Ruby Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

Rubies might not be the first stone that comes to mind when thinking about an engagement ring, but they have a long history of symbolizing love, courage, passion, and protection. About as distinguished as you can get, rubies were once the stones of ancient kings and queens, making a ruby engagement ring an entirely regal choice. Besides, who doesn't want to look down at their hand and feel like royalty?

In terms of feeling fresh and modern, ruby engagement rings are entirely in line with the untraditional ring styles modern brides crave—from unique settings to contemporary shapes and, of course, gemstones. Read on to learn more about why you should consider a ruby for your engagement ring stone.

Pros and Cons of Ruby Engagement Rings

While most precious gems are much softer than diamonds, rubies are a lot more resilient than other gemstones, making them an excellent choice for an engagement ring you will treasure forever. In fact, rubies come second to the diamond on the Mohs Hardness scale (rubies have a 9 while diamonds have the highest rating with a 10).

Rubies also make for a a one-of-a-kind ring that reflects your personality. "We often tell clients that one of the best ways to choose an engagement ring is to find a stone you intuitively connect with," says Anna Bario, co-founder of Bario Neal. Many of our clients prefer the more vibrant-colored gemstones to the more traditional diamond engagement rings. Our advice is to always follow your intuition and you can never go wrong!"

There are many reasons to lust after a ruby engagement ring, but one thing to consider is that the gemstone comes at a cost. If you want the highest quality ruby—Burmese or "Pigeon's Blood Red"—it will come with a heftier price tag. That doesn't mean rubies are completely out of the question if you are looking for a more cost-efficient ring. There is a wide range of colors that rubies come in, all with different price points. 

What to Look for in a Ruby Engagement Ring

• What stone cut works best with rubies? The most common cut for a ruby is round or oval. This type of cut tends to bring out deeper shades of red in the gemstone. Octagon, pear, and marquise are also all popular cuts for rubies though they tend to cost a bit more. 
• What settings and metals work best with rubies? "Rubies are quite versatile. They’re strong stones, second in hardness only to diamonds and moissanite—so they’re not limited as far as settings go. Just make sure your stone is set so that light can get through underneath, revealing its true color! We’ve set rubies in all metal colors, and although it’s hard to pick a favorite, there’s something special about seeing them set in rose gold or 18kt fairmined yellow gold," says Page Neal, Bario Neal's other co-founder.
• What are the different types of rubies? "Rubies range in color, from pink to orange to red. Their color is based on their origin; for example, Bangkok rubies are dark in color due to the presence of Iron and Chromium," explains Bario. All shades are unique in their own way, so it all comes down to personal preference when choosing a type of ruby.  

How to Care for a Ruby Engagement Ring

Neal recommends that it's best to have your jewelry professionally cleaned by Bario Neal or another jeweler. If you are in a pinch for time, though, a home cleaning is okay as well. "For a simple cleaning at home, we recommend mixing dish soap in warm water, soaking your ring or other jewelry for five minutes, and using a soft-bristled baby toothbrush to gently clean behind stones or settings. Air dry, then finish with a polishing cloth," shares Neal.

Sold on a ruby engagement ring? Ahead, scroll through our favorite spectacular styles for every taste and budget.