Behind the Stones: Rubies & Their Radiant Kin

Few gemstones carry the weight of history and passion quite like the ruby. Long associated with love, courage and vitality, rubies have been treasured for centuries—from ancient warriors who believed they held the power of life to royalty who adorned crowns with their fiery glow.

At Sophie Breitmeyer, rubies are treated with the reverence they deserve. Rather than appearing in every edit, they are thoughtfully chosen for designs that celebrate their heritage charm, most notably in our antique-inspired jewels. These pieces are a natural home for rubies, whose old-world glamour and enduring symbolism lend themselves perfectly to heirloom-style jewellery.

A Stone of Symbolism

Across cultures and centuries, rubies have been seen as a symbol of love, strength and protection. Ancient Burmese warriors believed they made them invincible in battle, while in medieval Europe, they were thought to attract prosperity and guard against harm. Above all, rubies have always been associated with the heart, making them a fitting choice for sentimental jewellery, from engagement rings to anniversary gifts.

Made for Memory-Making

You’ll find rubies woven into some of our most timeless designs, including our Heritage Stacking Rings and Star Set Eternity Rings, where they glow brightly against warm 9 carat yellow gold. These antique-inspired styles are the perfect canvas for a gemstone so steeped in heritage.

“Rubies feel naturally at home in heritage-style settings,” says Sophie. “Their colour, their symbolism—there’s just something about them that gives a piece instant history.”

For something more personal, rubies can also be used to personalise pendants, chains and bracelets, to mark a birth month, celebrate a milestone or simply honour a love of this storied stone.

Kindred Colours

When it comes to warm, romantic hues, rubies are only part of the story. At SB, we often turn to pink sapphires, garnets and spinels—gemstones that share ruby’s richness but offer a slightly different tone, mood or sparkle.

• Pink sapphires, with their softer blush tones, feel modern and playful. They’re perfect if you’re looking for something less traditional yet still symbolic of love and tenderness.
• Tourmalines come in a spectrum of pinks and reds, from delicate rose to deep raspberry. Their vibrant colour and relative durability make them a favourite for everyday wear.
  
• Garnets offer a deeper, wine-like hue, full of depth and intensity but with an earthy, grounded feel.

  Each of these stones brings something distinctive to the table, and Sophie loves working with them precisely because of their different nuances and personalities.

  
  
  
  

   

  The Colour of Feeling
  Red gemstones are some of the most emotionally charged, linked to everything from passion and power to protection and prosperity. Rubies may be the traditional birthstone for July, but the warmth and symbolism of red and pink gems can speak to anyone, at any time of year. Whether you’re drawn to a ruby’s depth or the delicate sparkle of a pink sapphire, choosing a red-toned stone is often about celebrating an emotion—something close to the heart.

  Ruby Rarity
  One reason you’ll find fewer rubies at Sophie Breitmeyer is their rarity, particularly when it comes to sourcing stones that meet our standards for character and beauty. Fine rubies are increasingly hard to come by and often come at a premium. By contrast, pink sapphires, garnets and tourmalines offer more variety and versatility while still delivering bold colour.

  Jewels with Heart
  With their velvety depth and unmistakable presence, rubies make striking centrepieces, whether in a bespoke engagement ring or a custom commission. Clients can collaborate with Sophie to create a one-of-a-kind design, with rubies often chosen for their ties to love, passion and resilience. Whether it’s the colour, the symbolism or the story they tell, rubies are never just decorative—they’re expressive, personal and full of meaning.

  So, whether you're a July baby looking for a ruby birthstone jewel or someone drawn to the symbolism of red gemstones, Sophie’s curated palette of pinks and reds offers plenty to fall in love with.