A ruby ring is the top trend in rings.  How do you choose the right one? Read More: As trends go, year after year, the popularity of ruby rings, and ruby and diamond rings are constantly soaring.  Across the industry, this trend is being reported.  So, now that you have decided upon a ruby ring, here are some tips to help you choose the best ring, for yourself or that special person.

Metal:

First and foremost, yellow gold or white gold, 10k or 14k, platinum, if affordability is not an issue.  Your choice of metal will depend upon the preference of wearer.  Both yellow gold finish and white gold finish are equally popular.  If you know the person, observe what kind they usually wear 10k and 14k are gold standards, 10k being more affordable than 14k.

Solitaire ruby or ruby and diamond ring:

If going for a solitaire ruby, the cut and shape of ruby becomes most important.  Most popular are cushion rubies, but other shapes also have their niche.  Deciding the shape not only depends upon preference, but also hand types.  Discussing on chat is a good idea.  If buying a ruby and diamond ring, be aware that this is a popular choice among women.  Choose the best quality of ruby you can afford, even if it is slightly smaller in size.  It pays off in the long run.

Three stone and five stone ruby rings:

Also known as past present and future rings, three stone ruby rings are very popular, symbolic of the past that a couple has shared, the present that they have, and the future they hope for.  Among these, some people prefer all three stones to be rubies, while some prefer two smaller diamonds flanking the centre stone ruby.  Five stone ruby rings became very trendy with some of the best known names popularizing them.  These seldom have all the five stones to be rubies, and variations of designs are often seen here.  It comes to maximum personal appeal.

Design your own:

This is the best that online buying offers you.  Be in the designer driving seat and put more of yourself in the ring by designing it yourself.  Choose the ruby, choose the diamonds, select the mount; and if you don't like what comes up, try again.  Great fun too.

Eternity rings:

These are rings with gemstones, of the same cut and size, set in one row all around the ring.  The rubies are usually round or square, and the setting is prongs or a channel.  When the stones do not continue around the entire ring, but stop halfway around the circle, it is called a half-eternity ring.

Cluster Ruby rings:

These are rings with a group of rubies in a cluster setting, forming the focal point of the ring.  The combined effect, from a slight distance, is that of a single large ruby.  The cluster setting usually consists of one larger stone (usually round or oval) in the center encircled by smaller stones.  Very popular these days.

Shape of ruby:

Ring styles are further classified by the shape of the ruby.  Gemstones are cut to maintain maximum weight while exhibiting optimal color and brilliance.  A well cut ruby is able to handle the play of light.  The gem comes alive and sparkles as light waltzes across the facets.  Don't let anyone confuse you that cut refers to the shape.  Shape refers to the physical form of the stone.  And cut determines how well the shape has been executed.  Most common and popular cuts of gemstones in rings are as under:

• Settings: Often, the ring description uses setting terminology to describe a ring.  Most popular settings are as under.
• Bar: A piece of metal set between gemstones to hold them securely in place is called a bar.
• Bezel: A bezel setting has a metal rim that fits around the gemstone at the circumference to securely hold it in place.
• Half bezel: This setting has the bezel formed as a semi-circle.
• Channel: The channel setting is a groove or valley in a metal band that holds a row of stones between two parallel bars.  The stones are next to each other without any metal bars between them.
• Invisible: The invisible setting showcases several rows of stones without any metal which interrupts the pattern.  The gemstones are set with special grooves cut into them into a band.  The gemstones rest secure in the band, and the metal underneath them is invisible.
• Pave: This setting has tiny balls (10, 14, 18 K or platinum) to secure many gemstones in a pattern.  Pave settings create the look of a path or field of gemstones.  It has a high sparkle factor.
• Prong: A prong is a metal claw that protrudes from the band to clasp the gemstone and hold it secure.  It is the most widely used setting.  Prongs are best suited for showcasing large gemstones.  For solitaire rings, usually four to six prongs are used.  The number of prongs relates to the current style, security of the stone and ring design.  There is also a special prong called a "V" prong, often used for princess shape stones.

Size:

This is a good bouncer for many.  The best bet is to 'borrow' a ring and determine size with ring sizer.  A wider band can be worn more loosely.  Large knuckled hands ought to wear slightly loose rings, while slimmer knuckled hands will require a tighter ring.  It is so important to select the correct size in the beginning.  An excellent method for measurement is to find a ring that is a little smaller than the second knuckle of the finger.  This ensures that the fit is comfortable but will not slide off the finger.

We recommend that fingers be measured for size at the end of the day, when they are at their largest diameters.  Factors affecting ring sizes include menstrual cycle, water-retention, exercise, and temperature in relation to weather.

Ruby engagement ring:

A classical multi-purpose ring is the eternity band.  It can be worn as either a wedding or anniversary ring.  A woman can wear just one or stack them as many Hollywood celebrities are currently doing. Think ahead to the wedding band options.  Will she be wearing the engagement ring on the same hand as the wedding band?  Some women wear them on different hands.  If she wants to wear them on the same hand do you want them to fit tightly together?  Would you like a little space between the two rings?  It is all about personal preference.  It is best to order the wedding ring at the time you order the engagement ring.  They will fit together perfectly and can be your own creative creation.

Premium Ruby Rings:

In the mood for the best quality ruby?  These premium rubies can put some of the larger diamonds to shame.  For their exclusive quality, premium rubies are available at a premium.  Only for those who have the heart to afford these!

Lab created ruby rings:

Want a ruby ring but the budget is daunting? Try a lab created ruby ring.  It takes an expert to tell the difference.