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History & Mythology of Ruby
Ruby was treasured by ancient cultures, believed to possess the spirit of life itself for its likeness to blood with its bold red color. Known as the “king of precious stones” in the ancient Sanskrit language, rubies were believed to grant their wearers protection. Today, ruby is an enduring symbol of honor, passion and bravery, making it a bold engagement ring choice.
Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons / Cropped from original
Mineral: Corundum
Origins: Myanmar, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Nepal
Symbols: Wealth, Passion, Inspiration
Properties: Protection
What does a ruby engagement ring symbolize?
With its signature crimson color, it’s also recognized as a modern expression of love and romance. Associated with heightened sensuality and desire, this gemstone is believed to inspire loyalty and cultivate life-long devotion and commitment between partners.
What to Look for in a Ruby Engagement Ring
If the majestic ruby has captured your heart, you’re in good company. Worn by the likes of Jessica Simpson with her romantic trinity stone design and Katy Perry who flaunts a dazzling, floral inspiration, rubies are a fresh and modern alternative to diamonds. As you browse ruby engagement rings to find your forever ring, here are some characteristics to keep in mind.
Color
One of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting your ruby engagement ring is the gemstone’s color. The breathtaking ruby is admired for its lush tones ranging from pure red and russet variations to deep purplish reds.The more richly saturated a ruby’s color, the higher its value. Lighter, ethereal shades of ruby are actually classified as pink sapphires and offer a unique option as well.
Cut
A gemstone’s cut is integral to showcasing its color and quality. Indications of a well-cut ruby reveal that the majority of the raw stone has been preserved and features proper symmetry. To amplify its shine, ruby should be faceted in a manner that enhances its light reflective qualities. Examples of cuts that beautifully show off the allure of ruby are a step cut and brilliant cut.
Shape
While ruby is ravishing in a variety of shapes, certain shapes accentuate its striking color and luster. Round is a popular shape for rubies, commonly seen in solitaire settings for engagement rings, followed by oval and cushion cut. Other desirable shapes for rubies include emerald, octagon and, of course, a heart shape as a romantic expression of love.
Metals
A variety of metal settings will complement ruby engagement rings. Warmer-toned golds such as yellow gold and rose gold pair beautifully with rubies, creating a vintage-style appeal. For an eye-catching look that enhances the vibrancy of ruby’s dramatic red hues, choose a cooler toned metal such as white gold or platinum.
HARDNESS & WEARABILITY
With a rating of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, ruby is second only to diamonds in its resilience, making it suitable for everyday wear and a great choice for engagement rings. While ruby is more durable compared to other gemstones, it’s still important that you take proper care of your ruby engagement ring to help maintain its scintillating sparkle for years to come.
Setting
The setting is fundamental to ensuring an engagement ring’s center stone stays secured in place while also displaying the gem’s beauty. Because rubies are more durable than other gemstones, they are safe to secure in many different settings, including prong and bezel settings that hold the gemstone in place while showing off their brilliance.
Accent Diamonds or Gemstones
Create an exquisite and unique expression of your love that speaks to your personal style with various accent designs. To enhance the captivating luster of your ruby engagement ring, add a halo of pavé diamond stones for a look that exudes royal elegance.
For an additional burst of color, consider colored gemstone accents. Ruby plays gorgeously against a pink sapphire and will create a mesmerizing, feminine glow when set in yellow or rose gold. For an extraordinary combination of color and contrast, an amethyst accent next to your ruby is an excellent choice as well.
Style
Create a symbol of your commitment to your partner that showcases their personal style. For a sophisticated style, an elegant pear shaped ruby set in luminous white gold or platinum is an excellent choice. If you want a look that exudes nostalgic romance, consider a three-stone design with an oval-shaped ruby at the center, a pavé diamond halo and rectangular rubies flanked on either side set in gleaming yellow gold.
Ruby Engagement Ring Buying Tips
It’s our passion to help you choose an engagement ring that creates the perfect expression of the love you and your partner share. As you search for your ideal ruby engagement ring, here are some things to take note of.
1
Know Your Budget - Determine your budget prior to making your purchase. Keep in mind that more deeply colored variations of ruby are more highly coveted and pricier than lighter forms of ruby, which are just as beautiful and special.
2
Know Your Ring Size - Because an engagement ring is a symbol of love that you plan on wearing forever, it’s important you determine your ring size prior to shopping to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.
3
Understand the Care Your Ruby Needs - Proper gemstone care and cleaning is always important. Even though ruby is harder and more durable than other gemstones, it’s still important to take precautions to protect it from damage so it maintains its dazzling shine for decades to come.
4
Consider Personalizing Your Ring - Capture your desired look while enhancing the beauty of your ruby engagement ring with personalizations such as an engraving, gemstone accents or a unique, mixed-metal band that showcases your personal style.
5
Choose a Reputable Retailer - When searching for a reputable retailer you can trust, look for detailed product descriptions and a fair return policy to be sure you are getting the highest quality selection of gemstones and service.
Learn More About Gemstone Engagement Rings
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