The Ruby: July’s Birthstone and So Much More...

Rubies are considered precious gemstones, because they are fairly rare to find. The color of rubies tends to vary from shades of pink to red, with the darker and redder ones as the rarest and therefore, the most prized. Gemstone Ruby jewelry is just as varied; you can find anything from rings to necklaces featuring the stone.

All about Rubies

A ruby gets its color from an element called chromium. Chromium in its natural state is a silver-colored metal, but its mineral presence in the gemstone causes it to turn red. Rubies are almost as hard as diamonds, and have a number of industrial uses, including in lasers, but are best known as jewelry. The ruby is the birthstone for those born in the month of July, and the gemstone is known to have healing properties that affect the bloodstream. The stone can be mined in many places around the world – it has even been found in the United States – but the best come from Myanmar, the Republic of Macedonia, Kenya and Thailand.

Ruby Necklaces and Bracelets

Ruby jewelry comes in many different styles, depending on the size of the stone. Small rubies can be used as accents in a pendant or bracelet, alongside diamonds and other precious gemstones. Larger ones can stand on their own, as proved by their solitary presence in pendants of various sizes. These pendants are set in either 14K gold, platinum or silver. The price of them depends on two factors: the quality of the ruby (the darker the red and fewer the inclusions the better) and the type of metal that they are set in.

Ruby Rings and Earrings

The same is true for ruby rings, which can be a great alternative to the traditional diamond engagement ring. In fact, it is not unusual to see both diamonds and rubies placed into a platinum or gold setting. In these cases, either the ruby is the large stone at the center, surrounded by smaller diamonds, or they are in the opposite order. Both are stunning, and make for an excellent anniversary, birthday or holiday gift. Ruby earrings can come in two different styles: as ruby studs, which are smaller than the earlobes, or set into metal and left dangling for the world to see. No matter which type of ruby earring you choose, they are sure to help you stand out amongst the crowd.

How to Wear Ruby Jewelry

A ruby necklace or ring can easily stand out against an all-black outfit. For example, wearing a black pantsuit (or even black leggings with a matching top) will emphasize the red in the stone. The same is true for the color white. However, ruby jewelry can be worn with just about everything – from skinny jeans and flats to an evening gown and heels. Men can even get away with a subtle ruby ring or pair of cufflinks – this gemstone truly is versatile! 

Please visit 24diamonds.com for more ruby and other gemstone jewelry!