Ruby is the accepted birthstone for July.

   Ruby: Celebrated in the Bible and in ancient Sanskrit writings as the most precious of all gemstones, to this day, no red gemstone can compare to its fiery, rich hues.

    Its brilliant colors has been associated with passion and love, making Ruby an ideal choice for an engagement ring. Ruby is the red variety of the corundum mineral species, while all other colors of corundum are called Sapphire.

    The finest rubies emanate from Burma, having been mined there since ancient times. Other sources include Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Afghanistan and India. Ruby is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because of its rarity and beauty. Derived from the Latin word "ruber", it simply means red.

    This most sought after gemstone is available in a range of red hues, from purplish and bluish red to orangish red. Ruby is readily available in sizes up to 2 carats, but larger sizes can be obtained. However, in its finest quality, any size Ruby can be scare. In readily available small sizes, Ruby makes an excellent accent gemstone because of its intense, pure red color. or.