Exploring the Symbolism of Ruby, The Stunning July Birthstone

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Cultural Significance of Ruby
The Timeless Charm of Ruby Rings
How Rubies Compare to Moissanite?
How to Choose Between Ruby and Moissanite?
Final Words

For ages, gemstones have captivated humankind with their dazzling hues and mystical allure. Of all precious gems, the ruby has long stood out as one of the most coveted. As the rich red birthstone for July, the ruby bears special meaning for those born in the heart of summer. Let’s explore the ruby’s symbolism and delve into its timeless appeal.

Cultural Significance of Ruby

With its captivating crimson radiance, the ruby has long held profound symbolic meaning across civilizations. In ancient Hindu scriptures dating back over two millennia, the ruby was venerated as the “king of gemstones,” believed to emanate passion, protection, and prosperity. Rubies were highly prized among royalty as the quintessential gem representing prestige, authority, and grandeur.

In ancient Burma, warriors adorned their armor with rubies before charging into battle. They believed the stones’ mystical powers granted them strength and invincibility against their enemies. Medieval European kings and queens proudly bedecked their crowns, scepters, and finery with large Burmese rubies as a display of aristocracy.

Beyond symbolizing status, rubies also came to embody love and devotion in Western culture. The rich, deep red color evokes the hue of blood and the human heart. It was believed a ruby’s inner fire would intensify when worn by couples deeply enamored with each other, reflecting their burning passion. For this reason, rubies became a traditional engagement stone, given by noblemen to their betrothed brides as a pledge of eternal fidelity.

The July birthstone has also long represented courage, vitality, and energy across cultures. Its fiery crimson brilliance conjures images of flames and flowing blood. For many, the ruby symbolizes the very life force that courses through our bodies and souls. It was thought to imbue those who wore it with fortitude, strength, and protection from harm.

The Timeless Charm of Ruby Rings

With its extensive symbolic history and associations with romance, it is no wonder ruby rings remain cherished across generations. When set into jewelry, a ruby’s inner fire and brilliance truly come to life. Here’s a deeper look at some of the most captivating attributes that make ruby rings a timeless and meaningful choice:

Vibrant Crimson Color – The pure, rich red color that makes rubies so desirable is exceptionally rare in nature. The finest quality rubies display a highly saturated, warm crimson hue without any brownish or purple undertones. The more vibrant and concentrated the red coloration, the greater a ruby’s value and prestige. Many cultures have long associated the ruby’s crimson splendor with passion, vitality, and beauty.
Peerless Durability – After diamonds, rubies are one of the hardest gemstone varieties, rating 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Their dense crystalline structure makes them extremely resilient to scratching, chipping, and fracturing. Ruby rings can withstand years of continuous wear when cared for properly, becoming enduring family heirlooms.
Scarcity and Value – Significant rubies over 2 carats are remarkably scarce, especially with premium color and clarity. They form gradually in the earth over hundreds of millions of years under very specific conditions. However, for eco-conscious couples on a budget, lab-grown ruby rings are the perfect alternative to natural ruby rings. The combination of beauty, durability, and rarity imbues fine ruby rings with a profound sense of preciousness.
Inner Radiance – Many rubies exhibit a striking red fluorescence under ultraviolet light, causing them to glow as if lit from within. This unique photoluminescent effect adds to the ruby’s mystique and allure. The glowing “fire” symbolizes the passion, energy, and life force associated with this captivating July birthstone.

Beyond their physical properties, ruby rings hold deeply personal significance. They are the quintessential gift between lovers, worn in honor of romance. For those born in July, ruby rings make particularly meaningful keepsakes and birthday gifts.

How Rubies Compare to Moissanite?

For those drawn to red gemstones, rubies may seem like an obvious choice. But moissanite rings offer an affordable, eco-friendly alternative. This laboratory-grown gem has some comparable qualities to the ruby. Here’s how the two stack up:

Hardness – Rubies and moissanite are virtually equal in hardness. Both score 9-9.5 on the Mohs scale, making them suitable for daily wear.
Brilliance – With a higher refractive index, moissanite has more sparkle and fire than a ruby. The cut of the stone also impacts brilliance.
Color – While moissanite can take on red hues, rubies display a richer, more saturated red color. However, color preferences come down to personal taste.
Affordability– Due to their rarity, large fine rubies run prohibitively expensive for most buyers. Moissanite provides the look of a ruby for a fraction of the cost.
Durability – Rubies and moissanite are remarkably tough stones. However, rubies can potentially fracture if struck at certain angles.
Ethics – Mined rubies risk being tainted by unethical practices. Moissanite is ethically lab-grown, avoiding this issue. However, if rubies are significant meaning to you, a lab-grown ruby ring is a good option.
Meaning – For many, the ruby’s extensive symbolic history enhances its appeal over moissanite. But moissanite also holds significance as a non-traditional gem.

How to Choose Between Ruby and Moissanite?

When deciding between a ruby or moissanite ring, carefully weigh your priorities. Factors like budget, style, symbolism, and ethical sourcing all come into play.

If meaning and heritage are paramount, a natural ruby has centuries of lore behind it. Its timeless beauty and rarity make it a sentimental investment. For those born in July or couples expressing devotion, rubies hold special appeal. Yet quality comes at a steep price. For brides-to-be who want rubies but on a budget, there are alternatives that offer the same vivid red hue. Lab-grown rubies have the same optical, physical form, and chemical composition as natural rubies.

For some brides, it’s important to showcase their own personal style and taste, moissanite is a unique and non-traditional choice for an engagement ring. Its radiance and durability rival the natural ruby for a fraction of the cost. Moissanite makes a sensible choice for fashion-forward rings.

Think about the style you envision. Vintage-inspired jewelry may call for a natural ruby, while modern designs can shine with moissanite. Also, consider the size of the stone you desire. Large rubies are scarce and pricey. With moissanite, it’s easy to create a showstopping look on any budget.

Final Words

Ultimately, choose the stone that aligns with your individual needs and tastes. Let your heart and head guide you toward the right gem to symbolize love or celebration. With its beauty, significance, and versatility, the July birthstone is a winning choice whether you select elegant ruby or contemporary moissanite.