Whether you are a lucky one that was born in July or have a loved one who was, the stunning ruby gemstone is your birthstone to celebrate! Famed for its brilliant red hue, rubies have been around for thousands of years. Let’s learn more about this gorgeous gemstone and how it is best styled!
Ruby Gemstone Variations
Rubies are formed from the mineral corundum. Sapphires are also formed from this same mineral. In nature, pure corundum is colorless, but when chromium is mixed with the corundum during formation, the brilliant red hues of rubies are created. In the same manner, if iron or titanium is present then the corundum will have a blue hue creating what we call a sapphire.
The word “ruby” comes from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red. Because of the different amounts of these additions to the corundum, rubies can have different hues. Their colors can range from blood-red, orange-red, purple-red, brown-red, and even pink-red. There is a very fine line that distinguishes between a pink-red ruby and a pink sapphire. The most prized colors are the deeper darker hues. Color/hue is the most significant factor in deciding a rubies’ value.
Ruby Gemstone Cuts
Rubies are very hard and durable gemstones with a rating of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. The only other gemstone that ranks harder is the diamond. Because of their hardness and durability, they can be cut in a variety of ways without compromising their integrity. Let’s discuss a few of the most popular ruby cuts.
Step-Cut/Emerald-Cut
The emerald-cut (also known as a step-cut) is a stunning and popular choice for rubies. Rows of facets are cut parallel to the edge of the ruby giving it a staircase pattern. When the corners are clipped slightly it is known as an emerald-cut. Not only does this protect the edges and corners of the ruby, but it enhances the brilliance and shows off the sparkling red hue.
Brilliant-Cut
Rubies can be brilliant-cut in many different variations. The facets can be cut in a triangular, kite, or lozenge shape. Brilliant-cut rubies are gorgeous but you do not get the same sparkle from rubies in this cut as you do diamonds. This is because rubies have different light refraction and hue than diamonds.
Mixed-Cut
A mixed-cut ruby combines the step and brilliant-cut styles. The brilliant-cut portion enhances the sparkle and the step-cut portion enhances the stone’s color. It is the best of both worlds and makes sense that this is the most popular cut for ruby gemstones!
Cabochon Cut
If your heart is set with vintage and antique jewelry then the cabochon cut is for you! This is a simple dome-shaped cut with a flat base. It has no facets. This cut is the simplest and often least expensive cut ruby but carries that vintage style and attitude. If you share a love for estate jewelry like us, then the cabochon cut would be a great choice!
Which Metals Complement Rubies?
All metals look good with rubies but yellow gold is most popular especially if the ruby is paired with diamonds. The yellow tone of the gold will enhance the sparkle of the diamonds and also the deep red hue of the ruby. Rose gold is popular if the ruby stands alone again because it complements the wonderful red of the ruby gemstone. White gold and platinum are most often chose if the diamonds paired with the rubies are larger than the rubies. For example, if you had a larger diamond surrounded by smaller rubies. No metal color is a wrong choice and you should choose the style that you are most drawn to!
July Birthstone Ideas
Whether you are choosing a gift for yourself to celebrate a special birthday, or for a loved one born in July, the gift of ruby jewelry is sure to be well received! Many choose a ruby to represent a loved one that was born in July also. They can be incorporated into a pendant, ring, earrings, or bracelet to carry a reminder of your loved one all the time! We have a large collection of rubies available for inspiration or we can help you create a custom design unique to you or your loved one! Stop by our showroom or browse our collection online. We would love to help you celebrate your July birthday with jewelry!