July’s birthstone is the ruby, considered one of the four precious stones, along with the sapphire, emerald, and diamond. Its range of deep red shades – the most valuable of which is known as “pigeon’s blood” – has long been associated with royalty: the Sanskrit word for ruby, ratnaraj, loosely translates to “king of the gemstones.”

While genuine ruby beads can be costly and hard to come by, you don’t have to be royalty to enjoy the glamour, fire, and passion of ruby reds. For an earthier look, try red coral. Or, if you prefer a little more sparkle, pair our ruby red celebrity crystals with gunmetal chain for a dramatic look.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby

http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/ruby.html