Ruby engagement rings have a unique allure that captivates many bride-to-bes. Its fiery red brilliance is often associated with love and passion. Although many individuals may see rubies as July’s birthstone, they are an increasingly popular choice for engagement and wedding jewellery, especially for couples that are drawn to coloured gemstones. Are you considering a ruby proposal ring? Learn more about the meaning and symbolism behind rubies as well as ideas to customise your ring design here.
Ruby has long been considered one of the most precious gemstones, with rich red hues due to the presence of the chromium element. Until the early 1800s, red spinels, tourmalines, and garnets were often mistaken for rubies.
Many cultures in history have cherished ruby. The Chinese emperor Kublai Khan was said to have offered an entire city in exchange for one. In ancient civilisations, rubies were believed to be able to melt wax, ward off plague, and banish sadness. It was also believed that Burmese warriors used to insert rubies into their flesh to make them invincible. Rubies also held a special place in the British Royal Collection for their symbolic meaning of passion, power, and protection. Queen Elizabeth II was known to have an array of ruby pieces that reflect both exquisite taste and the monarch’s powerful reign.
The pure red energy emanated by ruby was thought to stimulate the chi, or the energy that brings life. Moreover, rubies were also believed to protect their wearers and bring courage. When worn as an engagement ring, it is believed to add a layer of strength to the union, along with passionate love, commitment, intimacy, and the hope of becoming a family.
The shape of a ruby determines its brilliance, colour, and overall appearance. Unlike diamonds, where precise symmetry and facets maximise sparkle, rubies are cut to enhance their colour and carat weight, minimising visible inclusions. Get to know popular ruby cuts to bring out the best in your ruby engagement ring.
Oval shaped rubies are one of the most common and preferred shapes as the elongated shape maximises colour and carat weight. Oval rubies work well in solitaire and vintage-style rings, offering elegance and a delicate look for brides-to-be. Its balance of brilliance and symmetry makes it ideal for everyday wear.
Cushion cut rubies feature a soft square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, another excellent choice for vintage-looking proposal rings. The cushion cut concentrates on the colour deeply and is ideal for larger rubies as it helps retain the carat’s weight. A great way to style a cushion cut ruby is to pair it with ruby or diamond halos and filigree metalwork.
The round cut brings out all the important qualities of the gemstone, offering an exceptional light reflection. It is more suitable for smaller rubies, as forming a round ruby from a larger gem leads to higher material loss during cutting.
Emerald-shaped ruby engagement rings have a rectangular gemstone with step-cut facets, which draws attention to the clarity of the ruby. It creates a sleek and elegant look often found in high-end ruby rings. This shape requires high-quality ruby with fewer inclusions, as it may show imperfections more clearly.
Rubies are one of the hardest gemstones, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means they are suitable for various settings. Choosing an ideal setting style is about ensuring security, aesthetics, and longevity while complementing the ruby’s deep colour.
A prong setting holds the ruby securely in place with small metal prongs, enhancing the visibility and sparkle due to maximum light exposure. The prong setting style works great with various ruby cuts, including oval, cushion, and round. However, it may require more maintenance to ensure the prong remains secure.
If you want maximum protection for your ruby engagement ring, a bezel setting is the superior choice. This style surrounds the ruby with a thin metal ring, providing durability for everyday wear. It is ideal for active individuals who want a sleek, modern look.
A halo setting places the ruby in the centre of your engagement ring, surrounding it with smaller diamonds or gemstones to amplify its brilliance and perceived size. The stones around the ruby will add extra sparkle by reflecting light, creating an elegant and luxurious design. This style of setting may need more regular cleaning as there are multiple stones to maintain and require more careful handling.
Looking for customised proposal rings in Singapore? Ling Jewellery is delighted to help you craft a bespoke design that brings your love story to life in the most unique way. Get in touch with us today and let us be a part of your special day!
Certain metals are preferable to pair with rubies due to their deep red hue. Yellow gold is the most commonly chosen metal, as it accentuates the brilliance of the rubies very well. Rose gold is another popular choice that complements most skin tones beautifully. Its pinkish tint makes a perfect complement to the brilliance of the rubies.
Customising a ruby proposal ring at Ling Jewellery may take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. Do expect a slightly longer time for more intricate designs. Be sure to schedule accordingly to ensure that we deliver your bespoke jewellery just in time for your special day.
Choosing between a ruby or diamond ring design depends on your taste, preferences, and budget. By carat, rubies may cost you more, as natural rubies with excellent grades are considered rarer.
Ruby colours range from pinkish red, red, vivid red, to the ideal pigeon blood red. This is a vibrant, saturated red with a hint of blue, showing exceptional quality and often commanding a premium price.
The cost of a ruby engagement ring varies depending on the size, colour, and clarity, as well as the setting and any surrounding stones. Share your ideas for the bespoke engagement ring that you want to create so that we can give you a quotation based on your vision.
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