July is wonderful a month to celebrate a birthday! From summer getaways to 4th of July BBQ's, July is a fabulous month to be born. Nothing marks the passing of another year better than jewelry when your birthstone is the beautiful ruby! Ruby is the traditional birthstone for July, and there are other birthstones that are associated with the month of July including Onyx, Carnelian, and even Moonstone.

The Origin of Birthstones

Have you ever wondered where the tradition of associating a certain birthstone with your birth month was born? Birthstones and their association to the Zodiac extends back to the twelve stones used in the Arron's breastplate mentioned in Exodus. However, the tradition is probably even far older. Adopted and further codified by Christians and related to a passage in Revelation; the association of birthstones with birth months continues in the West up to modern times. There are textual references to the association of certain stones with certain birth months from eighth century Poland and sixteenth century Germany. Exactly which stone represents which month was further refined in the 1870s and revised in 1912. For centuries stones have been associated with healing powers, luck and power— even more reasons birthstones are so popular.

Some Interesting Facts About Rubies

Rubies are a variety of the mineral called corundum and the line between pink sapphires and rubies is based on color rather than composition. Rubies have a Trigonal structure and the chemical name is Aluminum oxide. The hardness of a ruby is a 9. Rubies can be cut into a variety of different shapes, but brilliant cut and cabochon, also known as star rubies, are two of the most prized cuts for this fabulous, rare stone.

The Meaning of Rubies

Rubies are red and luscious, alive and mysterious. From their deep color comes the associations and symbolism associated with this gem. Rubies represent power and love. They also represent passion and energy. According to Bishop Marbodius from the eleventh century, "Ruby is the solitary and glowing eye which dragons and wyverns carry in the middle of their foreheads."

Shop ruby birthstone jewelry HERE.