Ruby: July Birthstone Meaning, History and Care
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Time to read 4 min
The July birthstone is ruby, the gemstone of love and passion. With its rich red colour, rarity and incredible durability, ruby has been one of the world's most treasured gems for thousands of years.
Whether you're celebrating a July birthday, a 40th anniversary or simply love red gemstones, this guide covers the history, meaning and care of the July birthstone, plus the two zodiac signs that share July.
Ruby is the traditional July birthstone and a red variety of the mineral corundum.
It has symbolised love, passion, courage and protection for thousands of years.
At 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is tough enough for everyday wear.
Ruby jewellery makes a meaningful gift for July birthdays, 40th anniversaries, Cancer and Leo.
The History and Origins of Ruby
Ruby is a red variety of the mineral corundum, the same gemstone family as sapphire. Its rich red colour comes from traces of chromium, which also makes many rubies glow under ultraviolet light.
The July birthstone through the ages
The July birthstone has a long and colourful history:
- Ancient India: ruby was prized as the king of gems, and was often offered to the god Krishna.
- Burma (Myanmar): warriors were said to wear rubies into battle, believing the stones made them invincible.
- Medieval Europe: royalty wore rubies as a symbol of power, health and wisdom.
- Today: Myanmar is still famous for the finest rubies, with other important sources including Mozambique, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
As well as being the July birthstone, ruby is the traditional gemstone for a 40th wedding anniversary, often called a ruby anniversary.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Ruby
As the traditional July birthstone, ruby has been a symbol of love, passion and protection for thousands of years. In ancient India the July birthstone was called ratnaraj, the "king of precious stones", and it has been treasured by royalty ever since.
Ruby is traditionally associated with:
- Love and passion, making it a classic choice for romantic gifts.
- Courage and confidence, helping the wearer feel strong and capable.
- Protection, once worn by warriors who believed it kept them safe in battle.
- Vitality and energy, thanks to its warm, fiery colour.
- Good fortune, believed to bring wealth and success.
These meanings come from history and folklore rather than science, but they're a big part of why July birthstone jewellery is such a meaningful gift.
How to Care for Ruby Jewellery
Ruby is one of the hardest gemstones, rating 9 on the Mohs scale (second only to diamond), so it's a great choice for everyday wear. A little care will keep your July birthstone jewellery glowing for years.
How to clean ruby jewellery
- Soak it in warm water with a drop of mild soap.
- Gently clean around the setting with a soft brush.
- Rinse and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
What to avoid
- Harsh chemicals, including cleaning products, chlorine and perfume.
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can damage treated or filled stones.
- Storing it loose with other pieces, as ruby can scratch softer gemstones.
Look after your July birthstone and it will last a lifetime. For more tips, read our guide to caring for handcrafted jewellery.
Why We Love Ruby Jewellery
At Indie and Harper, we love the warmth and colour of ruby jewellery. Its deep red tone looks beautiful against sterling silver, gold and rose gold, and every natural stone is slightly different.
A July birthstone piece makes a meaningful gift for:
- July birthdays, as the traditional July birthstone
- 40th wedding anniversaries, traditionally celebrated with ruby
- Valentine's Day or a new relationship, as ruby has long been a symbol of love
- Cancer and Leo birthdays, the two star signs that share July
Explore our full July birthstone collection, from dainty ruby necklaces to rings, studs and gift sets.
July Birthstone Zodiac Signs: Cancer and Leo
July is shared by two zodiac signs: Cancer (21 June – 22 July) and Leo (23 July – 22 August). Pairing the July birthstone with a zodiac necklace creates a meaningful, personalised piece for a July birthday.
Cancer (21 June – 22 July)
Cancer, the Crab, is a water sign ruled by the Moon and known for being:
- Caring, loyal and protective
- Creative and deeply intuitive
- Happiest at home with the people they love
Leo (23 July – 22 August)
Leo, the Lion, is a fire sign ruled by the Sun and known for being:
- Confident, warm and generous
- A natural leader who loves the spotlight
- Fiercely loyal to friends and family
Browse our zodiac jewellery to find the right star sign piece, or choose a zodiac and July birthstone necklace below.
July Birthstone Ruby FAQs
What is the birthstone for July?
The traditional July birthstone is ruby, a rich red gemstone associated with love, passion and courage. Carnelian is July's secondary birthstone, which you can read about in our carnelian guide.
What does ruby symbolise?
Ruby has long symbolised love, passion, protection and vitality. Its deep red colour has been linked with the heart for centuries, which makes it a meaningful gift for July birthdays and anniversaries.
How can I tell if a ruby is natural?
Natural rubies usually have tiny inclusions, while lab-grown rubies often look flawless. A gemmologist can confirm whether a stone is natural. Our July birthstone pieces are set with natural rubies.
Why are rubies so valuable?
Ruby is one of the four precious gemstones, alongside diamond, sapphire and emerald. Fine rubies are rare, and at 9 on the Mohs scale they're also very durable.
How should I care for my ruby jewellery?
Clean it with warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush, then dry it with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and store each piece separately in a soft pouch. Read more in our guide to caring for handcrafted jewellery.
