MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
EditorsJul 05, 2016
July Birthstone Baubles
Here are 10 pieces of jewelry that show off the ruby, a gemstone that represents passion, protection and prosperity.
Ruby’s signature red hue, like that these earrings from Kimberly McDonald, evokes such emotions as passion, love and anger.
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
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
