The birthstone for those born in July is the lovely ruby. It is red and although there are other red gemstones, the ruby’s depth of colour, its toughness and its rarity makes it stand out. They are not usually large stones and they generally contain inclusions. Historically, many large red stones, like the one in Catherine the Great’s crown, the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Timur Ruby in the British Crown Jewels, are spinels. It was not until the 18th century that rubies were recognized as being separate from spinels and as being a member of the corundum family of gemstones, along with sapphires.
The colour of rubies can vary from a deep red, an orangery red, a red with purple overtones, to a pinky red. Rubies can be opaque although transparent rubies are preferred.
Whenever they are used, they provide a bright pop of colour which is very appealing.
navette jewellery 