Rubies are precious stones. They come from the same family of gemstones as sapphires and emeralds. Only diamonds are more precious. Rubies are red. Sapphires are blue. Emeralds are green. You say something is as red as a ruby, blue as a sapphire or green as an emerald to show that a colour is really rich. Ruby red is the most intense red you find in nature.

Ruby is the birthstone for July. This is the hottest month of the year in most countries. The traditional poem for ruby says:

The gleaming ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.

Some people believe that the person wearing a ruby will be blessed with great wealth, happiness and love. The wearer is also given protection, as long as the ruby is worn on the left hand or as a brooch on the left side.

Many people link rubies to the idea of fire, blood and power. Some people think rubies also have a dark side that links to sorrow and death. For this reason, you rarely find rubies in an engagement ring or a wedding present!