July’s Birthstone: Radiant Ruby at Lippa’s Estate and Fine Jewelry

There’s something timeless about a ruby. With its deep, passionate red and undeniable allure, the ruby has been cherished for centuries as a symbol of love, vitality, and protection. As the birthstone for July, this fiery gem is the perfect way to celebrate summer birthdays, special anniversaries, or simply to indulge in something vibrant and meaningful.

At Lippa’s Estate and Fine Jewelry, we’re proud to offer a carefully curated collection of ruby jewelry—from antique treasures to more modern estate designs. Whether set in rich yellow gold or paired with other colored gemstones, each ruby in our collection is handpicked for its quality, color, and brilliance.

One of the most famous cases of mistaken identity in the Crown Jewels involves the Black Prince’s Ruby, which is actually a red spinel. For centuries, this large, vivid red gemstone was believed to be a ruby and was set in the Imperial State Crown as a prized symbol of royal power. Spinel and ruby look very similar because both are rich red gemstones, but they are different minerals. It wasn’t until modern gemology developed that the true identity of the Black Prince’s Ruby was confirmed. Despite this, it remains one of the most iconic and storied gems in the British regalia, valued for its beauty and remarkable history.

Rubies are found in several regions around the world, each known for producing gems with unique characteristics. Myanmar (Burma) is historically the most famous source, especially the Mogok Valley, which yields the coveted “pigeon’s blood” rubies of deep, vibrant red and the most valuable. Thailand has long been a major producer, with rubies typically showing darker, more brownish-red tones. Other significant sources include Sri Lanka, known for lighter pinkish-red rubies, and Mozambique, which has become a leading supplier of high-quality, vivid red stones in recent years. Rubies are also mined in Vietnam, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Afghanistan, making them a truly global gemstone with diverse origins and beauty.