It was Diamonds in the Library‘s Becky Stone who recently put it best: “I never used to appreciate rubies, but that’s because I used to be an idiot.” While I laughed out loud at that statement, I can definitely relate; rubies just aren’t typically my thing. And perhaps it will never be my favorite gemstone—and that’s OK!—but an appreciation for them is necessary.

Is there a color more passionate than red? If there is, I haven’t seen it. Dorothy’s slippers were ruby for a reason. When we’re angry, it’s the color red we see for a reason. When we’re in love, we draw red hearts (or, ya know, text the red-heart emoji) for a reason— because red is the most intense, most passionate hue there is. No stone wears red better than ruby.

While not every piece of ruby jewelry will feature a multimillion-dollar stone (ruby can command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone, I learned from GIA), each and every piece featuring that precious stone can convey plenty of emotion. As we celebrate the month of ruby this July, it’s perhaps an even better idea to acknowledge the awesome power of the fiery gem every month of the year. Start with these.

Dome ring in 18k white gold with 2.28 cts. t.w. rubies and 0.9 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Lord Jewelry

Ring in platinum and 18k yellow gold with 7.07 ct. Mozambique ruby, 3.1 cts. t.w. round rubies, 0.15 ct. t.w. fancy yellow diamonds, and 0.48 ct. t.w. diamonds, $700,000; Omi Privé

 Ruby Slice collection ring in 18k rose gold with 6 ct. ruby slice, 1 ct. t.w. rubies, and 1 ct. t.w. diamonds, $5,000; Sutra

Oval ring in 18k white and yellow gold with 6.72 ct. ruby and 0.67 ct. t.w. diamonds, $9,000; Trésor

Ring in 18k yellow gold with 5.96 cts. t.w. rubies, $6,626; ZDNY

Ring in palladium and 18k rose gold with 4.15 ct. ruby, 3.41 cts. t.w. black diamonds, and 1.11 cts. t.w. diamonds, $19,905; Zorab Atelier

Ring in 18k white gold with 0.61 ct. ruby and 0.4 ct. t.w. diamonds, $3,509; Beverley K

Ring in 18k white and yellow gold with 16.26 ct. ruby cabochon and 8.34 cts. t.w. black and fancy yellow diamonds, price on request; Andreoli

Ring in platinum with 1.38 ct. emerald-cut ruby, 0.64 ct. t.w. emerald-cut diamonds, and 0.28 ct. t.w. round pink diamonds, $14,450; Leibish & Co.

Three-stone ring in platinum with 9.1 ct. cushion-cut ruby, 2.03 cts. t.w. half moon diamonds, and 0.57 ct. t.w. round diamonds, $590,000; John Buechner (Also at top)

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