July Birthstone Spotlight: The Radiant Ruby
Celebrate your birth month—or someone special—with the bold, passionate beauty of the ruby. Known as July’s birthstone, this fiery gem is one of the most captivating and meaningful in the world of jewellery. Whether you’re drawn to its vibrant colour, rich symbolism, or timeless elegance, the ruby makes a powerful statement—especially when crafted into a one-of-a-kind, custom design.
What Makes Rubies So Special?
Rubies belong to the corundum family of gemstones and are prized for their deep red hues—caused by traces of chromium in the crystal structure. They're also one of the hardest natural gemstones, second only to diamonds, with a Mohs hardness rating of 9. This makes rubies exceptionally durable, perfect for everyday wear.
But rubies aren’t just beautiful—they’re steeped in meaning. Across centuries and cultures, rubies have symbolised:
❤️ Love and passion
🛡️ Protection and vitality
👑 Royalty and leadership
🔥 Courage and energy
From warriors wearing rubies into battle to lovers gifting ruby rings as tokens of devotion, this gem has long been associated with strength and the heart.
Ruby Jewellery for July Birthdays
A ruby makes a stunning, thoughtful gift for anyone born in July—or anyone drawn to its meaning and colour. Here are some of our favourite ways to wear this iconic birthstone:
💍 Ruby Engagement Rings – Perfect for someone who wants a colourful, meaningful twist on tradition.
💎 Custom Ruby Rings – A beautiful way to commemorate a milestone or express your personality.
🎁 Birthstone Pendants – A keepsake they'll treasure forever.
💫 Ruby and Diamond Stacking Bands – Elegant, understated, and ideal for layering.
At Ryley Jewellery, we can bring your vision to life with our custom design service,
where you collaborate with our jewellers to create a piece that reflects your story.
Why Choose a Custom Ruby Piece?
Every ruby is unique—just like you. That’s why many of our clients choose to create a custom piece that brings their vision to life. Whether it’s a romantic anniversary gift, a self-celebration piece, or a new family heirloom, designing your own ruby jewellery is a deeply personal experience.
Our custom clients get to:
Select their own ruby (from classic crimson to soft pinkish-reds)
Choose the perfect setting (yellow gold, rose gold, white gold or platinum)
Co-design with our expert jewellers to create a piece that feels truly yours
“It’s more than jewellery—it’s your story in solid gold and gemstone.”
Spots for custom design consults are limited each month—
book yours here to get started.
A Touch of History: The Ruby Through the Ages
Rubies have been treasured by royalty and collectors for thousands of years. Ancient Burmese warriors believed rubies made them invincible in battle. In Hindu culture, rubies were known as the “king of precious stones,” while in medieval Europe, they were thought to bring good health, wealth, and wisdom.
Some of the most famous rubies in history include:
The Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby that sold for over $30 million
The Liberty Bell Ruby, the largest mined ruby in the world (sadly stolen in 2011)
Rubies worn by Elizabeth Taylor and Queen Elizabeth II
Frequently Asked Questions About Rubies
💬 Are rubies good for engagement rings?
Yes—rubies are a fantastic choice for engagement rings. They’re durable, timeless, and deeply symbolic. Many couples choose rubies to represent deep love, loyalty, and individuality.
💬 What’s the difference between a ruby and a pink sapphire?
Both stones are part of the corundum family. The difference lies in colour intensity—if it’s red enough, it’s considered a ruby. Lighter shades are classified as pink sapphires.
💬 Are natural rubies rare?
Yes. High-quality natural rubies, especially those with rich colour and few inclusions, are increasingly rare and valuable. That’s why sourcing your ruby with the help of a trusted jeweller is so important.
💬 Can I use an heirloom ruby in a new piece?
Absolutely. We often work with clients to reset heirloom stones into new, modern designs—preserving sentiment while creating something fresh and wearable.
Ready to Create Your Custom Ruby Jewellery?
There’s something magical about wearing a ruby that’s been chosen and designed just for you. At Ryley Jewellery, we offer a warm, collaborative experience to guide you from concept to creation. Whether you have a clear idea or need some inspiration, our team is here to help.
Book your design consult today and let your ruby story begin.
