Ruby: The Stone That Burns Bright
Some stones sparkle. Ruby glows.
July's birthstone has always been impossible to ignore. Its rich red color has captivated kings, inspired legends, and marked life's most meaningful moments for thousands of years. Long before it found its place in fine jewelry, ruby was treasured as a symbol of love, courage, and the kind of passion that leaves a lasting mark.
At Lewis Jewelers, we believe the pieces you choose should carry meaning before they ever carry a price. Ruby has always done exactly that.
How a Ruby Gets Its Color
Ruby is a member of the corundum family, the same mineral family as sapphire. What makes ruby different is chromium.
Tiny traces of chromium within the crystal create its unmistakable red color. The more vivid and balanced the color, the more exceptional the stone becomes. The finest rubies display a rich, saturated red with remarkable depth, often described as "pigeon's blood" red, one of the most sought-after colors in the gemstone world.
Unlike many gemstones, ruby combines extraordinary beauty with remarkable durability, making it a stone meant to be worn, celebrated, and eventually passed on.
A Few Ruby Details
Birthstone of: July
Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
Symbolism: Love. Courage. Passion. Protection.
Color meaning: Vitality, confidence, and enduring devotion.
The Ruby's Legacy
Few gemstones have carried as much meaning across cultures as ruby.
Ancient Hindus called it ratnaraj, "the king of precious stones." In Burma, warriors believed rubies offered protection in battle. European royalty prized rubies as symbols of power and prosperity, while many cultures viewed rubies as a stone that represented the heart itself.
Across every story, the meaning remains remarkably consistent.
Love. Strength. Protection. Life lived with purpose.
Perhaps that's why ruby has remained one of the world's most treasured gemstones for centuries.
Why Ruby for July?
July is a month full of energy.
Long days. Summer celebrations. Family gatherings. Birthdays that seem to happen outdoors with sunlight lingering well into the evening.
Ruby feels at home here. Its warmth mirrors the season, while its symbolism reflects the people born in it: confident, loyal, passionate, and resilient.
It's also the traditional gemstone for the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries, making it a beautiful way to honor a love story that has only grown stronger with time.
Roberto Coin: A Hidden Tradition
Some of the most meaningful details aren't meant to be seen.
Every piece of Roberto Coin jewelry features a small ruby tucked discreetly inside the design, resting against the wearer's skin. It's a signature that has become one of the designer's most recognizable traditions.
Inspired by an ancient belief that ruby brings protection, happiness, and prosperity, Roberto Coin chose to hide the stone rather than place it on display.
It's a quiet reminder that the most meaningful parts of a piece often belong only to the person wearing it.
Every necklace. Every bracelet. Every ring. Every pair of earrings. A ruby is always there.
JB Star: Letting Ruby Speak
Where Roberto Coin keeps ruby close, JB Star lets it take center stage.
Known for exceptional gemstones and masterful craftsmanship, JB Star builds its designs around extraordinary rubies selected for their richness, fire, and remarkable color.
Brilliant diamonds frame each stone, adding light without stealing attention.
The result is jewelry that feels timeless rather than trendy.
Designed to be worn today. Made to be admired for generations.
Why Ruby Now?
Ruby has never gone out of style.
Whether it's worn as a classic pendant, a bold cocktail ring, elegant earrings, or paired with diamonds in a statement necklace, ruby continues to feel both timeless and unmistakably modern.
Some people choose ruby because it's their birthstone. Others choose it because its color speaks to them.
Either way, its meaning remains the same.
A reminder of love. Of courage. Of moments worth remembering.
Ruby at Lewis Jewelers
Whether you're celebrating a July birthday, marking an anniversary, or simply searching for a piece that carries lasting meaning, ruby has a way of making the occasion feel even more personal.
It's more than a beautiful gemstone. It's a story you'll wear.
Frequently Asked Questions About July's Birthstone
What does ruby symbolize? Ruby has long symbolized love, courage, protection, passion, and vitality. For centuries, it has been associated with life's most meaningful milestones.
Why is ruby July's birthstone? Ruby's vibrant color and long-standing symbolism of strength and love made it the traditional birthstone for July, a month known for warmth, energy, and celebration.
What makes Roberto Coin jewelry unique? Every Roberto Coin piece includes a hidden ruby resting against the wearer's skin. Inspired by ancient tradition, it's meant to symbolize protection, prosperity, and happiness.
Is Ruby durable enough for everyday wear? Yes. Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the hardest natural gemstones and an excellent choice for rings and jewelry worn every day.
You'll find the right ruby when the moment calls for it.
