The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
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

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.


Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.