Ruby earrings aren’t just beautiful—they’re the kind of pieces that make an entrance. Whether it’s the subtle gleam of a stud or the captivating sway of a drop, ruby earrings are bold in the best way, adding energy, elegance and meaning to every moment.
They’re not just for grand occasions either. Ruby earrings bring a vibrant pop of color that transitions effortlessly from day to night, from work to weekend. In this ruby earring selection guide, we’ll walk you through everything worth knowing—from gemstone quality and styles to metals and more. When you’re ready, you can confidently shop ruby earrings that feel just right for your style and your story.
How To Choose The Perfect Ruby Earrings
Finding the right ruby earrings is all about balancing beauty, comfort and personal style. These ruby earring buying tips will help you choose a pair that feels just right for you.
1. Set Your Budget
Start by deciding on your budget—it’s one of the smartest ways to begin your ruby earring selection journey. Ruby prices can vary widely based on quality, size and whether the stones are natural or lab-created.
If you’re looking for a more accessible option, lab-created rubies are a great pick. They offer the same rich color and visual appeal as natural rubies but at a more budget-friendly price, making them perfect if you want beauty without compromise.
2. Understand Ruby Quality
When choosing ruby earrings, understanding gemstone quality helps you find a pair that feels just right. Here’s what to look for:
Color: The most prized rubies showcase a vivid, richly saturated red, often called “pigeon blood” red. Some rubies may have subtle secondary hues like pink or purple. Whether you prefer a pure red or something with a hint of another tone, it’s all about what catches your eye and complements your style.
Clarity: Natural inclusions are expected in most rubies and are part of the stone’s story. For earrings, look for rubies that are eye-clean, meaning inclusions aren’t visible without magnification. Stones with fewer visible inclusions tend to look brighter and more refined when worn.
Cut: Ruby earrings come in a variety of cuts like round, oval, cushion and more. Mixed cuts (brilliant crown and step-cut pavilion) are popular for maximizing color and light reflection. Cabochon cuts—smooth and domed, are traditional and can beautifully highlight features like star rubies.
Carat Weight: Larger rubies are rarer and often more expensive, but when it comes to earrings, smaller, well-cut stones can be just as captivating and feel perfectly balanced. You can comfortably choose a size that suits your personal style without always needing to aim for maximum carat weight.
For a deeper dive, explore our guide on how to buy quality rubies.
3. Choose Your Earring Style and Design
Wondering how to buy ruby earrings that complement you? Ruby earrings come in styles that can completely change your look, whether you want everyday elegance or a bold, statement-making piece. Here’s a quick guide to finding your perfect match.
Studs
Timeless and versatile, ruby studs are your go-to for effortless, everyday style. They also work beautifully for formal occasions when you want a touch of color without going over the top.
Drops and Danglers
If you love a little drama, go for ruby drops or dangle earrings. They add graceful movement and can naturally elongate the face, perfect for nights out and special celebrations.
Hoops
Ruby hoops are playful, modern and can range from subtle accents to bold, head-turning designs. They’re great for adding a little edge to your jewelry rotation.
Halo
Halo earrings feature a ruby at the center, surrounded by sparkling diamonds or accent stones. They offer extra brilliance and create a fuller, more radiant look that feels both elegant and eye-catching.
Vintage-Inspired
Intricate designs, milgrain edges and scrollwork give vintage ruby earrings a timeless, heirloom vibe. Perfect if you love old-world charm with a story to tell.
Meaningful
Designed with symbols like hearts, infinity loops or two-stone settings, meaningful ruby earrings are perfect for celebrating love, partnership and life’s special moments. Whether you’re marking a milestone, honoring a connection or simply telling your story, these designs bring beautiful personal significance to your jewelry.
4. Match Earrings to Face Shape
Choosing ruby earrings that complement your face shape can help you find a pair that feels effortlessly flattering.
Round Faces
Drop or chandelier ruby earrings help elongate the face and create balance.
Square Faces
Rounded styles like hoops or oval drops soften angular features beautifully.
Oval Faces
Lucky you—almost every earring style flatters oval faces. Feel free to experiment with studs, drops, hoops and bold designs.
5. Select the Metal
The metal you choose can completely transform the mood of your ruby earrings. Whether you want to amplify the ruby’s warmth or create a striking contrast, here’s what to consider.
Yellow Gold
A classic pairing that enhances the ruby’s rich red tones, creating a warm, cohesive look.
Rose Gold
Soft and romantic, rose gold complements the ruby’s vibrant hue while adding a touch of vintage charm.
White Gold and Platinum
Cool-toned metals like white gold and platinum offer a sleek, modern contrast that makes rubies pop. Platinum also offers extra durability—perfect if you’re planning to wear your earrings often.
When choosing your metal, think about your skin tone, wardrobe and personal style. Need more insight? Explore our guide on the best metals for ruby jewelry to find your perfect match.
6. Consider the Occasion
Before buying ruby earrings, think about how a few things. The best ruby earrings are the ones that fit seamlessly into your life—or the life of the person you’re gifting.
Everyday Wear
Studs or small hoops are comfortable, versatile and perfect for adding subtle color to your daily look.
Special Occasions
Drops, chandeliers and statement ruby earrings bring extra glamour—ideal for weddings, celebrations or elegant evenings out.
Gifting
Ruby earrings make unforgettable gifts. They’re perfect for birthdays (as the July birthstone), Valentine’s Day and milestone moments that call for something timeless. That’s not all. They can also be gifted on a 15th wedding anniversary or as a 40th anniversary gift.
7. Natural vs. Lab-Created Rubies
When shopping for ruby earrings, you’ll often choose between natural and lab-created stones. Both are beautiful—here’s how to decide what’s right for you.
Natural Rubies
Mined from the earth, natural rubies are rare, unique and often more valuable. Each stone carries its own character and history.
Lab-Created Rubies
Lab-created rubies share the same chemical, visual and physical properties as natural ones. They’re typically more affordable and offer excellent clarity and color—making them a smart, accessible choice.
Both natural and lab-created rubies are durable and long-lasting. The best choice is the one that aligns with your values, budget and what you want your ruby earrings to represent.
8. Shop by Price
No matter your budget, there’s a perfect pair of ruby earrings waiting for you. Our easy-to-use price filters make it simple to explore styles within your range.
Under $500
Discover dainty studs and minimalist hoops—perfect for everyday wear or thoughtful gifts.
$500–$1,500
Find classic favorites and contemporary designs that balance elegance and affordability.
$1,500–$5,000
Step into statement territory with larger rubies, intricate designs and beautiful craftsmanship.
$5,000+
Explore heirloom-quality ruby earrings made for life’s biggest moments.
9. Setting and Security
The setting is more than just a design detail—it keeps your rubies safe and secure, especially in drops, dangles and larger earrings.
Prong Settings
Classic and popular, prong settings hold the ruby in place while allowing maximum light to pass through the stone.
Bezel Settings
Bezel settings offer a sleek, modern look and completely surround the ruby, providing excellent security—ideal for everyday wear.
Halo Settings
Halo settings not only enhance the ruby’s size and brilliance but also offer added support through surrounding accent stones.
No matter the style, regularly check your earrings for loose stones to ensure lasting safety and beauty. For more tips, explore our guide on earring settings to learn what works best for your lifestyle.
10. Certification and Authenticity
When shopping for ruby earrings, always buy from trusted jewelers who provide a Certificate of Authenticity and are transparent about any gemstone treatments.
Look for clear return and warranty policies, and take a moment to read customer reviews. Buying from a reputable source like Angara ensures your ruby earrings are genuine and that your purchase is protected. This makes it the best place to buy ruby earrings with ease.
11. Care and Maintenance
Ruby earrings are made to last, but a little care goes a long way in keeping them looking their best.
- Clean gently using warm, soapy water and a soft brush to remove buildup and restore brilliance.
- Store your ruby earrings separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches from other pieces.
- Schedule occasional professional inspections to check the settings and overall condition—especially for dangles and drop styles.
For more detailed care tips, explore our complete guide on how to care for ruby jewelry.
Also Read: Ruby Jewelry Buying Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are lab-grown ruby earrings a good alternative?
Yes, lab-grown rubies are visually and chemically identical to natural rubies. They offer excellent color and clarity at a more accessible price point.
2. What is the difference between treated and untreated rubies?
Treated rubies—typically heat-treated—enhance color and clarity and are widely accepted in fine jewelry. Untreated rubies are rarer, often more valuable, and prized for their natural character.
3. Can I wear ruby earrings daily?
Absolutely. Rubies are durable enough for everyday wear, especially in secure settings like prongs or bezels. Just remember to clean them regularly and remove them during heavy activities.
4. Can ruby earrings be worn by women of all ages?
Yes, ruby earrings are timeless. They suit all ages and can easily complement both youthful and sophisticated styles.
5. Are there any astrological or feng shui benefits to wearing ruby earrings?
Yes. Rubies are traditionally associated with passion, power and good fortune. In astrology, they are connected to the Sun and are believed to bring confidence, vitality and success. However, there is no scientific evidence that backs this claim.
