July is here and this month’s birthstone is the ruby. A birthstone piece of jewelry is an opportunity to represent a little bit about yourself in your outfit. The ruby is a red stone that varies in depth and is considered a precious stone. July birthstone jewelry is available in sets, earrings, necklaces and a variety of settings.
From a novice standpoint, these two distinguished gemstone types are nearly impossible to set apart, visually. Only small differences can be found between a lab-created and a natural stone and exclusively by experts. Lab-created stones are grown in conditions similar to their natural counterparts.
Natural stones are more expensive than lab-created stones, but they do hold their value if you are looking to invest in a piece of jewelry. If you travel often and don’t want to lose your jewelry, or are shopping on a budget, lab-created stones are a suitable choice.
Gemstones are weighed in carats, a unit of mass specifically used for them. One carat equated to about 200 milligrams. The more carats, the more expensive isn’t always the truth when it comes to quality. A gemstone with less carats still can have a higher clarity or more quality cut. Just the same, a gemstone with high carats may weigh more, but lacks dimension and is cheaply cut.
Before purchasing any jewelry piece, assess your skin sensitivity. If you tend to have adverse reactions to certain metals, opt for a nickel-free or sterling silver jewelry piece. These are gentle materials and will prevent any infections or allergic reactions.
Gemlanto 925 Sterling Silver Created Ruby Necklace
This necklace features a lobster clasp and has an adjustable chain to customize the length. This is a hypoallergenic, lead- and nickel-free chain ideal for sensitive skin. In the middle of the infinity pendant is a round ruby gemstone.
Sold by Amazon
Birthstone Gemstone & Diamond Accent Heart Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver
With an 18-inch chain, this heart-shaped pendant holds a lab-created ruby heart accented by diamonds. The ruby measures 1.66 carats and has been treated to enhance its aesthetic qualities. The spring ring clasp and fine rope chain make it a dainty, yet sturdy choice.
Sold by Macy's
Ruby & Diamond 18-inch Pendant Necklace in 14-karat Rose Gold
This teardrop-shaped pendant is set in 14-karat rose gold and framed with one-fourth of a carat of diamonds. At the center of this pendant, sits the ruby birthstone which has been treated to improve its brilliance. The ruby birthstone comes in at 1.25 carats and the necklace length sits at 18 inches.
Sold by Macy's
Ruby & Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 14-karat Gold Over Sterling Silver
Three and one-eighth carats of rubies are set next to the one-eighth carat of diamonds on this bangle bracelet which has a diameter of about two- or three-eighths of an inch. The stones are cut in an oval and round shape and alternate between rubies and diamonds.
Sold by Macy's
Alex and Ani Birthstones Expandable Bangle
This bangle bracelet is one size and expands from 2 to 3.5 inches wide to fit the wrist of its wearer. Choose between a gold or silver finish on the brass and copper nickel-free band. Austrian Light Siam crystals are used for the rubylike center stone and mimic the quality of a natural ruby.
Sold by Amazon
Lab-Created Ruby & White Sapphire Bolo Bracelet in Sterling Silver
With a bolo style adjustable band, you can customize your fit and boast the rubies and white sapphires that line the exterior. This bracelet uses five-eighths of a carat worth of lab-created white sapphires and an equal amount of lab-created rubies.
Sold by Macy's
Macy’s Birthstone Stud Earrings in 14-karat Gold
These earrings have one and one-third carats worth of lab-created rubies set in 14-karat gold settings. Pushback style earring closures secure these onto your lobe. A 14-karat white gold setting is also offered.
Sold by Macy’s
Ruby and Cubic Zirconia Halo Stud Earrings in 18-karat Gold-Plated Sterling Silver
One and one-fifth carats of rubies are centered around cubic zirconia, making a floral-shaped stud. The gold-plated setting adds small gold details in and around the flower stud, adding dimension and color to the simple design.
Sold by Macy's
Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings in 14-karat Yellow Gold
Heavily inspired by vintage jewelry, these earrings carry a 1.33-carat oval ruby decorated with elegant round diamond studs. These earrings feature a post-back closure and are a half inch in diameter, giving them a pronounced and formal, but not overstated appearance.
Sold by Macy's
Macy’s Crystal Birthstone Stackable Ring
One carat’s worth of Swarovski crystal rubies are set in this sterling silver ring and run across the entire exterior of the band. With an approximate 3-millimeter width, this ring has a slimmer and minimal design that is suitable for layering with other rings.
Sold by Macy’s
Traditions Jewelry Company Sterling Silver Crystal Birthstone Rondelle Charm
With its simple ruby-like crystals lined on a sterling silver band, this charm can be added to any chain necklace or bracelet. The setting is rhodium-plated, making it more durable than its original sterling silver base.
Sold by Kohl’s
Lab-created Ruby and White Sapphire Ring in 14-karat Gold-plated Sterling Silver
This ring features a 2.5-carat lab-created ruby at the center that is complemented by several round white sapphires, at a one-half carat total. The white sapphires create a border around the ruby as well as line part of the band, making it an elegant, yet eye-catching accessory.
Sold by Macy's
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Isabella Acitelli writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
