Lab-grown rubyKite-Cut Stud Lab-Grown Ruby EarringsFrom $449
Kite-cut lab-grown rubies in a modern stud. Also in platinum.
Ruby Jewelry for a 40th Anniversary
Ruby is the 40th anniversary gift on both the traditional list and the gemstone list, so ruby jewelry is the classic choice for forty years. Natural rubies are routinely heat-treated; lab-grown rubies are real ruby, grown in a lab. Below are 10 ruby pieces in four budgets, each labeled natural or lab-grown.
Traditional (US)Ruby40th anniversary. Source: Wikipedia
Gemstone (GIA)RubyAlso the 15th anniversary gemstone. Source: GIA
Hardness9 on the Mohs scaleSecond only to diamond among popular gems. Source: GIA
There is no single authoritative anniversary list, but ruby for the 40th is one of the few years the lists agree on.
Why ruby for the 40th
Ruby is the red variety of corundum, the same mineral as sapphire, and its deep red has long stood for love and devotion. At 9 on the Mohs scale it is tough enough for everyday wear, which suits a gift meant to be worn rather than kept in a box. Ruby also marks the 15th anniversary and is the July birthstone.
Ruby jewelry for a 40th anniversary, by budget
Under $500
$500 to $1,500: ruby necklaces and earrings
- Natural ruby, natural diamondRuby & Diamond Heart Necklace (2mm stone)From $759
A natural ruby and a natural diamond accent in an open heart: the romantic 40th.
- Natural rubiesHeart Natural Ruby EarringsFrom $749
Small natural rubies set in polished gold hearts; the rubies are heat-treated, as is standard.
- Lab-grown rubySolitaire Lab-Grown Ruby NecklaceFrom $979
A 5 mm lab-grown ruby solitaire on a 16 or 18 inch chain. Also in platinum.
- Lab-grown ruby, natural diamondsOval Halo Diamond & Ruby NecklaceFrom $1,209
A lab-grown ruby oval in a halo of natural diamonds.
- Natural rubiesRuby Huggie EarringsFrom $1,219
Ruby huggies that sit close to the ear; natural ruby, routinely heat-treated.
$1,500 to $3,000
- Natural rubyInfinity Bar Ruby NecklaceFrom $1,609
An infinity bar set with natural ruby, for forty years and counting. Also in platinum.
- Natural rubyJuly Ruby Round Solitaire Birthstone NecklaceFrom $1,889
A single round natural ruby on a fine gold chain; heat-treated, as is typical.
$3,000 and up
- Lab-grown rubiesRound Lab-Grown Ruby Tennis BraceletFrom $3,129
A full line of lab-grown rubies around the wrist.
- Natural rubies, natural diamondsDiamond Hoop Natural Ruby Earrings (1/2 ct, 17.2 mm)From $3,159
17.2 mm hoops alternating natural rubies and natural diamonds. Also in platinum.
Natural vs lab-grown ruby
A lab-grown ruby has the same chemistry, hardness and color as a natural one; it is grown in a laboratory rather than mined, and usually costs less. Natural rubies are prized for their origin in the earth and are routinely heat-treated to improve color, a stable and accepted practice. Each product page says which you are buying and what treatment applies.
40th anniversary ruby rings
A ruby band or ring is a lovely 40th gift if you know her size. Rings are made or sized to order and are final sale; see our ruby rings and our ring size chart.
Other 40th anniversary gift ideas
Pair a small ruby piece with something you share: a trip to where you married, or a letter to accompany it. For other years, see our anniversary gifts by year chart, or browse all ruby jewelry.
Shipping and returns
- Shipping: every order ships free and fully insured by UPS Ground. Orders of $500 or more ship by complimentary UPS Express, signature required; under $500, UPS Express is $50.
- Timing: in-stock pieces leave us in 2 to 3 business days and most made-to-order pieces in 5 to 10 business days; some designs take 2 to 8 weeks. Each piece shows its own timing before you buy.
- Returns: necklaces, earrings and bracelets can be returned within 30 days of delivery, unworn and in their original condition and packaging, with a prepaid, insured UPS label.
- Final sale: rings are final sale, because every ring is made or sized to the size you choose. Engraved, personalized and special-order pieces are final sale too.
Full details are on our shipping and returns page.
40th anniversary ruby jewelry: questions
What is the 40th anniversary gemstone?
Ruby. It is the 40th anniversary gift on the traditional US list and the 40th anniversary gemstone on the list GIA publishes. GIA notes that no single list is authoritative.
What other anniversary is ruby?
Ruby is also the 15th anniversary gemstone on the GIA list, and it is the birthstone for July.
Should I choose a natural or lab-grown ruby?
Both are real ruby. Lab-grown ruby is grown in a laboratory and usually costs less for a given size and color; natural ruby formed in the earth and is routinely heat-treated. Every piece we sell is labeled.
Is ruby durable enough to wear every day?
Yes. Ruby is 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond among popular gems. Clean it with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush.
Can a 40th anniversary ruby gift be returned?
Necklaces, earrings and bracelets can be returned within 30 days of delivery, unworn and in original condition. Rings and engraved pieces are final sale.
Methodology & sources
How we chose. Our jewelers shortlisted pieces from the live catalog, then a panel of four reviewers (a merchandiser, a gemologist, a search specialist and our creative director) chose the most appropriate pieces at four budgets. Every pick was checked as active and available to order on the date below; prices on this page update live from each product. Every stone is labeled lab-grown or natural, as it is on the product page. Nobody paid to be included.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wedding anniversary (traditional US gifts); GIA, Years 11 to 20; GIA, Years 21 to 60; GIA, Ruby; Diamond & Sapphire, Shipping & Returns.
Cite this guide
Updated October 25, 2026. Prices shown are live and may change; each piece lists its own timing before checkout.