July Birthstone: Ruby 

Drenched in the color of love and passion, the ruby stands as July's birthstone, deriving its name from the Latin word "ruber," which means red. Belonging to the corundum family alongside sapphires, rubies are celebrated as the most precious variety, often commanding the highest per-carat price among colored gemstones. Across centuries and into the present day, these radiant gems have captivated hearts with their exquisite beauty and profound symbolism, adorning jewelry pieces that transcend generations as cherished gifts and timeless heirlooms. With their enduring allure, rubies continue to symbolize affection and admiration in a way that remains both classic and eternal. Ancient records trace the trade of rubies along the North Silk Road in China as early as 200 B.C. Both Burmese and Chinese warriors adorned their battle armor with rubies, believing these gemstones offered protection and invincibility. In ancient India, the ruby was revered as "ratnaraj," translating to the "king of precious stones," symbolizing youthful energy and power. Medieval European traditions regarded rubies as symbols of good health, wisdom, wealth, and fortune in love. Around 1800, rubies were distinguished from other red gems like garnet and red spinel as a variety of corundum, cementing their status as one of the most prized gemstones.