Red-Hot Rubies: The Ins & Outs of July’s Birthstone

July has been absolutely sweltering so far, so it comes as no surprise that the birthstone for one of the most blazing months of the year is the equally red-hot ruby.

Sometimes referred to as “the king of precious stones,” the scarlet-hued ruby long been prized for its beauty, rarity and strength—in fact, a ruby’s hardness is second only to diamond, which makes this stone a popular choice for fine jewelry. It’s hard to deny that rubies add a certain element of drama to a piece, whether they’re set in a statement ring or a delicate pair of earrings. That’s probably why we are so partial to the stone here at Sindur Fine & Antique Jewelry! Here are some other reasons to love July’s birthstone:

The Ideal Color: While rubies can come in certain shades of orange, pink and purple, the most recognizable (and valuable!) hue is called “pigeon-blood red” in the industry. This highly-prized shade is a bright, bold red with a tint of purple. Fun fact: The depth and intensity of a ruby’s red coloring comes from amount of chromium found within the stone.

A Global Presence: Rubies are found in a variety of places around the world, including
Vietnam, Mozambique and Madagascar, but the most famous source of rubies is Myanmar (formerly Burma).

Pretty & Tough: Rubies clock in at a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness—just a bit softer than diamonds. Their level of durability means that they are an ideal option for everyday wear, as they won’t scratch or crack easily like other stones.

Celebratory Stone: Along with being the designated birthstone of July babies, rubies are associated with the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

Record-Setting: The most expensive colored gemstone in the world is the Sunrise Ruby. Mined in Burma, the 25.59 carat stone was set by Cartier into a ring, along with 2 diamonds. In 2015, Sotheby’s put the ring up for auction, where it sold for a whopping $30.42 million dollars—$1,266,901 per carat! Rubies are the perfect blend of beauty, drama and durability, so it’s no wonder why this gem continues to be one of the most popular in the world. If you’re looking for a stone that conveys passion and power, you can’t go wrong with a ruby. Let us help you find the perfect ruby piece to add to your collection—schedule a visit to our showroom today!