Birthstones
Ruby
Signifying devotion and courage, rubies are the colour of love. As one of the hardest gemstones second only to diamond, they are often chosen as a romantic gift or as a stone in an engagement ring due to their durability.
Ruby is the red form of the mineral corundum – other colours of corundum are known as sapphires – and is one of the most valued gemstones on earth. A Burmese ruby is a name given to a ruby of the highest quality; although a Burmese ruby will not necessarily come from Burma, the name has become synonymous with quality. For a long time India was regarded as the ruby's classical country of origin, but rubies are found in mines in Vietnam, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania.
In some birthstone calendars Onyx is also associated with July.
To ensure that your birthstones stay looking as beautiful as ever, follow the Annoushka jewellery guide to Jewellery Care Gemstones >
