All Things Desiderate ... Blog

Ancient warriors embedded them into their skin before battle. Elizabeth Taylor collected them. Dorothy's slippers were originally silver until someone realised ruby would look better on film.

And right now in 2026, ruby is having its biggest moment in decades.

Here's everything you actually need to know about July's most spectacular birthstone.

Jade has been worn for over 7,000 years for protection, good luck, and prosperity, and now you can slide one onto your wrist for a Sunday afternoon at Westfield.

We love that for us.

But before you buy, there are a few things you really need to know. How to tell if it's real, what the colour means, how to actually get it on without dislocating your thumb, and why the $15 one on eBay is not the bargain it looks like.