When it comes to expressing love and commitment, few gestures rival the timeless elegance of an engagement ring. And while there are several options to choose from, a romantic ruby engagement ring can make a girl’s heart skip a beat. Although considered the birthstone of July, ruby will be a favorite no matter the month of birth.
Deemed as one of the Big Three Gemstones, rubies are a popular choice when it comes to engagement rings. If you want to know what to consider before buying one for your partner, we highly recommend checking out this ruby engagement ring buying guide.
What Does a Ruby Engagement Ring Meaning (Symbolize)?
The ruby’s symbolism is one of the main reasons why it is considered a premium option for engagement rings.
Featuring a rich red hue, rubies are believed to foster love and passion within a relationship and strengthen the bond of marriage. They also symbolize power, which makes them the perfect option for your girl boss.
All About the Stone: History & Origin of Ruby
A valued member of the corundum mineral clan, this red gemstone takes over millions of years to form under intense pressure and heat. In its purest state, corundum is a colorless mineral made up of densely packed oxygen and aluminum atoms. The ruby gets its red hue from the slight amounts of chromium present in its chemical structure.
Interestingly, the history of the ruby is an exceptionally long one with records suggesting that they were traded as early as 200 BC along China’s North Silk Road. Did you know that the Chinese noblemen decked their armor with rubies, as they believed it granted them protection from harm? That’s not all. Rubies are also considered one of the two gemstones created by God, making them popular among European royalties. Even today, rubies continue to remain a popular stone, revered for their beauty and symbolism.
How Are Rubies Graded?
Generally speaking, rubies are evaluated and graded based on their 4Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. This universal grading system was originally developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) with the aim of accurately assessing the quality of a gemstone. So, if the question ‘how to purchase a ruby engagement ring’ is on your mind, this grading scale is definitely something you should understand.
Cut
Contrary to popular belief, the cut of a ruby is not the same as its shape. Here, the cut signifies the arrangement of facets required to form a gorgeous face-up appearance.
For the most part, it is the ruby’s crystal shape that dictates its suitability for certain cuts. In order to preserve the ruby’s value, gemstone cutters aim to maximize the rough stone and waste as little of the material as humanly possible.
Due to this, the stone is often cut in oval and cushion shapes with step-cut pavilions and brilliant-cut crowns.
Color
The color of a ruby holds immense significance in determining its value. Interestingly, this factor can be further broken down into three distinct components:
a) Hue
Hue refers to the gemstone’s base color. While it’s usually made up of only one color, certain gemstones have a combination of hues. Depending on the amount of chromium present within its chemical structure, the colors of rubies can range from pinkish to bluish-red.
b) Tone
This indicates the amount of color in the ruby, which ranges from colorless to black. Rubies with a red medium tone are more sought-after than those with lighter or darker tones.
c) Saturation
This refers to the purity and intensity of the ruby’s color. Rubies with a pure, vibrant red hue are said to have good saturation, while those with brown or gray overtones are said to have poor saturation.
Clarity
This refers to the absence of flaws within the stone. Because of how they were created, all natural rubies have inclusions. Having said that, it is primarily major inclusions and inclusions that reduce the transparency or brightness of the gemstone that lower its value. So, our biggest tip for buying a ruby engagement ring is to stay away from stones that feature the same.
Carat Weight
In a nutshell, the carat weight of a gemstone refers to how much it weighs. Here, 1 carat is equal to 200 milligrams. When it comes to the ruby’s value, keep in mind that its per-carat price drastically increases with its size.
Also Read: Guide To Buy Princess Cut Engagement Ring
Hardness & Durability
Believe it or not, one of the more common questions we get asked is: what is the connection between the ruby hardness and the Mohs scale?
Well, the hardness of the ruby, as well as that of every other gem and mineral, is measured on the Mohs scale. Here, numbers are assigned to a mineral based on the relative ease or difficulty with which it can be scratched by another mineral.
With a 9/10 rating on the Mohs scale, rubies are considered to be relatively hard. Apart from their excellent toughness, these gems also have no cleavage. In layman’s terms, the cleavage indicates the tendency of a gemstone to break when struck.
Considering the above, it is probably no surprise that this gem is considered to be a great choice for engagement rings.
Rarity & Price
Typically, the price of rubies is determined based on their 4Cs. However, fine-quality rubies over the 1-carat mark are extremely rare and can, therefore, fetch a high price tag.
Also Read: Why Are Rubies so Expensive
Popular Cuts and Shapes for Ruby Engagement Rings
When it comes to buying ruby rings for women, selecting the right gemstone cut and shape is of utmost importance.
As touched upon before, the step cut and brilliant cut are considered to be two of the best cuts for rubies as they preserve quite a bit of the rough gemstone.
In terms of shapes, most rubies are found in the classic cushion and oval shape. Apart from this, you can also find this gemstone in more unique shapes like round, pear, marquise and triangular. So, if you want your engagement ring to reflect your one-of-a-kind love, you know which shape to go for.
Also Read: How To Purchase Aquamarine Engagement Ring
Ruby Engagement Ring Settings
The setting of the ring ranks high on our list of things to know before buying ruby engagement rings. Why? Well, apart from impacting the security of your gemstone, it can also influence the look and feel of your ring.
Because of their relative toughness, rubies work well in a variety of settings.
Our top pick is undoubtedly the prong setting. Constituting 4 – 6 tiny metal prongs that jut out from a metal basket and secure the ruby in place, this setting is one of the most popular options out there. While there are several reasons why people love it, it is primarily adored for its minimal metal interference and the classic look it gives to the ring.
Having said that, if your partner leads an active lifestyle, a bezel setting is probably better suited to her. For the unaware, this setting is basically a metal collar that surrounds the ruby and protects it from any accidental hits. Plus, it’s super elegant, which is always a bonus in our books.
When it comes to the metal for your engagement ring, we recommend selecting an option that complements the color of the gemstone. For instance, yellow gold is a wonderful choice as it spotlights the warmth of ruby and makes it look more pleasing to the eye. On the other hand, if your significant other is someone who loves the contemporary look, you can’t go wrong with platinum or white gold. They are mostly preferred for ruby engagement rings that feature diamonds, particularly if the diamonds in the rings are bigger than the rubies.
Tips for Buying Ruby Engagement Rings
Here are some tips to consider before buying your ruby engagement ring.
1. Budget
Setting a budget is the key to finding a ruby engagement ring that will not only delight your partner but also keep your wallet happy. While traditional advice suggests allocating three months’ salary towards the purchase of your ring, it’s essential to consider your current financial circumstances and future expenses before setting your budget. Here, we recommend choosing a budget that feels comfortable and searching for a ring accordingly.
2. Ring Size
Let’s be honest—knowing your partner’s ring size is crucial when popping the question. Generally speaking, the average ring size for women (in the standard US ring size) is between 5 and 7. If you’re keeping the proposal a surprise, we recommend checking out our blog on how to secretly measure your partner’s ring size.
Remember, Angara offers complimentary resizing within the first year of purchase, so you don’t have to worry about getting the perfect fit for your loved one’s finger on the first try.
3. Personalization
Want to make your engagement ring truly special? We recommend creating a ring that reflects your partner’s unique style and personality.
And with our multi-award-winning ‘Create With Angara’ feature, you should have no problem doing just that. Here, you can design a bespoke ring from scratch, choosing every detail to make it truly one-of-a-kind.
What’s more, thanks to our free engraving option, you can even add a heartfelt message to the ring for that extra touch of sentimentality.
4. Certification
At Angara, all our jewelry comes with an Angara Certificate Of Authenticity detailing information related to the gemstone’s cut, color, carat weight and clarity so you never have to wonder about the authenticity and characteristics of your gem.
Also Read: Hidden Halo Engagement Ring Buying Guide
The Angara Difference
At Angara, we provide our customers with ethically sourced, conflict-free rubies straight from mines and trusted manufacturers. Each one of our rubies undergoes a meticulous selection process by certified gemologists and is expertly crafted by skilled jewelers.
The best part? With our customization options, you have the freedom to customize each piece based on your preferred gemstone quality, carat weight and metal color.
We also have our acclaimed ‘Create With Angara’ feature, which allows you to design custom rings from start to finish, thereby ensuring that you wind up with a piece that truly reflects your style.
And that’s not all—each of our ruby pieces comes with an Angara Certificate of Authenticity and a lifetime warranty, so you never have to worry while you shop. We also offer easy returns, free shipping and flexible payment options, which makes us the ultimate destination for all your ruby purchases.
How to Care For Ruby Engagement Rings
To ensure your ruby engagement ring stays in superb condition, we recommend cleaning it at least once a month.
To do this:
1) Start by soaking your ring in a mild soap solution.
2) Next, using a soft toothbrush, gently brush the crevices of your ring to remove any dust and grime. We highly suggest paying special attention to the inner side of your ring, as that’s what comes into contact with your skin the most.
3) Once done, wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth.
Interesting Ruby Engagement Ring Facts
1) Ruby is the July birthstone.
2) According to astrology, rubies can enhance the wearer’s self-confidence and courage. Read our article on ‘ruby gemstone benefits‘ to learn about other benefits this gemstone has in store.
3) Rubies have been mentioned in the Bible on four separate occasions.
4) In medieval times, several individuals believed that wearing ruby could grant them wisdom, health, wealth and success in love.
5) If a ruby is too pink, it’s likely to be sold as a pink sapphire and not as a ruby.
Also Read: How to Tell if a Ruby Is Real
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What to look for when buying a ruby engagement ring?
We highly recommend considering the ruby’s quality when buying an engagement ring. This basically constitutes its 4Cs: cut, color, carat weight and clarity.
Q2. What to know before buying a ruby engagement ring?
The most important thing to know before buying a ruby engagement ring is your significant other’s style. This will help you choose a spectacular piece that fits your budget.
Q3. When to buy a ruby engagement ring?
To ensure a stress-free proposal, we recommend buying your engagement ring about three to four months prior to your set proposal date.
Q4. How to buy a ruby engagement ring on a budget?
At Angara, you can customize everything from the quality and carat weight of the ruby to the metal used to create the piece. This will ensure you wind up with a ring that fits your budget and preferences.
Q5. How to finance a ruby engagement ring?
You can finance a ruby engagement ring by obtaining a personal loan, applying for a 0% APR credit card or using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Affirm, Afterpay or Klarna.
Q6. How to insure a ruby engagement ring?
First, get your engagement ring appraised to determine exactly how much coverage you need. Once done, you can get quotes from jewelry insurance providers, submit an application for insurance and get coverage in just a few minutes.
Q7. How many carats should a ruby engagement ring be?
There’s no hard and fast rule here; the same depends on your budget.
Q8. What does the ruby engagement ring symbolize?
A ruby engagement ring symbolizes love, passion and power.
Q9. How to clean ruby engagement rings?
Start by soaking your ring in a mild soap solution. Once done, brush away all the dirt with a soft toothbrush and rinse the ring with water. Finally, dry the ring with a lint-free cloth.
Q10. How to care for ruby engagement rings?
The best way to care for your ring is by cleaning and polishing it every now and then. At Angara, we have several free services like polishing, cleaning, re-rhodium plating and gemstone tightening included in our lifetime warranty.
