The Ruby Jewelry Guide: Buying, Care & July’s Birthstone

Ruby, at a glance.

Ruby is the red variety of corundum. Its rich color gives even a small stone a strong presence. Hardness describes resistance to scratching; it does not mean a gem or its setting cannot be damaged.

Four things to notice before you choose.

For vintage jewelry, also consider the metalwork, setting condition, and overall design. A graceful silhouette or an unusual detail may be what makes one piece yours.

Understand what you are buying.

Natural, laboratory-grown, or an imitation?

A natural ruby formed in the earth. A laboratory-grown ruby is made by people and has essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure. An imitation is a different material made to resemble ruby. Ask which description applies to the exact piece.

Ask about treatment.

Heating is common in ruby and can change color or clarity. Fracture filling, including glass filling, is a different treatment and can require much gentler care. Ask what is known, what remains unconfirmed, and whether the treatment information can be provided in writing.

What can a laboratory report tell you?

An independent gemological report can address identity, natural or laboratory-grown status, and detectable treatments. Some reports offer an origin opinion when possible. A report is not an appraisal or a guarantee of resale value. Ask whether documentation exists for the specific item rather than assuming every piece includes a report.

Your questions, ready to ask.

1. What is known about the ruby’s identity and treatment?
2. What are the stone’s measurements, and does the stated weight refer to one stone or the total?
3. What is the metal, and what is known about the piece’s age and condition?
4. Is documentation available for this particular item?
5. Can I see additional photos or a video in ordinary lighting?
6. For a ring, what is its current size, and is resizing suitable?
7. What care does this piece need, and which purchase policies apply?

Send us the item number when you ask. That helps us discuss the piece you are actually considering.

Choose the way you want to wear it.

Care for the entire piece.

Care depends on the ruby’s treatment, the metal, the setting, and any companion stones. Before choosing a cleaning method, ask what is suitable for your particular item.

• For an untreated or heat-treated ruby, mild soapy water and a soft brush are generally appropriate when the rest of the jewelry is suitable for that method.
• For fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed material, use a soft damp cloth. Avoid soaking and household cleaning chemicals.
• When treatment is unknown, start with a soft damp cloth and ask us before using steam or an ultrasonic cleaner.
• Remove jewelry for heavy work, avoid sharp knocks, and store pieces separately to prevent scratches.
• Have loose stones, worn prongs, or unreliable clasps checked before continued wear.

For a vintage setting, a careful condition check is just as useful as knowing the gemstone’s hardness.

July’s birthstone. Your own meaning.

Ruby is July’s birthstone, making it a thoughtful starting point for a birthday gift. A gift can feel even more personal when its shape, metal, or vintage character reflects the person wearing it.

Ruby also appears in traditions about love, courage, vitality, and royalty. Enjoy those stories as cultural symbolism or personal inspiration. They are not established medical benefits or a promise of protection.

Continue the story in The King of Gems — Ruby or our July birthstone feature.

Make room for the piece you love.

David’s offers layaway with a 20% non-refundable deposit, no interest, and up to 12 months to pay. Read the full layaway terms and watch our video for payment, clearance, and inactivity conditions before starting.