Ruby Rings
From LoveToKnow Jewelry
About Rubies
Known for their brilliant red color, ruby rings contain one of the most valuable gem stones. While bright red is the color typically thought of when referring to these gems, rubies can actually vary in color from light to very deep red, and red-orange and red-purple as well. Rubies are the clear, red-tinted variety of the mineral corundum. This is an aluminum oxide of which sapphires are also composed. With a rating of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, the only harder gem is the diamond. The name for rubies stems from the Latin word for red.
One of the best known gem stones, discovered thousands of years ago, rubies are found primarily in Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Popularity of Rubies in Rings
Ruby rings have long been known as one of the most popular types of gem stone rings. Wearers love the rich color, rarity, durability, and beauty of these gems. Many people simply love the beauty of rubies, but some are intrigued with their meanings as well. Some of the meanings behind rubies include:
- The July birthstone
- Traditional anniversary gift for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries
- Known as the gem signifying romance or passion
- Often used in coronation rings and/or for royalty
- Mentioned in Biblical scriptures as secondary wisdom
- A gem stone of the Muladhara Chakra signifying the beginning of awareness
- The gem stone of the astrological sign Cancer
- Bringing good fortune when worn on the left hand
- Believed by ancient cultures to have a wide variety of meanings, including:
- Courage
- Healing and health
- Protection
- Prosperity
- Happiness
Ruby rings are also popular gifts, especially for romantic holidays, such as Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, and anniversaries.
Types of Ruby Rings
The breathtaking beauty of a ruby is only enhanced by the wide variety of wonderful designs available today for ruby rings.
Cuts
There are several different types of cuts for ruby gem stone rings. Cushion cuts, a square/rectangular shape resembling a pillow or cushion that offers fifty-eight facets, is a common cut for ruby rings. Oval cuts are also common. Others include round cuts, heart cuts, marquise cuts, princess cuts, pear cuts, and emerald cuts.
Cabochon-cuts are often used for rubies with rutilated crystal inclusions. These rubies have a remarkable six-rayed light effect and are commonly referred to as star rubies.
Band Metals
The dazzling beauty and rich color of rubies allows them to work with a variety of metals for ring bands. Ruby rings are seen with bands of:
- Yellow gold
- White gold
- Rose gold
- Black Hills gold
- Stainless steel
- Sterling silver
- Platinum
Ring Designs
The variety of ruby ring designs is limited virtually only by the imagination. Rubies function as both the central stones and also as frequent accents to other gem stones. A ring may feature an arrangement or cluster of many rubies or focus on a single valuable stone.
Diamonds are frequently paired with rubies in rings for a wonderful contrast. Other gems often found alongside rubies in rings include emeralds, sapphire, iolite, and tanzanite. Black diamonds, garnet, turquoise, and other precious and semi-precious gems are also sometimes found in ruby rings.
Popular designs include:
- Ruby solitaire rings
- Vintage or vintage-look rings
- Eternity bands
- Three stone rings
- Stackable rings
- Heart designs and lover's knots
- Claddagh rings
- Channel rings
- Floral designs
- Checkerboard bands
Ruby engagement rings are also a popular contemporary option.
Costs and Shopping
The value of a ring depends on a variety of factors, including the cut, clarity, karat size, and color of the ruby. Typically ruby rings range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on these factors as well as the design, the band itself, and other gems in the ring. Some rings with lesser rubies or ruby accents may cost well under two hundred dollars, and those with larger, more valuable rubies and more expensive bands can cost over ten thousand.
Nearly all jewelers carry ruby rings and those with ruby accents. Synthetic or imitation rubies are also available usually at considerably lower costs. Be sure to buy from a trusted jeweler and verify the authenticity of the stone before purchasing.
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