July Birthstone: A Complete Guide to Ruby Jewellery
Discover why ruby has remained one of the world's most treasured gemstones and how antique ruby jewellery continues to captivate collectors and jewellery lovers alike.
Few gemstones possess the unmistakable presence of a ruby. Instantly recognisable by its vibrant red colour, ruby has long symbolised passion, confidence, and enduring beauty. As the birthstone for July, it is one of the most celebrated gemstones in the world of fine jewellery, admired for its remarkable colour and timeless elegance.
At De Bruns Antique Jewellery, ruby has always been one of our favourite gemstones. Whether showcased in an elegant cluster ring, an intricate Victorian brooch, or a striking Art Deco design, ruby brings warmth and character to every piece.
For more than 17 years, we have specialised in carefully curated antique and vintage jewellery. Throughout that time, ruby has remained one of the most enduring choices among clients looking for jewellery that is distinctive, elegant, and designed to be treasured for generations.
What Makes Rubies So Special?
There are many beautiful coloured gemstones, but ruby occupies a unique position.
Its rich red colour has captivated jewellers and collectors for centuries, making it one of the most recognisable gemstones in existence.
Ruby belongs to the corundum family, the same mineral group as sapphire. While sapphires occur in many colours, only the red variety is classified as a ruby.
This instantly recognisable colour is what gives ruby its remarkable character.
Unlike gemstones that rely purely on brilliance, ruby creates impact through colour, richness, and depth.
Many jewellery lovers are drawn to ruby because it offers:
- A striking, luxurious appearance
- Exceptional richness of colour
- Timeless elegance
- Beautiful contrast with gold and diamonds
- Distinctive individuality
- A Gemstone with a remarkable history
Rubies have been admired for thousands of years and have featured prominently in jewellery throughout history.
Victorian jewellers frequently paired rubies with diamonds to create romantic floral clusters and intricate gold settings.
During the Edwardian era, designers embraced lighter, more delicate styles, allowing rubies to provide vivid colour within elegant, refined jewellery.
By the Art Deco period, geometric designs transformed ruby jewellery once again. Clean lines, symmetry, and striking colour combinations created some of the most iconic ruby pieces ever produced.
These historic design movements continue to influence jewellery today, making antique ruby jewellery just as desirable now as it was over a century ago.
Why Antique Ruby Jewellery Is So Desirable
At De Bruns Antique Jewellery, we believe antique ruby jewellery offers something increasingly difficult to find in modern production.
Every piece tells its own story through craftsmanship, design, and individuality.
Rather than producing identical jewellery, antique jewellers created pieces with personality and attention to detail.
Many antique ruby pieces feature:
- Hand-finished settings
- Intricate gold work
- Beautiful diamond accents
- Elegant proportions
- Timeless craftsmanship
No two pieces are ever exactly alike, making antique ruby jewellery particularly appealing to collectors and those seeking something truly individual.
Ruby and Diamond Jewellery: One of the Most Striking Combinations
Few gemstone pairings create as much visual impact as ruby and diamond.
The brilliance of diamonds beautifully complements the rich colour of ruby, creating jewellery that feels luxurious without appearing excessive.
This combination has remained popular for generations because it offers:
- Exceptional contrast
- Timeless elegance
- Sophisticated colour
- Lasting versatility
Whether incorporated into rings, pendants, earrings, or brooches, ruby and diamond jewellery continues to be one of the most sought-after combinations in fine jewellery.
Popular Types of Ruby Jewellery
Ruby is wonderfully versatile and lends itself beautifully to many jewellery styles.
Ruby Rings
Ruby rings remain one of the most popular choices, particularly antique cluster rings and Art Deco-inspired designs.
Ruby Earrings
Ruby earrings provide elegant colour while remaining wearable for both everyday and formal occasions.
Ruby Pendants
A ruby pendant creates a sophisticated focal point and pairs beautifully with antique gold chains.
Ruby Brooches
Victorian ruby brooches showcase exceptional craftsmanship and remain highly collectible.
Why Ruby Jewellery Continues to Appeal Today
Ruby has never truly gone out of fashion.
Its rich colour feels both classic and contemporary, making it one of the easiest gemstones to wear regardless of changing trends.
Our clients are often drawn to ruby because it feels confident without being overpowering.
Ruby jewellery pairs beautifully with:
- 18ct Yellow Gold
- White Gold
- Antique Gold
- Diamonds
- Everyday tailoring
- Evening wear
Its versatility makes it equally suitable for special occasions and daily wear.
Choosing Ruby Jewellery as a Gift
Ruby jewellery makes an exceptional gift for significant milestones.
As July's birthstone, it is naturally associated with birthdays, but its appeal extends far beyond birthstone jewellery.
Ruby jewellery is often chosen for:
- Anniversaries Milestone birthdays
- Romantic gifts
- Personal celebrations
- Family occasions
For men searching for something distinctive, ruby jewellery offers a thoughtful alternative to more traditional gemstone choices.
Styling Ruby Jewellery
One of ruby's greatest strengths is its versatility.
It can become the focal point of an outfit or complement other jewellery effortlessly.
Popular styling ideas include:
- Wearing a ruby ring as a statement piece
- Pairing ruby earrings with neutral colours
- Layering a ruby pendant with antique gold chains
- Combining ruby and diamond jewellery for evening elegance
- Specialist knowledge and expertise
- Carefully curated collections
- Outstanding Google reviews
- Personal customer service
- A passion for exceptional jewellery
Ruby naturally attracts attention while remaining sophisticated and refined.
Why Choose De Bruns Antique Jewellery?
For over 17 years, De Bruns Antique Jewellery has specialised in carefully selected antique and vintage jewellery.
Our clients trust us because we offer:
As an online jeweller, we pride ourselves on making every client feel valued, offering expert guidance and attentive service throughout their journey.
A Final Reflection on the July Birthstone
Ruby has remained one of the world's most treasured gemstones because it offers something truly distinctive. Its rich colour, timeless elegance, and enduring appeal ensure it continues to captivate jewellery lovers generation after generation.
Whether chosen to celebrate a July birthday, mark a special milestone, or simply because of its extraordinary beauty, ruby jewellery remains one of the finest additions to any jewellery collection.
At De Bruns Antique Jewellery, we are proud to curate ruby pieces that celebrate craftsmanship, individuality, and timeless design.