Birthstones are gemstones that represent the month of a person’s birth.
Possessing attributes that are unique to each gemstone, the countless myths and legends associated with birthstones appeal to audiences around the world.
Fine jewellery and engagement ring experts at Steven Stone have revealed everything you need to know about Ruby, which is the birthstone for those born in July.
What do we know about Ruby?
Ruby is a vibrant red gemstone that has been a crown jewel for centuries.
One of the big four precious gem stones, it’s one of the most valuable and highly sought after gemstones in the world.
Named for its colour, “Ruby” is derived from the Latin word “ruber”, which means “red” – the colour of love and passion.
History & Meaning
Ruby is mined all around the world. Myanmar was the historical source for ruby, but deposits are also found in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Vietnam, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya, Macedonia, Australia, the United States and more.
Throughout time, rubies have been said to have many positive effects and mystical properties. The ruby is associated with the sun, and was thought to preserve mental and physical health.
For thousands of years, Ruby was considered the stone of love, energy, passion, power, and a zest for life. Like no other gemstone in the world, Ruby is the perfect symbol for powerful feelings.
Celebrities who wear Ruby jewellery
Jessica Simpson
After just five months together, Eric Johnson proposed to Jessica Simpson with a three-stone Neil Lane engagement ring that features a 5 carat oval cut ruby.
Symbolic as its her birthstone, the ruby sits at the centre of the sparkler and is flanked by two diamonds.
Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham’s engagement ring collection contains some of the world’s finest precious gemstones and are worth an eyewatering amount of money.
In 2009, Victoria picked up an oval-cut ruby, mounted in a white-diamond setting. Due to its incredible 15 carat gemstone, our experts gave it a value of around £5,000,000 ($6,000,000). What’s most impressive is that it’s a Pigeon Blood ruby, which is the most sought-after colour variety of ruby gemstone.
Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria’s engagement ring from her husband José “Pepe” Bastén boasts a large ruby centre stone.
Often compared to Kate Middleton’s engagement ring – but with a ruby instead of a sapphire – Eva’s sparkler also features an oversized halo of diamonds.
Blake Lively
Blake Lively had a peak jewellery moment at the 2018 Met Gala, when she paired some stunning ruby jewellery with her intricately beautiful ruby and gold Versace gown.
The actress reportedly wore £1,700,000 ($2,000,000) worth of jewellery to the award ceremony – including three diamond and ruby rings.
Rihanna
When Rihanna attended the Rihanna x Fenty Hair launch in Los Angeles in June of this year, she was wearing exquisite ruby jewellery from not one, but two Indian designers.
The superstar stunned in the Manish Malhotra High Jewellery choker. Crafted in 18k white gold, it boasts custom cut rubies encrusted in diamonds, worth as estimated $200,000.
Rihanna paired the choker with a three drop rubellite, tourmaline and brilliant cut diamond necklace from Sabyasachi High Jewellery. As rubellite is the rarest gem in its family, its inclusion significantly enhances the value of the necklace, which our experts believe to be around $70,000.
Taylor Swift
At the 2014 Golden Globe award ceremony, Taylor Swift created an incredible buzz in the arena with her gorgeous ruby jewels, courtesy of Lorraine Schwartz.
The superstar was wearing a beautiful pair of diamond and ruby drop earrings, alongside two floral ruby and diamond rings.
If you’re looking for some jewellery inspiration, why not take a look at our full collection? Whether you’re after a necklace or some diamond earrings, we’ve got you covered. We also have a vast range of engagement and wedding rings.
If you don’t see anything that takes your fancy, we also offer a bespoke service, where our designers will create a unique piece of jewellery that ticks all the boxes.
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