When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds often dominate the conversation. But for those looking for something bolder, more meaningful, and undeniably romantic, rubies offer a captivating alternative. With their vibrant red hue and deep historical symbolism, ruby engagement rings are gaining renewed attention among modern couples. Whether you’re marking a timeless romance or a fiery new beginning, take a moment to explore stunning ruby engagement rings and discover why they’re becoming the preferred choice for so many.
The Rich History and Symbolism of Rubies
Rubies have held a place of reverence across multiple cultures for centuries. In ancient India, they were known as the “king of precious stones,” often associated with divine power and worn by royalty and warriors alike. The belief was that rubies could offer protection and even bring victory in battle. In medieval Europe, rubies symbolised wealth, love, and wisdom and were believed to bring good health and fortune to the wearer.
The red colour of rubies isn’t just eye-catching—it’s symbolic. The intense, deep red represents love, passion, vitality, and strength. Unlike diamonds, which are linked with purity and permanence, rubies embody the fire and emotional intensity of a romantic relationship. This makes them an exceptional gemstone for engagement rings, which are meant to reflect the heart of your bond.
Why Choose a Ruby Engagement Ring?
While diamonds remain a traditional and widely accepted choice, rubies provide a more expressive, intimate, and unique alternative. Here are some reasons couples are increasingly choosing ruby engagement rings:
- A bold expression of love: Rubies are perfect for those who want their ring to stand out and reflect their passionate nature.
- Rarity and value: High-quality rubies, especially those that are untreated and have excellent colour, are rarer than diamonds. This exclusivity enhances their appeal.
- Durability: With a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are second only to diamonds, making them suitable for everyday wear.
- Symbolism: Few gemstones are as rich in meaning as the ruby. From representing the heart and love to warding off misfortune, the ruby is steeped in lore and emotion.
How to Choose the Right Ruby Engagement Ring
Selecting the right ruby ring involves more than just liking how it looks. Understanding the gem’s quality, origin, and cut is essential to making a purchase that is both meaningful and valuable.
- Focus on Colour First
Colour is the most important factor in a ruby’s appeal. The ideal ruby has a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish-red colour. The most sought-after shade is known as “pigeon blood red,” which is rich and vivid without being too dark.
When evaluating colour, consider:
- Hue: The primary red colour should dominate, without overwhelming secondary hues like brown or orange.
- Tone: Medium to medium-dark tones are the most visually pleasing.
- Saturation: High saturation gives rubies their eye-catching intensity.
- Understand Ruby Clarity
Unlike diamonds, rubies often contain natural inclusions. In fact, finding a completely flawless ruby is extremely rare. These inclusions can actually help identify the gem as natural and untreated.
Look for:
- Transparency: Even if a ruby has inclusions, it should still appear transparent and allow light to pass through.
- Minimal visual impact: Choose a ruby where the inclusions don’t detract from its beauty.
- Choose the Right Cut
Rubies are typically cut to enhance colour and minimise the visibility of inclusions, rather than to maximise brilliance. Popular cuts include oval, cushion, pear, and round. A well-cut ruby will display consistent colour across its surface and offer a pleasing shape that complements the hand.
- Consider Carat Weight
Because rubies are denser than diamonds, a 1-carat ruby may look slightly smaller than a 1-carat diamond. When choosing carat weight, balance size with quality—often, a smaller, more vibrant ruby will be more striking than a larger, dull one.
Best Settings for Ruby Engagement Rings
The setting of an engagement ring plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and practicality. When it comes to ruby engagement rings, several settings can enhance their natural beauty:
- Halo setting: Surrounding a ruby with small diamonds amplifies its brilliance and creates a stunning contrast.
- Three-stone setting: Featuring a ruby with two side stones, often diamonds or sapphires, symbolises past, present, and future.
- Vintage setting: Ornate and intricate designs often suit the romantic feel of rubies.
- Solitaire setting: For a minimalist approach, a single ruby in a simple band lets the gemstone take centre stage.
Choosing the Right Metal
The metal you pair with your ruby can dramatically change the ring’s overall appearance:
- Yellow gold: Warms up the red tones and gives the ring a regal, timeless look.
- White gold or platinum: Provides contrast and makes the red pop vividly—perfect for a modern, sophisticated style.
- Rose gold: Offers a soft, romantic touch that complements the ruby’s fiery character.
Treated vs. Untreated Rubies: What You Should Know
Most rubies on the market have undergone some form of treatment to enhance their colour or clarity. The most common and accepted treatment is heat treatment, which is permanent and does not impact durability. However, rubies that have been filled with glass or dyed can be less valuable and more fragile.
Always ask for:
- Treatment disclosure: Reputable jewellers will tell you if a ruby has been treated and how.
- Certification: Request a gemological report from a trusted authority like GIA or AGL to confirm the stone’s authenticity and treatment history.
Caring for Your Ruby Engagement Ring
Rubies are durable, but proper care will keep your ring beautiful for generations:
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, especially for treated stones.
- Store your ring separately in a soft pouch to prevent scratches.
- Have your setting checked periodically by a jeweller to ensure the stone is secure.
Celebrities and Historical Love for Rubies
Rubies have long been loved by royalty and celebrities. Princess Margaret wore a ruby engagement ring given to her by Antony Armstrong-Jones, and rubies are frequently seen on red carpets worn by stars like Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson. Their presence in high-profile romances only reinforces the ruby’s status as a gemstone of enduring passion and elegance.
A Gemstone That Tells Your Story
Unlike mass-produced diamond rings, ruby engagement rings feel unique and deeply personal. Whether you’re choosing from a curated collection or opting for a custom design, ruby rings offer a rich, vibrant way to express your love story. When you’re ready to find something that truly speaks to your heart, it’s time to explore stunning ruby engagement rings that go beyond convention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why choose a ruby engagement ring over a diamond?
Rubies offer a more expressive and emotionally rich alternative to diamonds. While diamonds symbolise clarity and endurance, rubies represent passion, love, and vitality. Their vibrant red hue and rarity make them a unique choice for couples who want their engagement ring to stand out.
Q2: Are ruby engagement rings durable enough for everyday wear?
Yes, rubies are one of the hardest gemstones, scoring 9 on the Mohs scale—just below diamonds. This makes them highly durable and suitable for daily wear, provided they are properly set and maintained.
Q3: What is the most desirable colour for a ruby?
The most prized ruby colour is known as “pigeon blood red.” This refers to a vivid, pure red with a hint of blue undertone. However, rubies also come in a range of red shades, and personal preference plays a key role in choosing the right one.
Q4: How do I know if a ruby has been treated?
Most rubies undergo heat treatment to enhance their colour and clarity, which is considered acceptable in the industry. Always ask for a gemstone certificate from a reputable lab, which will disclose any treatments applied to the ruby.
Q5: Which metal looks best with rubies?
Rubies pair beautifully with several metals. Yellow gold enhances their warm tones for a classic look, white gold or platinum creates a modern contrast, and rose gold adds a soft, romantic feel. The choice depends on your personal style and skin tone.
Final Thoughts
A ruby engagement ring is more than just a stunning piece of jewellery—it’s a bold expression of love, individuality, and timeless elegance. Whether you’re captivated by its fiery red hue or moved by its rich symbolism, choosing a ruby ring is a powerful way to honour your unique love story. Don’t settle for ordinary when you can explore stunning ruby engagement rings that truly speak to your heart.
