This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
July Birthstone Baubles
Here are 10 pieces of jewelry that show off the ruby, a gemstone that represents passion, protection and prosperity.

Think about the color red. What words and feelings do you associate with it? Some of our strongest, most intense emotions, right? Passion. Love. Anger. And, perhaps, even a warning of some sort.
Throughout history rubies have held a very high status, with their value connected to these feelings as well as the blood running through our bodies, invigorating our lives with the power they are thought to hold. The gemstones also represent passion, protection and prosperity.
Rubies can command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone, according to the Gemological Institute of America.
In fact, when the 25.59-carat Sunrise Ruby sold for $30.3 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in May 2015, it became the most expensive colored gemstone ever sold at auction.
Rubies are among the top gems of the fine jewelry world, and as the July birthstone are perfectly suited for a romantic birthday gift or, for the person who doesn’t want to wait on someone else, a pretty awesome self-purchase.
Here are 10 pieces of jewelry that demonstrate the beauty and versatility of rubies.
These EF Collection Floating Multi Bezel ear cuffs feature 10 bezel-set rubies each varying in size and set in 14-karat yellow gold ($875 each; sold separately)
EFCollection.com
Meredith Marks’ “Asher” earrings feature rubies made in sterling silver ($1,085).
MeredithMarks.com
This is Ruta Reifen’s 14-karat gold cuff with rubies and pink sapphires ($1,400)
RutaReifen.com
From Little H’s Pearl Geode collection, these earrings feature more than 5 carats of rubies lined in freshwater soufflé pearls and set in 14-karat yellow gold ($1,500).
littlehjewelry.com
These sculptural “Ruby Earrings II” from Baiyang Qiu of BQ Jewelry feature 0.7 carats of ruby set in 18-karat yellow gold ($2,500).
BaiyangJewelry.com
Sydney Evan’s “Large Lips” necklace features pave rubies set in 14-karat rose gold ($3,125).
SydneyEvan.com
The “Skinny Pebbles” ring from Rona Fisher featuring a cushion-cut ruby and rose-cut diamonds is made with 18-karat gold and palladium ($3,250).
RonaFisher.com
This is Jacquie Aiche’s “Ruby Icepick Cluster” necklace, featuring an oval ruby accented with pave diamonds and set in 14-karat rose gold ($4,375).
JacquieAiche.com
Graziela Gems’ ruby “Affinity” ring with white diamonds and 18-karat white gold ($5,950)
GrazielaGems.com
A pair of one-of-a-kind Kimberly McDonald for Gemfields ruby studs featuring the designer’s signature irregular diamond bezels set in 18-karat white gold with black rhodium ($34,550)
KimberlyMcDonald.com
The Latest

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.


The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.