A Guide to Ruby Engagement Rings—Plus, 5 Examples to Inspire Your Own

Nothing says “love” and “passion” like the color red. The shade practically screams romance, as does the ruby stone itself, which is a gem that ranges in color from bright cherry red to dark reddish-brown. (The precious stone gets its color from the trace element, Chromium, and the most popular hue is blood-red with blue and purple undertones.) And though many individuals may see rubies as strictly July’s birthstone, they are a viable—and an increasingly popular—choice for wedding jewelry, especially as more couples are drawn to colored rocks. In fact, these jewels are a perfect option for engagement rings and wedding bands as they rank at a 9 on the Mohs scale (diamonds, the hardest gemstone, come in at a 10).

All this to say, rubies are uniquely stunning and stand out in a sea of diamonds. “Rubies send a message of confidence, romance, and vitality,” says Catherine Thies, owner of Filigree Jewelers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “The joy of rubies is that there are so many tones of reds and pinks in a ruby that anyone can find their perfect match. Think about picking a shade of red for your manicure; there is a red for everyone!”

Interested in learning more? Here, we asked Thies to explain a ruby engagement ring's meaning and history. Plus, we share several examples to help inspire your own sparkler.

The History of Ruby Engagement Rings

According to the American Gem Society, the first recorded instance of rubies as a precious gem dates all the way back to 200 B.C., where they were traded along China’s Silk Road. They were seen as a symbol of passion, protection, and wealth, worn by kings and queens throughout centuries. “Rubies are a symbol of passion, love, and commitment,” Thies explains. “Royals have often chosen the romantic significance behind a ruby to celebrate their union.” Princess Margaret, Princess Mary of Denmark, and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, for example, have all worn ruby engagement rings, and ancient kings and queens were fans too; the stone was thought to also offer protection to its wearer.

The love and admiration of a ruby can also be attributed to the fact that they are completely one-of-a-kind. “One of the most unique aspects of a ruby is that no two rubies are identical, even in a matched pair,” says Thies. “There will always be a slight variation in tone, vibrance, clarity, or color.” Plus, though rubies are considered a red stone, they can have orange, pink, brown, and blue tones, Thies explains. “Rubies have a natural fluorescence, which gives them a unique glow not seen in many gemstones.” So, since all shades are unique in their own way, it all comes down to personal preference when choosing a type of ruby for your wedding jewelry.

5 Ruby Engagement Rings to Inspire Your Own

Below, discover a few gorgeous ways to wear a ruby engagement ring today, tomorrow, and forever.