What Is the July Birthstone? Discover the Beauty and Meaning of Ruby

What Is the July Birthstone? Discover the Beauty and Meaning of Ruby 

Table of Contents

• What Is the July Birthstone? 
• Why Are Rubies So Valuable? 
• The Meaning and Symbolism of Ruby 
• What Determines a Ruby's Quality? 
• Natural vs. Lab-Grown Rubies 
• How to Care for Ruby Jewelry 
• Find Ruby Jewelry at Hopman Jewelers in Elkhart 
• Frequently Asked Questions 

Summary

If you were born in July, your birthstone is ruby, a gemstone admired for its rich red color, remarkable durability, and timeless symbolism. Rubies have represented love, passion, courage, and prosperity for centuries, making them a meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, and life's special milestones. At Hopman Jewelers in downtown Elkhart, we offer beautiful ruby jewelry that can be treasured for generations.

What Is the July Birthstone?

Ruby is the official birthstone for July and is one of the world's most prized gemstones. Known as the "King of Gems," rubies have captivated royalty, collectors, and jewelry lovers for thousands of years.

A ruby belongs to the corundum mineral family. While corundum occurs in many colors, only the red variety is classified as a ruby. All other colors are known as sapphires.

The finest rubies display a vibrant, rich red often described as "pigeon's blood" red, a color highly sought after by collectors.

Why Are Rubies So Valuable?

Rubies are among the rarest colored gemstones in the world.

Several factors contribute to their value:

• Exceptional rarity 
• Rich, vivid red color 
• Excellent durability 
• Historical significance 
• Strong investment appeal 

On the Mohs Hardness Scale, rubies rank a 9 out of 10, making them second only to diamonds in hardness. This makes ruby jewelry an excellent choice for rings, earrings, pendants, and everyday wear.

The Meaning and Symbolism of Ruby

Throughout history, rubies have symbolized:

• Love
• Passion
• Strength
• Courage
• Protection

Many ancient cultures believed rubies held protective powers and brought good fortune to their owners. Today, they continue to symbolize deep love and lasting commitment.

Rubies are also the traditional gemstone for the 40th wedding anniversary, making them a meaningful gift for celebrating decades of marriage.

What Determines a Ruby's Quality?

Like diamonds, rubies are evaluated using several quality factors.

Color

Color is the single most important factor. The most valuable rubies display:

• Rich red 
• Strong saturation 
• Even color distribution 

Clarity

Most natural rubies contain inclusions. Unlike diamonds, inclusions are expected and can actually help identify a ruby as natural.

Cut

A well-cut ruby reflects light beautifully while maximizing its color and brilliance.

Carat Weight

Large, fine-quality rubies become exponentially rarer as size increases, making larger stones significantly more valuable.

Natural vs. Lab-Grown Rubies

Today's customers have excellent options depending on their preferences and budget.

Natural Rubies

• Formed naturally over millions of years 
• Extremely rare 
• Higher value 
• Each gemstone is unique 

Lab-Grown Rubies

• Chemically identical to natural rubies 
• Beautiful color and clarity 
• More affordable 
• Excellent option for larger stones 

Our sales associates are happy to explain the differences and help you choose the ruby that's right for you.

How to Care for Ruby Jewelry

Rubies are durable but still deserve proper care.

To keep your ruby jewelry looking beautiful:

• Clean regularly with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. 
• Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach. 
• Remove jewelry before heavy lifting or strenuous activities. 
• Store pieces separately to prevent scratching. 
• Have your jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned annually. 

Regular maintenance helps ensure your jewelry remains secure and beautiful for years to come.

Find Ruby Jewelry at Hopman Jewelers in Elkhart

Whether you're celebrating a July birthday, a 40th anniversary, or simply love the vibrant beauty of rubies, Hopman Jewelers has a stunning selection of ruby jewelry.

Our experienced team can help you choose the perfect piece or create a custom ruby design that's uniquely yours.

Visit us at:
Hopman Jewelers
100 North Main Street
Downtown Elkhart, Indiana

We look forward to helping you find a piece you'll treasure for a lifetime.

For more information on Rubies, visit: https://www.gia.edu/ruby

To explore Ruby jewelry, visit: https://www.hopmanjewelers.com/jewelry?kw=ruby

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ruby more valuable than sapphire?
Generally, fine-quality rubies are rarer than sapphires and often command higher prices.

Can I wear a ruby every day?
Yes. Rubies rank 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them an excellent choice for everyday jewelry.

What anniversary is ruby associated with?
Ruby is the traditional gemstone for the 40th wedding anniversary.

Can Hopman Jewelers inspect and clean my ruby jewelry?
Absolutely! We recommend regular professional inspections and cleaning to keep your jewelry looking its best and to ensure gemstones remain secure.