote overall well-being.
Ruby – gemstone knowledge
Ruby is a precious gemstone from the corundum family (as is its sister gem, Sapphire). Its name comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning "red." Its rich red hue comes from trace amounts of chromium, giving it a color range from pinkish red to shades of wine. Traditionally, the most prized color is called "pigeon's blood" – deep, true red with just a hint of blue.
Ruby – gemstone knowledge
Ruby is a precious gemstone from the corundum family (as is its sister gem, Sapphire). Its name comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning "red." Its rich red hue comes from trace amounts of chromium, giving it a color range from pinkish red to shades of wine. Traditionally, the most prized color is called "pigeon's blood" – deep, true red with just a hint of blue.
Ancient peoples considered Ruby to be a protective charm, and wore it for good luck.
Where is Ruby found?
Most deposits are found in southeast Asia; Myanmar produces nearly 90% of the world's supply. Sri Lanka is another major producer of the stone (in fact, the country is also known as Ratna Dweepa, meaning "gem island.") The stone is also found in other countries, including Australia, Cambodia, Thailand, Madagascar, and the United States.
At HAVERHILL, we proudly use sustainably grown Rubies, because they're gentle on the earth, consistent in their vibrant red color, have few to no inclusions, and are well cut.
Where is Ruby found?
Most deposits are found in southeast Asia; Myanmar produces nearly 90% of the world's supply. Sri Lanka is another major producer of the stone (in fact, the country is also known as Ratna Dweepa, meaning "gem island.") The stone is also found in other countries, including Australia, Cambodia, Thailand, Madagascar, and the United States.
At HAVERHILL, we proudly use sustainably grown Rubies, because they're gentle on the earth, consistent in their vibrant red color, have few to no inclusions, and are well cut.
Fun facts about Ruby
• In Sanskrit, the stone is known as ratnaraj, meaning "king of gems."
• It was once a tradition to place the gem in the foundation of a building to bring luck to the people who lived or worked there.
• The largest Ruby ever sold at auction, the 55.22-carat Estrela de Fura, was purchased in June 2023 for $34.8 million.
• The world's largest mined Ruby weighs over four pounds and is carved in the shape of the Liberty Bell. It was stolen in 2011 and has yet to be recovered.
• The gem has long been associated with royalty. The Black Prince's Ruby, set in the center of the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom, is an uncut gem weighing almost 170 carats. In the 19th century, technology revealed that it is, in fact, a stone called red spinel.
• And speaking of royalty, Elizabeth II was given 96 Rubies as a wedding gift from the people of Burma (now Myanmar). She had them set as roses in a magnificent tiara.
• Elizabeth Taylor was gifted an 8.24-carat Ruby ring by her husband Richard Burton. She found it at the bottom of her Christmas stocking.
How do I care for Ruby jewelry?
Ruby is rated a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it’s exceptionally durable and appropriate for everyday wear. In 1822 Friedrich Mohs created this scale to rate gemstones from 1 (softest) to 10 (exceptionally hard), based on their ability to withstand scratches.
Your jewelry for everyday wear needs minimal care. You can wear it in the shower, while swimming, sleeping, and exercising. Follow these common-sense tips for keeping your jewelry in good repair:
• Store jewelry in its pouch or box to keep the gems from scratching other pieces.
• Remove rings before lifting weights or other heavy objects, which could cause the stone(s) to get scratched, or even bend the band itself.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to chlorinated water (an occasional dip is fine).
How do I clean Ruby jewelry?
Maintain the beauty of your jewelry by keeping it clean. Use a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner or mild, dye-free dish soap and water. Let the jewelry soak in a small bowl for a few minutes, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it completely, and blot dry with a chamois cloth.
How do I clean Ruby jewelry?
Maintain the beauty of your jewelry by keeping it clean. Use a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner or mild, dye-free dish soap and water. Let the jewelry soak in a small bowl for a few minutes, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it completely, and blot dry with a chamois cloth.
How do I wear Ruby jewelry?
July's dazzling red birthstone is said to symbolize love, energy and passion. But you don't need to be born in July to bring the vitality of this gem into your jewelry wardrobe.
The alternating stones of the Bayberry Grand and Classic 11 Ruby Necklace create a lovely visual statement. Colorful, lightweight, and amazingly versatile.
The alternating stones of the Bayberry Grand and Classic 11 Ruby Necklace create a lovely visual statement. Colorful, lightweight, and amazingly versatile.
Diamond, which symbolizes fidelity, is a perfect companion to Ruby, highlighting its deep red hue. The two gems are stunning together in the Rosecliff Ruby & Diamond Stackable Ring. And both stones are extremely durable, making them ideal for everyday wear.
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FAQ
Yes, it has long been considered a powerful good-luck charm. Wear it to celebrate your own strength and attract prosperity into your life.
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is a precious gem from the corundum family of minerals. Garnet, January's birthstone, is a semi-precious gem that's a silicate mineral. Ruby, which rates a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, can range in color from pinkish-red to deep wine; Garnet, 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale, is red with a slightly warm (orange or brown) undertone.
Not at all. People wear gemstones for many reasons, not just because they’re the birthstone for the month they were born. You may choose to wear a stone because you feel a connection to the color, because the traditional meaning resonates with you, or because it reminds you of someone you love, like a child, friend, or a loved one who has passed away. Jewelry is extremely personal, and you should feel free to wear the gemstones that speak to you.
According to legend, the gem can enhance a person's energy, lighten their mood, and heal a broken heart.
Yes, it can. You can wear it while showering, swimming, and exercising.