July’s birthstone, the ruby, has captured human fascination for millennia. Fiery and rich in symbolism, this gem has long been associated with strength, passion, protection, and royalty. Known as the “king of gems,” the ruby is one of the most valuable and storied gemstones in existence, inspiring everything from ancient mythology to modern fine jewelry design. Its deep red color—sometimes described as the color of a beating heart—evokes intense emotion, and for many, it represents vitality, courage, and enduring love.
The name ruby is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning red. Unlike other gemstones that come in a variety of colors, the ruby is cherished specifically for its crimson hue. This color is created by traces of chromium within the stone’s corundum structure. In fact, all other varieties of corundum are known as sapphires—only the red variety is honored with the name ruby. The finest rubies, particularly those from Burma (now Myanmar), exhibit a rich, velvety red often referred to as “pigeon’s blood.” These stones have been so treasured throughout history that they were once thought to hold the power of life itself.
Across cultures, the ruby has played a sacred and supernatural role. In ancient India, rubies were called ratnaraj, or “king of gems,” and were believed to bring safety, prosperity, and even rebirth as a ruler in the next life if offered to the deity Krishna. Ancient Burmese warriors believed that rubies would make them invincible in battle. In China, they signified noble status and were worn as talismans against evil. The ruby was also revered in the West—both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible refer to it more often than any other stone, extolling its value above pearls and coral. Medieval Europeans believed rubies could detect danger, change color in the presence of poison, and guard against plague and misfortune. One 17th-century traveler even documented how a ruby lost its color before his wife’s death, only to regain its brilliance afterward.
Legends surrounding the ruby are as vivid as its color. One tale from Burma tells of a majestic eagle named Lal—whose name means “ruby” in several Asian languages—who soared above the world until his final act of sacrifice, which turned his blood into rubies embedded in the earth. In another ancient Eastern tradition, rubies were said to bestow upon the wearer the force of a lion, the fearlessness of an eagle, and the wisdom of a serpent. These qualities made the ruby not only a symbol of personal power, but a mystical key to longevity, health, and love. Over time, the stone has also been credited with promoting fertility, warding off nightmares, and even stimulating desire when ground into a powder and mixed with wine.
Beyond myth, rubies possess very real physical qualities that add to their mystique. Ranking just below diamonds in hardness, rubies are second only to them in durability, making them ideal for everyday wear. Their striking color and internal glow—often referred to as fluorescence—give them an unmistakable presence in both antique and contemporary jewelry. Internally flawless rubies of notable size are rarer than diamonds, and when untreated and of high quality, they command some of the highest prices in the gemstone world.
Today, ruby jewelry continues to evolve while honoring its rich heritage. For those drawn to antique romance, Levy’s Fine Jewelry offers a Victorian 14kt Gold Diamond and Ruby Pendant/Brooch, crafted in yellow gold and adorned with old mine cut diamonds, vivid rubies, and elegant black enamel—an heirloom-worthy piece with timeless charm. For a more architectural look, the 18kt Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring stuns with its emerald-cut ruby and ten inverted baguette diamonds, offering bold lines and modern flair.
For those seeking quiet luxury, the 14kt White Gold 2.01ctw Ruby and Diamond Band features square-cut rubies framed by brilliant white diamonds—perfect as a stacking ring or a statement in its own right. Meanwhile, the Two-Tone 2.23ctw Ruby and Diamond Milgrain Ring nods to old-world craftsmanship, blending a yellow gold rim with a 1.38ct cushion ruby and diamond halo.
Levy’s also showcases renowned craftsmanship in pieces like the Oscar Heyman Brothers Ruby and Diamond Ring, where 16 calibre-cut rubies are paired with over a carat of fine diamonds—a collectible for the true connoisseur. For the ears, their 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Pavé Diamond Stud Earrings deliver elegant sparkle, while the 14kt White Gold Ruby and Diamond Studs offer radiant round rubies framed by icy white diamonds for a refined, radiant finish.
In the end, the ruby is far more than just a birthstone—it is a jewel of myth and memory, power and passion. It has been carried into battle, worn in royal courts, referenced in sacred texts, and passed from one generation to the next. Today, it continues to light up the world in rings, earrings, and pendants, igniting the spirit of those who wear it. For anyone seeking a gemstone that tells a story as rich and layered as life itself, the ruby stands alone—radiant, timeless, and forever ablaze with meaning.
