5 Stunning Ruby Birthstone Jewelry Gifts to Consider
Known for its deep red hue, ruby has long been appreciated as one of the world’s most precious stones. As July's birthstone, the gem holds special meaning for countless people who celebrate their birthdays in the summer. From classic stud earrings to elegant pendant necklaces, ruby jewelry makes a cherished gift. Here are some of our favorites from John Atencio’s collection, along with some reasons why July birthstone jewelry gifts make such a profound impact.
The Significance of Ruby as a July Birthstone
Revered for millennia, ruby gems were highly esteemed in ancient India. Regarded as the “king of precious stones,” these rich-colored gems were believed to represent the sun and provide protection to wearers. The vibrant red color was thought to come from an internal inextinguishable fire. Ancient Burmese warriors adorned their armor with rubies before going into battle, believing the “blood-red” gems would make them near-invincible.
Long-prized in countless other cultures, the ruby eventually earned its place as the primary birthstone for July. In 1912, the American National Retail Jewelers Association officially adopted the ruby as the July birthstone. Before that, the sapphire was used to represent July. Today, the ruby remains the predominant birthstone gift associated with July birthdays.
Beyond its symbolism as July’s birthstone, the ruby also represents themes of love, passion, and vitality. Its rich, intense color is said to reflect the burning fire of love in the heart. The durability and permanence of ruby gems are also linked to long-lasting love. The gift of ruby jewelry conveys deep feelings of romance and affection.
What Makes Rubies So Special?
One of the world’s four precious gemstones, rubies have unique compositions that make them exceptionally rare. A crystalline form of the mineral corundum, red rubies get their vibrant color from traces of chromium, which cause ruby crystals to fluoresce, contributing an inner glow.
Fine-quality rubies boast an inner fire and brilliance that makes them truly captivating. Unlike many gems, rubies retain their sparkling red radiance under both natural and artificial light. The refracted light passing through a well-cut ruby produces a truly mesmerizing display.
Beyond its visual appeal, ruby rates high on the Mohs scale of hardness. In fact, diamonds are the only natural gems harder than rubies. This durability increases the gemstone’s value and makes it ideal for jewelry that will be worn every day.
A legend in the jewelry world, John Atencio offers eye-catching ruby birthstone jewelry you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s explore five of our favorite July birthstone gifts from his collection.
1) Ruby Earrings Add Timeless Elegance
A pair of ruby earrings makes a gorgeous gift for any woman. Since ancient times, ruby earrings have been treasured for their beauty and symbolism. Simple yet sophisticated, ruby studs add a touch of luxury to everyday outfits and evening attire.
Featuring lab-grown rubies and diamond accents, John Atencio’s Paloma Ruby earrings showcase this gemstone’s brilliance. Comfortable to wear daily and easy to care for, these earrings show off the fiery glow and subtle variations that make each ruby unique.
For a more understated and versatile look, consider John Atencio’s silver stud earrings from the Antigua collection. These petite ruby earrings offer sophisticated allure in a classic design.
2) Ruby Pendant Necklaces: The Epitome of Grace
When positioned at the neckline, a ruby pendant draws the eye and complements the face with a vibrant pop of color. Ruby's stunning hue and mystical associations also imbue the pendant with symbolic meaning, adding a special touch to your gift.
A ruby pendant necklace is a versatile statement piece for everyday wear and formal occasions. The pendant's color provides a beautiful contrast against cool neutrals like black, white, and silver. It also pops when paired with ocean blues and deep greens.
John Atencio’s Paloma Ruby pendant showcases a dazzling princess-cut lab-grown ruby set in lustrous gold. Elevated by luxe diamond accents, the luminous ruby seems to glow from within. This show stopping pendant makes a lavish gift for any July birthday, conveying your affection and appreciation in a distinctive, sophisticated design.
For a more delicate and understated look, consider the petite Antigua pendant, featuring a round ruby gem set in sterling silver with a simple cable chain. This dainty pendant can be worn alone or layered with other necklaces for a more personalized look.
3) Combine Rubies and Diamonds for Dazzling Sparkle
For major gift-giving occasions, combine rubies with diamonds for an eye-catching statement. A study in captivating contrasts, the red ruby embodies passion and fire, while diamonds evoke purity and light. Together in one piece, they create truly stunning jewelry.
John Atencio’s Paloma Ruby and Diamond ring showcases a dazzling princess-cut lab-grown ruby as the centerpiece and two bezel-set diamonds at its sides. With 14k rose gold craftsmanship, this ring has inherent warmth and softness that symbolizes love and lifelong devotion.
For an even bolder statement, explore custom ruby and diamond ring options. John Atencio’s master jewelers can design a one-of-a-kind ring featuring your choice of ruby shapes and diamond settings. A custom ruby ring offers the chance to give a truly personalized gift rich with sentimental meaning that takes your gift to a whole other level.
4) Ruby and Diamond Bracelets
As a birthstone gift, a ruby bracelet provides an intriguing alternative to the standard ruby necklace or earrings. The rubies encircle the wrist in a fluid line of vibrant color, while the sparkling diamonds add a compelling contrast with scintillating fire.
John Atencio’s popular Paloma collection includes a gorgeous lab-grown gemstone and diamond ruby bracelet and a ruby-diamond hinged cuff. Embodying grace, minimalism, and depth, Paloma stands as a testament to John Atencio's iconic craftsmanship. Each Paloma creation features exquisite diamonds in elegant bezel settings, embraced by subtly sculpted forms.
The collection's name, Paloma, echoes the dove in ancient texts, a universal emblem of harmony. John's muse for this line was his paternal grandmother, a pillar of unwavering faith who held fast to her vision of a unified world.
5) Design Custom Ruby Jewelry for a Personalized Gift
For a truly distinctive gift, consider having a custom ruby jewelry piece designed just for your special someone. Custom jewelry offers the chance to give a meaningful, one-of-a-kind creation. You can have an important date or initials engraved on a pendant, select a preferred gold type, or design your own setting with the help of John Atencio’s attentive jewelry consultants.
John’s team will listen to your vision and provide guidance to help design a custom ruby jewelry gift your loved one will treasure. Let your creativity shine as you conceptualize different settings, metals, stones, and designs. And, of course, rely on John’s trusted experts to help navigate the process to bring your boldest vision to life.
Browse our ruby gifts, schedule a one-on-one design consultation, or visit one of John Atencio’s locations today to start collaboratively building your perfect gift.
