Of all the world's precious gemstones, few command attention as immediately — or as powerfully — as the ruby. Its colour, a deep saturated red that can range from cool rose to the dark warmth of a glowing ember, has made it one of the most desired stones in human history. July's birthstone is entirely fitting for the month: vivid, passionate, and full of fire.
The Ruby Through Ancient History
Ruby's history as a treasured stone stretches back at least two thousand years. The Burmese, who have mined rubies in the Mogok Valley for centuries, believed that rubies burned with an inner fire that could not be extinguished. Warriors embedded rubies into their flesh before battle, believing the stone conferred invincibility.
In ancient India, the ruby was known as ratnaraj — king of precious stones. Medieval Europeans believed rubies could preserve health, protect chastity, and warn their owner of danger by turning dark.
The Meaning of the Ruby: Love, Vitality, and Courage
Throughout history, the ruby has been most consistently associated with love, vitality, and courage. In the Victorian language of gems, a ruby communicated passionate love. Rubies are the traditional gift for the 40th wedding anniversary — a powerful symbol of a love that has deepened over four decades.
Victorian and Edwardian Ruby Jewellery
In the Victorian period, rubies were popular in acrostic designs — a ring spelling 'REGARD' using Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, and Diamond was a common Victorian love token.
In the Edwardian era, rubies were frequently set alongside diamonds in delicate platinum mounts, their warm colour providing a striking contrast to the cool white of the metal and stones.
Art Deco Rubies: Red Fire in Geometric Settings
The Art Deco period embraced rubies with particular enthusiasm. Calibré-cut rubies, shaped to fit precise geometric outlines, appeared in rings, bracelets, and brooches of great sophistication. Art Deco ruby and diamond pieces are among the most sought-after antique jewellery items on the market today.
What to Look for in Antique Ruby Jewellery
When considering antique ruby jewellery, colour is everything. The most prized rubies display 'pigeon's blood' colour — a vivid, slightly bluish-red with strong saturation. Antique rubies, set long before modern enhancement techniques, are often in their natural, unenhanced state, adding to their value and interest.
Discover Antique Ruby Jewellery at Friar House
Our collection of antique ruby rings and ruby jewellery spans the full sweep of antique and vintage styles. Visit us in Battle, East Sussex, or browse our collection online — with free, fully insured worldwide shipping.
