July Birthstone – Ruby

Ruby is the July birthstone and for thousands of years, has been considered one of the most valuable gemstones. It has everything a precious stone should have – magnificent colour, excellent hardness and outstanding brilliance. In addition to that, it is an extremely rare gemstone, especially in its finer qualities.

Rubies have historically been mined in Thailand, Afghanistan and in Pakistan and have rarely been found in Sri Lanka, where pink sapphires are more common. After the Second World War ruby deposits were found in Tanzania, Madagascar, Vietnam, Nepal and Tajikistan.

When gemstone experts refer to a ‘Burmese Ruby’, they are talking about the top luxury category. However, it does not necessarily follow that the stone is of Burmese origin, instead it indicates that the colour of the ruby is a rich, full red with a slightly bluish hue.