Some gemstones are admired. Rubies are remembered.
It’s the color: a rich, unmistakable red that catches your eye from across the room. And, it’s the stories that have followed rubies for centuries—stories of royalty, romance, courage, and celebration.
Whatever the reason, a ruby has a way of staying with you.
As July's birthstone, rubies arrive at the height of summer when life feels a little brighter, a little busier, and a little more celebratory. It is a gemstone that feels perfectly suited to the season: vibrant, confident, and full of life.
But what exactly makes ruby so impossible to forget?
Ruby Has a Color Unlike Any Other Gemstone
A ruby's signature red is one of the most recognizable colors in the jewelry world. While other gemstones are celebrated for their range of colors, ruby is treasured for the richness and intensity of its red. Few gemstones create such an immediate impression.
The finest rubies display a vivid, saturated red that seems to glow from within. Gemologists often describe the most prized examples as having a "pigeon's blood" color—a rich red with exceptional depth and intensity.
There is something undeniably emotional about the color red. It represents love, celebration, confidence, and passion. Ruby captures all of that in a single stone.
Perhaps that's why people rarely forget the first remarkable ruby they see.
Ruby's Story Is as Rich as Its Color
Long before the ruby became July's birthstone, it was treasured by royalty and collectors around the world. Ancient cultures believed rubies contained an eternal flame. Warriors carried them into battle for protection. Kings and queens prized them above nearly every other gemstone.
For centuries, a ruby symbolized:
- Love and devotion
- Courage and strength
- Prosperity and protection
- Passion and vitality
The ruby remains a meaningful choice for celebrating life's biggest milestones and the people who matter most.
Rarity Makes Ruby Even More Remarkable
Part of a ruby's allure comes from how uncommon it is.
Large, high-quality rubies are exceptionally rare. In fact, fine rubies can be rarer than diamonds, especially when they combine exceptional color, clarity, and size. That rarity gives ruby a certain mystique.
Not everyone owns a ruby. Not everyone chooses a ruby. And that's part of what makes it special.
Ruby Isn't Just for July Birthdays
Of course, the ruby is the traditional birthstone for July, making it a meaningful gift for anyone celebrating a summer birthday, but a ruby's appeal extends far beyond the calendar. Ruby jewelry is often chosen to commemorate:
- Anniversaries
- Major achievements
- Career milestones
- New beginnings
- Family celebrations
- Personal accomplishments
A ruby is also the traditional gemstone for the 40th wedding anniversary, symbolizing a love that has deepened and strengthened over time. Some stones mark a moment. A ruby can mark a legacy.
The Ruby Pieces We're Loving Right Now
One of the most surprising things about ruby is how versatile it can be. Depending on the design, a ruby can feel classic and elegant, bold and dramatic, or modern and unexpected.
For Everyday Wear
A ruby pendant, stackable band, or pair of ruby stud earrings adds a touch of color that feels effortless and refined. We couldn't resist asking around the showroom: If you could recommend one ruby piece every day, what would it be? The answers were as varied as the people on our team.
Vanessa gravitated toward stackable ruby bands such as the 14k oval ruby and diamond band ring with three rubies and the 14k ruby and diamond straight band—easy to mix, match, and add to over time.
"I love that you can wear one today and build your stack as you celebrate new milestones."
Alexander chose classic ruby studs framed by a diamond halo. Timeless enough for every day, yet with just the right amount of brilliance to make them feel special.
Pam picked a simple David Kord oval ruby and diamond halo ring. Elegant, effortless, and the kind of piece that transitions beautifully from morning meetings to evening celebrations.
One thing everyone agreed on? Ruby doesn't have to wait for a special occasion. The right piece can become part of your everyday story.
For Life's Biggest Celebrations
When the occasion calls for something extraordinary, ruby rises to the moment. Whether it's an anniversary, a wedding, a gala, or another unforgettable milestone, ruby has a way of making the celebration feel even more memorable.
We asked our team: If you could choose one ruby piece for a once-in-a-lifetime event, what would it be? The answers proved there's more than one way to make a statement.
Rick would stack two bold ruby statement rings together. One being a stunning oval shaped ruby ring with diamonds and the other being a baguette ruby and diamond band.
"Why wear one when two create an even bigger impact?"
Michaela took a different approach, pairing two simple ruby bracelets together. One being a 14k ruby and diamond bangle and the other being a ruby and diamond double wrap flex bangle. Individually they're elegant. Worn together, they create a look that's effortlessly striking.
Whether your style leans bold or understated, ruby has a way of rising to the occasion—and making every celebration shine a little brighter.
Building Your Collection
Rubies pair beautifully with other jewelry, making it easy to incorporate into an existing collection:
- A ruby band stacked with diamonds
- A ruby pendant layered with gold chains
- A ruby bracelet worn alongside treasured heirlooms
The result feels collected, personal, and uniquely yours.
How to Style Ruby Jewelry
One reason ruby has remained relevant for centuries is its ability to work across generations and personal styles.
Ruby and White Gold or Platinum: Clean and striking, white metals create contrast that allows ruby's color to take center stage.
Ruby and Yellow Gold: Rich and warm, this pairing enhances ruby's depth and creates a timeless look.
Ruby and Diamonds: Few combinations are more iconic. Diamonds amplify ruby's richness while adding brilliance and balance.
If Ruby Had a Personality
We asked our stylist, Johnathan, to describe ruby in just three words. His answer?
Warm. Unique. Precision.
Warm, because its rich red hue brings depth and richness to any outfit.
Unique, because while many gemstones try to imitate ruby's color, nothing quite captures the majesty of the true ruby red.
And precision, because a ruby's beauty depends on exceptional craftsmanship. The cut has to be just right to reveal its depth, brilliance, and unmistakable glow.
Maybe that's why ruby has captivated people for centuries. It's bold without being overpowering, timeless without feeling traditional, and unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Designing a Custom Ruby Piece
The ruby is a stunning choice for custom jewelry design. Whether you're incorporating a family heirloom ruby into a new piece, creating an anniversary gift, or designing something entirely your own, ruby brings both beauty and meaning to the process.
Its rich color naturally becomes the focal point, allowing every design to feel distinctive and personal.
At Kimball's, some of our favorite custom pieces begin with a gemstone that already carries a story. (we can include this if we can get a couple examples. Let’s ask.) Rubies have a way of honoring those stories while creating new ones.
So, What Makes Ruby So Impossible to Forget?
Maybe it's the color. Maybe it's the history. Maybe it's the symbolism, the rarity, or the way it manages to feel both timeless and completely alive.
Whatever the reason, ruby has captivated people for centuries—and shows no signs of slowing down. As July's birthstone, it is more than a beautiful gemstone. It is a celebration of passion, confidence, love, and life's most meaningful milestones.
And once you've fallen for a ruby, it's hard to forget.
Explore ruby jewelry at Kimball's Jewelers—where life's moments shine a little brighter.
