Four Different Ways to Wear Ruby This Month

Ruby is the birthstone for July and the royal jewel is one of the most regal and coveted gems of all time.

The ancient Sanskrit word for ruby translates to “king of precious stones” and the gemstone has become one of the most prized throughout history, symbolizing love, bravery and wealth. Next to diamonds, they’re one of the most expensive gemstones in the world and can actually command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone.

The name “ruby” comes from the Latin word for red, rubeus. The ruby is also the gemstone for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. Like sapphire, it’s made from the mineral corundum. Chromium is the trace element that causes a ruby’s red color so the more chromium, the stronger the red color. Chromium can also cause fluorescence, which adds to the intensity of the ruby’s red color.

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), ruby is the most valuable variety of the corundum mineral species.

On the Mohs Hardness scale a ruby is a 9, making ruby jewelry pretty durable.

Rubies have been long associated with royalty and many medieval Europeans wore the gemstone to guarantee health, protection, wealth, wisdom, and success in love. We’ve seen everyone wear the beautiful gem from Charles IV of Luxembourg in the 1300s, who had a 250-carat ruby that adorned his crown, to Queen Elizabeth II, who has the stunning Burmese ruby tiara among her jewel collection. Designer Victoria Beckham has a ruby engagement ring and let’s not forget Elizabeth Taylor’s famous ruby and diamond necklace.

Whether you’re a July baby or just a ruby lover, here are different ways to wear the fiery gem and rock the July birthstone.

Ruby engagement ring

Ruby engagement rings are nothing new and have been favored by many celebrities in the past, including Victoria Beckham, Jessica Simpson and Katy Perry. While Perry has a flower-shaped ring that features a classic floral halo design of diamonds in yellow gold surrounding the center ruby, actress Eva Longoria has a ruby and diamond sparkler, featuring a halo of diamonds set on a white gold band, that she got from her fiance, TV executive Jose Antonio Baston.

Simpson’s fiance and now-husband Eric Johnson proposed back in 2010 with a ring that features a big ruby in the center and two smaller diamonds on each side. The gold setting complements the ruby’s color perfectly. The ruby is also Simpson’s birthstone, so that brought even more sentimental value to her engagement ring.

Ruby necklace

If you’re not much into rings, there’s something very elegant about flaunting those regal rubies around your neck instead that just elevates you entire look, whether it be for the evening or day. If you’re looking for a transitional piece that can go from day to night, then perhaps choose a ruby necklace with a smaller gem but one that still stands out and is unique.

Elizabeth Taylor was a big fan of rubies and can attest to the fact that they completely change an outfit, for the better!

Ruby bracelet

Bring on the arm candy! A perfect way to tell your significant other you love them is with a ruby bracelet that has hearts. With hearts and rubies, the message and clear. It’s a perfect present for someone you love or even if just you want to treat yourself.

The ruby symbolizes love and success, but many also believe in its connection to one’s chi, or life force.