July Birthstone Charm · Lab-Grown Ruby in 14K Yellow Gold

This is a solid 14K yellow gold charm set with a 4mm round lab-grown ruby, July’s birthstone, in a polished bezel. It is sold as a charm; the chain is not included.

The piece

• Metal: Solid 14K yellow gold, never plated or filled
• Stone: 4mm round lab-grown ruby (lab-grown: the same chemistry and crystal structure as the mined stone)
• Setting: Bezel
• Size: About 14.5 x 4.8 mm
• Bail opening: 4.2 x 2.8 mm
• Chain: Not included
• Made: In the USA
• Returns: Eligible under our return policy (stock design, never engraved or sized)

The stone

Ruby is red corundum, colored by chromium, the same element that makes it glow under ultraviolet light. In Sanskrit it was called ratnaraj, “king of precious stones.” More in our guide to ruby, July’s birthstone.

A gemologist’s note

Lab-grown ruby is corundum with the same chromium color as a mined ruby. Most mined rubies are heated to improve their color; a lab-grown ruby typically reaches this red without treatment.

Care

Ruby is a 9 on the hardness scale, second only to diamond. Clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then dry with a soft cloth. Take it off before swimming, cleaning with chemicals or applying lotion.