Seeking a gift for someone with a July birthday? You can’t go wrong with a lovely piece of jewelry in honor of the month of their birth. So, what are the best luxury takes on the July birthstone – the ruby – in fine and fashion jewelry right now? Here’s our edit of the best ruby cocktail rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and tiaras that would be perfect gifts for your July bae.
the symbolism of ruby jewelry
Rubies traditionally represent love, good health and wisdom. Believed to hold the power of life, the most highly-valued rubies originate in Burma, which has been a source of the stones since 600 AD.
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Top grade rubies are called ‘pigeon blood’ after the vivid bright red that they display. In ancient Sanskrit, the ruby is called ‘Ratnaraj’ or ‘King of Precious Stones’, and was worn by ancient warriors for protection.
They have long been the favorite gem of royalty. One of the most recognizable tiaras in the collection of the British Royal Family is the Burmese Ruby Tiara. Crafted in 1973, it was made especially for Queen Elizabeth by Garrard & Co. using stones from her private collection.
As you already know, rubies are the birthstone of July – and they are also traditionally gifted to mark a 40th wedding anniversary.
the best luxury gift jewelry featuring the ruby, the birthstone of July
From haute joillerie to bijoux, traditional to contemporary, brand new to antique vintage, Costco to Cartier, there’s a perfect piece of ruby jewelry out there for anyone who loves this gemstone – or anyone who’s born in July.
Here are the ones we have our eyes on right now.
1. Ruby Cocktail Rings and Bands
If money is no object and you want a truly unusual piece of jewelry employing rubies, have a look at the Scarlet Empress Collection from Parisian jeweler Lydia Courteille. Her rings, earrings and necklace are major statement pieces. Here are some other ideas that are a bit more grounded:
Francesca Villa What?! ruby ring ($4,600). Ippolita Lollipop ring with quartz and African ruby ($895). Antique Victorian ruby and diamond two-stone ring ($3,181). J. Dauphin “Poison Ivy” snake cocktail ring ($690). Tiffany & Co. Etoile band with rubies ($975). Jessica McCormack Hex ruby ring (£19,500).
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2. Ruby Earrings
The best luxury real and faux ruby and rubellite earrings for a July birthstone gift.
Davidor Arch Florale earrings ($225,000). Melissa Kaye Cristina rose gold and ruby earrings ($2,450). Francesca Villa’s No Answer ruby, sapphire and rose gold earrings ($4,222). Sharon Khazzam Inside-Out hoop earrings ($14,400). Pomellato ruby and ceramic stud earrings ($2,000). Kenneth Jay Lane faux ruby flower clip earrings ($225). Gucci Flora mismatched ruby and enamel earrings ($1,125). Costco ruby and diamond rose gold earrings ($699.99).
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3. Ruby Bracelets
We found lots of vintage options among the best luxury ruby bracelets for a July birthstone gift.
Wendy Yu rubellite and white diamond bracelet ($13,200). Sydney Evan beaded bracelet with a ruby-studded ladybug charm ($650). Panthère de Cartier high jewelry bracelet (price upon request). Vintage link ruby and diamond bracelet ($3,195). Vintage Louis Vuitton Idylle Blossom charm bracelet ($6,795). The House of Aziz & Walid Mouzannar bracelet ($2,410).
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4. Ruby Necklaces
The sky’s the limit on the range and cost of one of the best luxury ruby necklaces for a July birthstone gift.
Bvlgari Diva’s Dream necklace ($33, 800) draws inspiration from the colorful mosaics of the Roman Baths of Caracalla. Estate diamond and ruby choker from the 1980’s ($24,999). The Rouge Incandescent necklace from the Chanel Fine Jewelry Camellia Collection (price upon request). Vintage pendant necklace with rubies and diamonds ($795). “Big Apple” diamond and ruby pendant from Aurelie Bidermann ($6,722). Bahina glass-filled ruby gemstones necklace ($7,550). Jessica McCormack Strike diamond and ruby pendant (£7,500).
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5. Ruby Tiaras and Hair Accessories
You may not be able to spring for an actual ruby tiara (although if you roll that way, Chaumet has you covered). Not to worry – your gift can still channel the glamour and beauty of ruby hair jewelry.
The Chaumet Joséphine Aigrette Impériale tiara features a pear-shaped Burmese ruby (price upon request). Chanel’s hair clip with faux-ruby crystals is charming and chic and far more affordable ($600). As is this embellished hair clip from Simone Rocha ($133), and this Alia barrette from Jennifer Behr ($117). Your gift recipient can also channel the look with this Shrimps Antonia beaded headband ($72).
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6. Ruby watches
Dream a little dream with these exquisite ruby watches from some of the world’s leading haute joillerie brands.
Chanel Fine Jewelry Boyfriend watch with rubies and a red alligator strap ($83,800). Bvlgari Serpenti Secret Watch with ruby eyes (price upon request). The Graff carved ruby Secret Watch features 22.5 carats of rubies (price upon request). Graff’s Classic Butterfly watch is a more contemporary take ($125,000). Vintage Chopard Mysteree watch with ruby accents ($2,825).
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7. Ruby Brooches
Rubies and brooches go together rather well. For a jaw-droppingly beautiful example, look no further than the annual butterfly brooches crafted by Taiwanese jeweler Cindy Chao under her brand The Art Jewel. The 2010 edition is now on permanent display at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) in Paris.
For we mere mortals, here are few more attainable options for a July birthstone brooch (and props to Timothée Chalamet for rocking one at the Oscars this year).
Hammerman Brothers vintage diamond and ruby floral brooch ($4,299). La Fleur Jewels ruby ballerina brooch ($25,000). Cathy Waterman floral ruby and diamond brooch ($2,550). Katheleys Vintage 1960’s gold and ruby bird brooch ($2,479). Van Cleef & Arpels Le Secret high jewelry collection features the striking Colombe Mystérieuse clip (price upon request).
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8. Bonus Round: Ruby Home Decor
If all else fails, you can always opt for a ruby of a different sort. Like this cushion from SAVED NY x Fee Greening’s collaboration collection. It’s inspired by a mix of sources, including cabinets of curiosities and Medieval, Gothic and Flemish art. It’s made in the US from Mongolian cashmere. And it can be a daily reminder of your gift recipient’s special status as a July baby.
We also love the idea of this faux-ruby bejeweled picture frame from Swarovski and Jay Strongwater ($1,050). Pop in a favorite photo, and you’ve got the perfect July birthday gift.
the best ruby jewelry for a July birthstone gift
Those are our top picks for the best fine and fashion ruby jewelry, including rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, watches and tiaras – that would be perfect birthstone gifts for a July birthday. Or a 40th anniversary! What’s your favorite? And when does the party start?
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
