Ruby Engagement Ring
Mined primarily from the rich soils of Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand, rubies are one of the world’s most popular colored stones. Registering a rating of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, rubies are the second hardest gemstone on earth, second to diamonds. While most people associate rubies with a brilliant red color, rubies come in a wide color range, varying from soft-hued red to deep red, orange-red, and even purple-red shades. The first rubies were discovered thousands of years ago and were named “ruby,” which means “red” in Latin. Since then, a wonderful variety of ruby jewelry items have been handcrafted for the public’s jewelry appetite. Gemstone aficionados readily picked up beautiful ruby rings, earrings, and pendants to add to their growing collection of fine jewelry.
The popularity of ruby rings and ruby jewelry can be attributed to its natural beauty, rich color, durability, and rarity. Throughout the years, rubies have been associated with certain meanings and celebrations namely, the month of July’s birthstone, a traditional gift for either the 15th or 40th wedding anniversary, the gemstone of romance and passion as well as royalty. In Biblical Scriptures, ruby rings and ruby jewelry are mentioned as secondary to wisdom. Many also believe in the superstition that wearing ruby rings on the left hand will attract good fortune. For the ancient Chinese, ruby rings and ruby jewelry invite the good spirits of prosperity, happiness, and protection.
Ruby rings come in a variety of gemstone shapes or cuts. The most common shape used in ruby rings is the cushion cut. It is a square or rectangular ruby that is shaped like a pillow or a cushion that has a total of 58 facets. Another popular ruby gemstone cut is the oval shape as well as the regular round cut. Rubies also come in cabochon cuts, which have smooth round edges and a domed top. They are more popularly known as star rubies and make wonderful ruby rings because of its six-rayed light effect.
Ruby rings and ruby jewelry are also found in a number of precious metal mountings. Because of its rich color, rubies work well with different metal settings such as platinum, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, sterling silver, and also stainless steel.
Modern ruby rings and ruby jewelry have gone a long way from their ancient versions. Ruby jewelry designs are plentiful and are only limited by the jeweler’s imagination. Ruby gemstones work well either as center stones or as accents to other precious gemstones. The possibilities are endless when it comes to red-hot rubies!
