Romancing Rubies: Jaw-Dropping Jewels Featuring July’s Birthstone

July 10, 2022

By Katerina Perez

13 min read

From the novels of Oscar Wilde to William Shakespeare’s plays, the ruby is one of the most referenced coloured gemstones throughout literature. The gem most associated with romance, passion and life, the ruby has been the inspiration behind works of art across all cultures.

As one of the world’s most historically significant coloured stones, rubies are mentioned four times in the Bible and are associated with attributes such as beauty and wisdom. Their perfect red hue is the standard for the most prized and pure shades of red worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at the July birthstone and its uniquely special colour.

Qiu Fine Jewellery ruby and diamond ring

Qiu Fine Jewellery ruby and diamond ring

Long before Dorothy graced the silver screen in sequined ruby red slippers, rubies were prized for their beauty. With their deep red hue, few things catch the eye like these wonders. In addition to being one of the most coveted gems, they also represent one of the most important colours in the artistic world – “ruby red”. But what gives this gem its unique colour? As a variety of the mineral corundum, ruby is created when the element chromium plays a starring role in the crystal structure. Once this element is introduced to corundum, the translucent mineral becomes stained with a reddish hue, ranging from a light orangey-red to a darker purplish red. The equation is simple – the higher the chromium count, the darker the gem will appear and, therefore, the more valuable it is. The most sought-after shade of ruby is named “pigeon’s blood”. A deep red with a hint of purple, its name comes from Myanmar, the world’s original source of rubies, and is said to match the first two drops of blood from the nose of a killed pigeon.

Pragnell 40 Years Ruby Ring

Pragnell 40 Years Ruby Ring

Rubies started out as being adored for mystical reasons. Early civilisations treasured them for their likeness to the colour of human blood and believed that rubies held the power of life. Archaeologists point out that rubies were traded along the ancient Silk Road as early as 200 BC. In 600 AD, Burmese warriors would create a physical bond with the gem by inserting a ruby into their skin before battle, believing that becoming one with a ruby made you invincible against your enemies. Later in history, many medieval European royals wore rubies sewn into their garments and as talismanic jewels to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love. One of the most historic pieces of ruby jewellery today dates to the mid-1570s – the Chequered Locket Ring. Owned by Queen Elizabeth I of England, this piece of ruby jewellery is one of her few surviving jewels.

Ronald Abram ruby and diamond earrings

Ronald Abram ruby and diamond earrings

Although the health benefits have not been scientifically proven (yet!), what we do know for sure is that rubies are an important marker of beauty the world over. Rubies are as desired today as they have ever been, with pigeon’s blood rubies commanding the highest price per carat than any other coloured stone in the world, including diamonds.

Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond bracelet

Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond bracelet

So how do you wear such an important stone this summer? Symbolising the power of life and passionate love, we say wear it loud and proud. A ruby jewel is the ideal romantic gift for a loved one, or better, even for yourself! From a simple solitaire pendant to a full-on statement jewellery piece of artistic craftsmanship, any ruby jewel will bring warmth, colour and energy to your wardrobe, no matter the outfit!

The selection of pieces below are but a few of the jaw-dropping ruby designs fine jewellery are offering today.

Picchiotti

Picchiotti

Necklace in ruby and diamond

State Property

State Property

Necklace in ruby, mother-of-pearl and diamond

Thelma West

Thelma West

Ruby ring

Ailes

Ailes

Ring in gold and ruby

ANANYA

ANANYA

Chakra bracelet in ruby, onyx and diamond

Anita Ko

Anita Ko

Loop earrings in gold, ruby and diamond

Arman Sarkisyan

Arman Sarkisyan

Ring in gold, ruby and diamond

Ashley Zhang

Ashley Zhang

Heart Love Token pendant in enamel, gold and ruby

Boghossian

Boghossian

Les Merveilles ruby and diamond ring

Bulgari

Bulgari

Earrings in gold, ruby and diamond

Pomellato

Pomellato

Catene Chain necklace in white gold, ruby and diamond

Chanel

Chanel

Soleil 19 Aout ring in gold, white gold, ruby and diamonds

David Morris

David Morris

Pirouette Collar in white gold, rubies and diamonds

D. Gregory

D. Gregory

Button ring in gold, rubies and diamonds

Eden Presley

Eden Presley

Bypass ring in gold, rubies, enamel and diamonds

Fernando Jorge

Fernando Jorge

Earrings in gold and ruby

Gemella

Gemella

Ring in gold and ruby

Marie Mas

Marie Mas

Ruby King Wave Ring in rose gold and rubies

Nana Fink

Nana Fink

Bracelet in gold, ruby and sapphire

Melissa Kaye

Melissa Kaye

Ring in gold, ruby and diamond

Girard-Perregaux

Girard-Perregaux

Three Gold Bridge Ruby heart watch

Nadine Aysoy

Nadine Aysoy

Ring in gold and ruby

Graff

Graff

Earrings in white gold, ruby and diamond

Toktam

Toktam

Majestic Qajar earrings in gold, rubies and diamonds

Kavant and Sharart

Kavant and Sharart

Earrings in gold, ruby and diamond

Wilfredo Rosado

Wilfredo Rosado

TRIBU Ruby Pendant

Monan

Monan

Ring in gold, ruby and diamond

Shahla Karimi

Shahla Karimi

Gap Band ring in gold, ruby and diamonds

Theodoros

Theodoros

Ring in ruby and diamond

Picchiotti

Picchiotti

Ring in white gold, ruby and diamond

Van Cleef & Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels

Ravinala ring in gold, rubies and diamonds

Nak Armstrong

Nak Armstrong

Earrings in gold, ruby and diamond

Monan

Monan

One Of A Kind Magic Wand Necklace in rubies and diamonds

Ruchi New York

Ruchi New York

Wide Ruby Bracelet in rubies and diamonds

Monan

Monan

One Of A Kind Magic Wand Earrings in rubies and diamonds

Piaget

Piaget

Possession watch in gold, mother of pearl, ruby and diamond

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