Ruby gemstone rings

Title: Ruby Gemstone Rings: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Perfect Ruby Ring

Ruby gemstone rings are one of the most sought-after pieces of jewelry, known for their striking red hue, which symbolizes passion, vitality, and love. Whether you’re looking for a ring for a special occasion, such as an engagement or anniversary, or simply adding a luxurious touch to your collection, a ruby ring is a timeless choice. This detailed guide will cover the various aspects of ruby gemstone rings, from their symbolism and history to the key specifications to consider when purchasing one. We’ll also highlight the best ruby rings available and provide useful tips on choosing the perfect piece for your needs.

What is a Ruby?

A ruby is a precious gemstone known for its deep, vibrant red color, and it is considered one of the four precious stones, along with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. Rubies are made of corundum, a mineral, and their distinctive red color comes from traces of chromium within the crystal structure.

Rubies are typically valued based on their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight (known as the 4 Cs), just like diamonds. The most prized rubies display a vivid red or “pigeon blood” color, which is the most intense and desirable shade.

Why Choose a Ruby Gemstone Ring?

1. Symbolism and Meaning Rubies have long been associated with powerful symbolism. In many cultures, they represent love, passion, and courage. For centuries, rubies were considered the “king of gems” and believed to bring strength, vitality, and prosperity to the wearer.
2. Timeless Beauty Ruby rings are often passed down through generations as heirlooms, thanks to their durability and timeless beauty. Their vibrant red hue stands out and can complement any skin tone, making them a versatile choice for both daily wear and special occasions.
3. Durability Rubies are incredibly durable, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness (just below diamonds). This makes them highly resistant to scratching and damage, making them ideal for rings that will be worn daily, such as engagement rings or wedding bands.
4. Investment Value High-quality rubies are rare and can hold or increase in value over time. Due to their scarcity, particularly those of superior color and clarity, rubies are considered a valuable investment.

Types of Ruby Gemstone Rings

Ruby rings come in various designs, settings, and styles. Whether you prefer a classic solitaire ring or a more intricate design, there is a ruby ring for every style. Here are some popular types of ruby gemstone rings:

1. Ruby Solitaire Ring
   • Design: The solitaire ring features a single ruby stone as the centerpiece, often set in a simple band, either in gold, platinum, or silver.
   • Ideal For: Engagement rings, wedding bands, or a bold statement ring.
   • Specifications: Typically, a round or oval-shaped ruby in a range of carat weights (0.5ct – 5ct).
   • Price Range: $500 – $5,000, depending on the ruby’s quality and carat weight.
2. Ruby Halo Ring
   • Design: The halo ring surrounds the central ruby with smaller diamonds or other gemstones, enhancing the ruby’s brilliance and making it appear larger.
   • Ideal For: Those who want a more dramatic and eye-catching design.
   • Specifications: A central ruby of 0.5ct to 2ct, surrounded by diamonds or white sapphires in a round, cushion, or square cut.
   • Price Range: $1,000 – $15,000.
3. Three-Stone Ruby Ring
   • Design: This design features three gemstones, with a larger ruby at the center and smaller rubies or diamonds on either side. This style is often used for engagement rings or anniversary rings.
   • Ideal For: Engagement rings, anniversary gifts, and those who appreciate classic designs.
   • Specifications: 1-2 carats for the central ruby, with additional smaller rubies or diamonds (0.2ct – 0.5ct each).
   • Price Range: $1,500 – $8,000.
4. Ruby Eternity Ring
   • Design: A ruby eternity ring features rubies set all the way around the band, symbolizing eternity and endless love. The rubies are often alternated with diamonds for added brilliance.
   • Ideal For: Wedding bands or as a meaningful anniversary gift.
   • Specifications: Small round rubies (0.1ct – 0.5ct each), set in a continuous row along the band.
   • Price Range: $2,000 – $10,000.
5. Ruby Cocktail Ring
   • Design: Cocktail rings feature a large ruby as the central focal point, surrounded by an array of smaller diamonds or other precious stones.
   • Ideal For: Statement pieces for formal events, galas, or parties.
   • Specifications: Large central ruby (2ct – 5ct), surrounded by a halo of diamonds or smaller rubies.
   • Price Range: $3,000 – $20,000.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Ruby Gemstone Ring

When purchasing a ruby gemstone ring, it is important to keep the following factors in mind:

1. Color
   • The most valuable rubies are those with a deep, vivid red, often referred to as pigeon blood rubies. Rubies with a lighter or darker red hue can still be beautiful but may be less valuable.
   • Color Tone: Rubies with a medium to medium-dark tone are considered the most desirable.
2. Clarity
   • Rubies are often found with natural inclusions, known as rutile inclusions. While some inclusions are acceptable, the fewer the inclusions, the more valuable the ruby. High-quality rubies are clear with few visible inclusions.
   • Clarity Scale: Rubies are graded on clarity, with the best rubies being classified as eye-clean (no visible inclusions to the naked eye).
3. Cut
   • Rubies come in various cuts, with round, oval, emerald, and cushion cuts being the most popular for rings. The cut affects the brilliance and overall appearance of the ruby.
   • Cut Quality: A well-cut ruby will have an even color and excellent brilliance, making it appear more radiant.
4. Carat Weight
   • Rubies come in a wide range of carat weights, typically from 0.5ct to 5ct, although larger rubies are available and extremely rare.
   • Larger Rubies: High-quality rubies over 3 carats are considered extremely valuable, especially those with excellent color and clarity.
5. Setting and Metal
   • The setting style can greatly influence the overall look of the ruby ring. Classic prong settings allow the ruby to stand out, while bezel settings offer extra protection.
   • Choose a metal that complements the ruby’s color. Yellow gold or rose gold complements rubies beautifully, while white gold and platinum offer a more contemporary, sophisticated look.

Best Ruby Gemstone Rings Available

Here are some of the best ruby gemstone rings on the market:

1. Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring

• Gemstone: Ruby and diamonds
• Design: A stunning ruby halo ring featuring a central ruby surrounded by diamonds in platinum.
• Ideal For: Engagement rings, luxurious gifts.
• Specifications: 1.2ct ruby, 0.5ct total diamond weight, platinum band.
• Price Range: $5,000 – $10,000.

2. Harry Winston Three-Stone Ruby Ring

• Gemstone: Ruby and diamonds
• Design: A sophisticated three-stone ruby ring featuring a 1.5ct ruby flanked by diamonds.
• Ideal For: Engagement rings, anniversary rings.
• Specifications: 1.5ct central ruby, 0.4ct diamonds, platinum band.
• Price Range: $12,000 – $20,000.

3. Blue Nile Ruby Eternity Band

• Gemstone: Ruby and diamonds
• Design: A classic ruby eternity ring featuring small rubies set in a platinum band with diamonds alternated.
• Ideal For: Wedding bands, anniversary gifts.
• Specifications: 0.3ct rubies, 0.5ct diamonds, platinum band.
• Price Range: $2,500 – $5,000.

4. Bvlgari Ruby Cocktail Ring

• Gemstone: Ruby and diamonds
• Design: A bold ruby cocktail ring featuring a large 3ct ruby surrounded by diamonds in an 18k gold setting.
• Ideal For: Special occasions, statement pieces.
• Specifications: 3.0ct ruby, 1.0ct diamonds, 18k yellow gold.
• Price Range: $8,000 – $15,000.

Conclusion

A ruby gemstone ring is a timeless and elegant choice for anyone looking to invest in high-quality jewelry. With its stunning red hue, symbolic meaning, and durability, a ruby ring is an excellent option for engagement rings, anniversary gifts, or a special treat for yourself. By considering the color, clarity, cut, and carat weight of the ruby, as well as the design and metal of the ring, you can ensure that your ruby ring will be a cherished piece for years to come.