July is for Rubies: Beautiful Jewelry Featuring this Month’s Birthstone

Rubies, the birthstone for July, have been among the most coveted of gemstones for over two millennia, almost since humans first learned how to polish and set hard stones in precious metal jewelry. They range from pinkish tones to the intense blood red of the Burma ruby. Famous examples include Elizabeth Taylor’s 8.24-carat ring that sold, which Richard Burton placed in her Christmas stocking. Then there are examples known for size and purity, such as the Estrela de Fura ruby, which smashed auction records at Sotheby’s when it sold for $34.8 million in 2023. At a 9 on Moh’s scale of hardness—diamonds being a 10—the ruby is eminently practical for daily wear. It can take the stress of being worn on the hands, where bracelets and rings made with softer stones are often prone to chipping without careful attention. That’s why the ruby is a fine alternative to the diamond as an engagement ring centerpiece for those who prefer colored gemstones.

Here is a Galerie guide to some favorite pieces that put July’s brilliant red birthstone front and center.

Coquilles Mystérieuses Bracelet | Van Cleef & Arpels

Featuring rubies set in Van Cleef & Arpels’ renowned invisible setting, the pink and white gold Coquilles Mystérieuses bracelet is from the haute joaillerie collection L’Île au Trésor, inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. The shell motif plays to the maritime theme in a bracelet fit for any pirate chest.

Forget-Me-Not Ruby and Diamond Twin Ring | Harry Winston

The Forget-Me-Not line is a relatively recent addition to the Harry Winston family, having arrived in 2017. However, the designs that inspired it go all the way back to archival drawings of the 1960s. The six pear-shaped rubies in the top flower weigh approximately .95 carats, while the eight diamonds total about 1.17 carats. Consider it as a cocktail ring, or to sit on the middle finger in conversation with a wedding and engagement band setup.

Nautilus Haute Joallerie 7118/1452G-001 | Patek Phillipe

The Nautilus Haute Joallerie 7118/1452G-001 watch from Patek Phillipe in rubies and diamonds utilizes the uniquely dazzling “snow setting,” in which the placement of the stones appears randomized but is clearly anything but. The case, dial, bezel, and bracelet are fully paved, with 12 small rubies to mark the hours. Turn it over, and the mesmerizing Patek movement is visible through the sapphire crystal back case.

Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Earrings | Graff

These teardrop ruby and diamond waterfall earrings from Graff, set in white gold, are best for when the show must be brought to a stop firmly. They exemplify timeless restraint with their cascade of light-catching stones totaling 9.16 carats of rubies and 3.94 carats of diamonds.

Cartier

Deceptively simple and ultimately elegant, these oval ruby, diamond, and platinum studs from Cartier let July’s birthstone take center stage. Relying on proportion and chromatic vividness perfection rather than deliberate ostentation, they are a study in attention to detail; Cartier painstakingly matches the stones in the earrings. They seem destined to become the kind of heirloom that sees the most real wear.

Ruby Mira Ring | Elie Top

A 2026 Creative Mind, Yves Saint Laurent-educated Elie Top is known for blending Art Deco and Baroque styles with a contemporary spin. The Ruby Mira Ring, seen here, is a playful twist on the traditional halo setting. Close the rotating top, and there’s a gold dome with some interesting side embellishments. Open it, and there’s a saturated red July birthstone surrounded by diamonds, winking away.

The Gianna Bracelet with Diamonds and Rubies | Single Stone

Los Angeles-based Single Stone also makes a sapphire version of the Gianna bracelet, but that can wait for September. There’s a plain 18k version to match if this one feels lonely. The husband and wife team of owners Ari and Corina Madilian let the natural beauty of their starting stones whisper the way for the design

Diva’s Dream Watch | Bulgari

Sometimes a watch’s first purpose is beauty, even when it can tell time perfectly well. Function has been fully attended to. It is time to think about form. That is the case with the stunning new-in-2026 Diva’s Dream Watch from Bulgari, which is really jewelry first and a timepiece second. It is a fine addition to the collection of the jewelry lover who is already a fan of the iconic Diva’s Dream line, as seen in this ruby, diamond, and rose gold necklace.

Small Ruby Nona Earrings | Prounis

Taking inspiration from the classical world in buttery 22k gold, the Small Ruby Nona Earrings feature a nine-granule motif in the post before dropping to a dainty gemstone tear-shaped dangle. Founder Jean Prounis is inspired by Ancient Greece and her great-grandparents’ 1940s nightclub.

Merveilles Icicle—Ruby Medium Pendant | Boghossian

Geneva-based Boghossian patterned the Merveilles Icicle style after light pillars. The gemstones in the 5.91-carat ruby pendant are set near-invisibly in rose gold. Matching earrings are available too.

Bespoke Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet | Jemma Wynne

This bezel-set diamond and ruby centerpiece bracelet in 18k white gold is available by special order only through Jemma Wynne. The New York brand gravitates towards casual luxury and can be found at stockists including Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

Ruby Confetti Ring | Polly Wales

Polly Wales’ stock in trade is the unique “cast not set” method, which uses a version of the ancient lost wax technique. Gemstones like the rubies in the confetti ring are embedded into wax, which is replaced as molten 18k gold is poured over them into the surrounding molds. Each resulting jewelry piece is one-of-a-kind.

Ruby Safety Pin Earring | Anita Ko

A little bit punk, the irreverent ruby pavé safety pin earring from Anita Ko can also double as a pin on occasion. The ingenious individually sold accessory opens and closes like a safety pin too, and is available in both right ear and left ear options to make sure that the sparkly side always faces out.