Ruby, ruby, ruby! July's birthstone is a beautiful one—but what if you don't like red? Or you love ruby but assume it's beyond your budget? Good news: there are more ways to make July's birthstone feel personal than you might think.
What is July's birthstone?
Ruby is July's traditional and modern birthstone. Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum. Sapphire belongs to the same mineral family; gem-quality corundum in colors other than red is generally called sapphire. Ruby gets its red color primarily from chromium, and its color can range from pinkish or raspberry red to rich, vivid red.
Rubies have been treasured for centuries and are traditionally associated with love, passion, and vitality. They are also exceptionally hard—9 on the Mohs scale—making them well suited to many types of jewelry, though no gemstone is completely immune to damage.
Objection 1: I don't like red
Then don't let the birthstone rules boss you around! If you love the idea of ruby but not its color, consider sapphire. Ruby and sapphire are both corundum, so choosing a green, pink, blue, or parti-colored sapphire is a lovely way to keep a connection to the same gemstone family.
Or keep ruby as a small accent. A little flash of raspberry red can be beautiful beside softer greens, blues, or other natural gemstones. Your July piece doesn't need to be entirely red.
Objection 2: Rubies are too expensive
Fine-quality natural rubies can be very valuable, especially when they combine desirable color, clarity, and size. But ruby jewelry comes in a wide range of styles and price points. Smaller stones, rose cuts, and rubies with visible natural inclusions can have wonderful character of their own.
Another possibility is carnelian, a warm reddish-orange variety of chalcedony. It's a creative alternative rather than July's official modern birthstone, and it has an earthy, glowing look all its own. Red garnet and other natural red stones are worth exploring, too.
Alternative July birthstones: carnelian and sapphire
Carnelian is sometimes named on alternative July birthstone lists. This warm orange-red variety of chalcedony offers a softer, earthier look than ruby. It isn't July's official modern birthstone, but it can be a beautiful choice if you love glowing sunset colors.
Sapphire is my favorite creative alternative if red just isn't your color. Ruby and sapphire are both varieties of corundum, and sapphire comes in a whole spectrum of colors. Here are two currently available designs that show how differently this gemstone family can feel:
Prefer blue, green, or another shade entirely? Ask me to curate a gemstone palette for a one-of-a-kind July-inspired piece.
Shop available ruby jewelry
Here are some of the ruby designs currently available from my studio. Each is handmade, and my one-of-a-kind pieces are never duplicated.
A few fascinating facts about ruby
- Ruby and sapphire are both varieties of corundum, with ruby defined by its red color.
- Ruby has a Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamond among these familiar jewelry gemstones.
- Natural rubies may have inclusions and growth features that make each stone distinctive.
- Heat treatment is common in the ruby market, so gemstone treatment disclosures matter when comparing stones.
- Ruby is traditionally associated with the 40th wedding anniversary.
Want a July birthstone that doesn't look like everyone else's?
Maybe you're drawn to a deep red ruby, a lighter raspberry tone, or an unexpected mix of ruby and green gemstones. Tell me what colors and shapes you love. I can curate a selection of natural gemstones, and we can use the stones that stand out to you as the starting point for a custom piece.
