Ruby Engagement Rings

How much more perfect for an engagement could a ruby be ? Its red and everyone knows that's the colour of love !! But, seriously. You're engaged and you'd love a ruby in your engagement ring – where do you start ?

Colour

The first thing to decide is what colour ruby you want in your new engagement ring. "But aren't all rubies red?" I hear you say. Well no, not quiet, Although all rubies are tones and shades of red this can mean anything from the deepest scarlet through to almost candy floss pink. So why the huge variation and what does it mean for you and stone in your engagement ring?

Well, the price of a ruby is largely defined by its colour. Traditionally the most expensive rubies are generally those which are "pigeon blood red". This term was coined in Burma, and it literally means a red with no trace of purple. If you go to good jeweller and ask to see a selection of rubies you will understand what is mean by this. Many rubies have traces of purple and pink in them, and are not the distinct bright red that we have come to expect. That said; many, many rubies are also treated these days so if you want to make sure that you have a good stone its worth asking for a certificate with the stone from a reputable gem laboratory. This will show if your stone has been treated in any way.

What if you don't want a bright red ruby?

Then are there many "ruby" colours you can choose from. If you choose a "cabochon" cut stone then there will be even more choice, and you may even want to choose a "star ruby" if you would like something different in your ruby engagement ring. Star stones literally have a star shape that glides across the stone – this is caused by a mineral called "rutile" being present within the stone, which when seen as light hits the rutile in a certain direction means that it causes an optical phenomenon in the form of a star called "asterism". Star rubies are very desirable and attractive and can make lovely alternative ruby engagement rings.

You can also buy fair trade rubies for your engagement ring, and these are a great choice if you are concerned about mining conditions and ethical issues surrounding rubies.

What cut should you choose for your ruby engagement ring?

Rubies are available in a variety of faceted cuts: round brilliants, bagettes, ovals and fancy square and cushion cuts. Other cuts are available so you can choose many styles of stone shape for your ruby engagement ring. Rubies are perfect for both traditional and contemporary engagement rings, and fit into many different styles and settings. Many antique engagement rings and vintage pieces utilised rubies as they were very popular in the Victorian period and also later in the post world war two period. Be aware that many rubies in Post War pieces will be synthetic as shortages of stones coming out of countries like Burma means alternatives had to be found.

A last warning – its best not to buy a ruby engagement ring whilst you are on holiday in Thailand or its neighbouring countries. This is because there are many unscrupulous jewellery dealers who will happily sell you inferior dyed, or heat treated rubies; some unsuspecting tourists have even been sold red glass. Find a reputable jeweller who you can visit several times and take the time to learn about rubies before buying. A good ruby will give you much joy over a lifetime and be an heirloom to hand down to your children.