Ruby engagement rings are a beautiful way to commemorate the union of two people. While many modern couples adore rubies, this is not the first time in history that the stone has received significant attention. Ancient Sanskrit gave the fiery ruby a name that means “king of precious stones.” It was also believed to have powers that could heal or protect. Many royals have received gifts of rubies for their engagement, including Queen Mary, Princess Anne and Princess Margaret.
Meaning of the Ruby
Many ancient cultures held the ruby in high regard. It was frequently viewed as a symbol of vitality and power. Warriors would sometimes wear rubies in their skin because they believed that doing so would give them more courage and protect them in battle. Even though the bride is not likely to be going into battle with her engagement ring, it is not surprising that a symbol of protection would be given to her by her fiance.
Ruby Types
There are many different types of rubies available today. Each comes in a wide range of hues, with lighter and darker tones. Most individuals think of a deep, fiery coloration when they hear the word “ruby.” Some actually possess hints of yellow that changes the exterior appearance. The yellow version contains ferric oxide while the intensely red versions contain higher levels of titanium.
The ruby is named for its place of origins. There are Burmese, Thai, Tanzania, Afghanistan and Madagascar rubies. Stones from Thailand and Burma are known for having the highest quality available on the market. Burmese crystals are often considered the most highly sought after.
Gems from Tanzania are very similar to traditional garnet. These jewels are usually mined around Songea and are not always easy to identify. Some skilled jewelers find it difficult to tell the difference between a Tanzania ruby and a garnet. Smaller stones are prized because they offer the most intense coloration.
Does Your Ruby Measure Up?
To get a better idea about quality, closely inspect the surface and take in the red tones. Variations include dark red, bright red, intense red, pinkish red and purple red. A very dark red stone will hold a higher value while those with purple tones are not as valuable. Also look for inclusions, which determine clarity. Subtle, tiny inclusions will give the gem a higher clarity score.
Cut is also important and applies to any gemstone. Position yourself over the ruby and look down at the top side (which will be visible when it is set in the ring). It should look as though the bottom half is the same size as the top. This is important for visual appeal to give the presentation the most depth and beauty.
Brilliance can really make individual specimens stand out. This characteristic describes the way light reflects and refracts off of the gem’s facets. Better brilliance will give the stone a higher value and more desirable appearance. Brilliance is more easily described as the jewel’s sparkle. A low quality faceted piece will look dull and not offer as much twinkle while a higher quality example will glisten gorgeously.
Finally, weigh the ruby or have your jeweler weigh it for you. A stone with more weight will receive a higher rating than one that is smaller. Larger gems that meet the above guidelines are harder to come by, making them more valuable.
Is Ruby Ideal for Your Engagement Jewelry?
There are many options available when choosing the right stone for engagement jewelry. Ruby may be the best for your piece, depending on your financial status and the style preferences of your partner. A high quality ruby can cost a pretty penny, so make sure you understand how to determine the value of the gem before agreeing to purchase one for an engagement ring.