Ruby Ring Information
Research about ruby rings tells us that ruby rings have been worn since ancient times, by men and women; rulers and romantics. Rubies are so popular that prices are continually on the rise. In recent years, auction prices for ruby rings have risen steadily, but this does not mean that ruby rings have become out of reach. The most popularly worn ruby rings are ruby engagement rings, ruby and diamond three-stone rings, ruby solitaire rings and ruby and diamond halo rings. The hardness and durability of ruby makes it the perfect gemstone to be worn as rings, especially ones that are worn daily. The dramatic and attractive red color of ruby, suggestive of romance and desire is hard to beat and makes ruby the best-known red jewelry gemstone. Like sapphire rings, good quality ruby rings last for entire lifetimes and can passed down as family heirlooms. Whether ruby rings are worn for fashion, love or other reasons, they will be admired by all.
Ruby ring history goes back thousands of years to the ancients, who believed in the power and beauty of ruby. Ancient Sanskrit texts refer to ruby as the "king of gems" and ruby rings were important to rulers. In fact, according to a story of Marco Polo, Kublai Khan offered the King of Ceylon a city for a large ruby. Ruby rings were worn by both ancient and modern rulers all over the world, with ruby coronation rings being worn by several British monarchs since the 13th century, such as James VII, William IV, Queen Mary and Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria's Coronation Ring was slightly too small for her ring finger, which made removing it after the ceremony a problem. This led to the saying that "the tighter the ring, the longer the reign". Along with many of her jewels, Queen Victoria left her Coronation Ring to the Crown, to be used by subsequent monarchs. Wearing a ruby ring was thought by many to assure invincibility, wealth and a successful love life. Indeed, ruby has long been thought of as a stone of desire, which makes romantic ruby rings important between lovers.
Ruby rings of the rich and famous are numerous. Ruby rings have always been popular with monarchs and celebrities and red gemstone rings are one way to power dress or sizzle on the red carpet. One of the most famous ruby rings was a ruby and diamond ring given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton. The Van Cleef & Arpels ring contains a Burmese ruby of 8.24 carats and after Taylor's death, the ruby ring sold for over $4 million. Another famous ruby ring contains the Carmen Lucia Ruby, which is a Burmese, 23.1-carat ruby. The platinum ruby and diamond ring was donated to the Smithsonian, National Museum of Natural History by Dr Peter Buck, who bought the ruby ring for his beloved wife. Several members of royalty, including Queen Victoria and Queen Mary wore ruby rings. Princess Anne, Sarah Ferguson, Princess Margaret, Duchess of York and Princess Mathilde of Belgium were given ruby engagement rings. A more recent celebrity ruby ring is a 5-carat three-stone ruby and diamond engagement ring owned by Jessica Simpson. A Cartier ruby and diamond ring set a new auction record in May 2015, when the Sunrise Ruby achieved $30 million. The ring contains a 25.59-carat Burmese ruby; the most expensive ruby ring.
Ruby ring designs are various and range from the classic ruby solitaire to cluster and pavé ruby rings. The choice of ruby ring designs depends on the budget, with solitaires and three-stone ruby rings being at the high end, due to the larger center stone, and clusters at the lower end of the scale since they use smaller rubies. Yellow gold ruby rings look great because the contrast really brings out the redness of the ruby. On the other hand, platinum and white gold ruby rings are also very popular, especially with ruby and diamond rings, since white metal alloys showcase the white diamond accent stones. Art Deco-style rings make use of ruby accent stones, paired with white diamond and platinum. These ruby and diamond rings never go out of fashion. More colorful designs are borrowed from Mughal style ruby rings, which combine ruby, emerald and diamond in yellow gold. Pavé and cluster ruby rings also make great pinky rings and cocktail rings.
Buying ruby rings is easy, since they are widely available due to their popularity. A good ruby ring buying guide will state that it is important to ask the jeweler about ruby treatments, which will affect prices a great deal. All good ruby ring suppliers will disclose information regarding treatments. As a rule of thumb, if a ruby ring with a good-sized gemstone seems like a deal that is too good to be true, then it probably is either heavily treated or not a natural ruby gemstone. The most highly valued ruby rings have Burmese ruby, and Burmese ruby rings may come at a higher price than rubies from other origins. Nowadays, newer origins, such as Mozambique and even Greenland are becoming sources for ruby jewelry.
How to wear ruby rings is dependent on the particular ring style. A timeless ruby ring will look good with anything, especially an elegant black dress. Some are afraid to wear such a bright color as red, but when worn on the finger as a ring, rather than next to the face, ruby is suitable for all. For men, ruby cabochon rings and star ruby rings are great options. For those looking for something more casual and different, ruby-in-zoisite cabochon rings are a perfect choice, as are ruby-in-fuchsite rings. When it comes to wearing a prong-set ruby ring, it is important to check that the stone is held security in the setting, since the ruby can outlast the metal surrounding it, particularly if it snags on clothing during wear. Ruby rings with small stones are suitable for casual wear and may be accentuated by other jewelry items, where large stones are perfect for special sophisticated occasions and work well by themselves. An equally dramatic effect can be achieved without large stones, with ruby eternity rings, half-eternity rings and pavé ruby rings. These styles show off the red ruby color as well as large stones and are a little easier to wear for all occasions without looking over-the-top.
Ruby ring meanings include legends of rubies the color of blood that have long been linked with passion and fire. Ancient rulers wore ruby rings with the belief that the ring would bestow them with wealth and power. Also, due to their association with romance, ruby rings are often given as symbols of love and are even attributed with aphrodisiac effects. Additionally, ruby rings are believed to provide protection, energy, strength and focus. Since ruby is the July birthstone, ruby rings are popularly worn by those born in July. Capricorns may also benefit from wearing a ruby ring, since ruby is the zodiac stone for Capricorns. For Vedic astrology purposes, it is recommended that a ruby of 2 carats or more is worn in a gold ring.