Not all engagement rings feature a diamond as the centre piece of the design. At Morgan & Co, Sunshine Coast Jewellers, we are seeing a shift away from the traditional diamond to coloured stones. If you're searching for an engagement ring that combines elegance, fiery beauty, and deep symbolism and you were born in July the ruby is an excellent choice.

Known for its rich, vibrant red colour and captivating allure, the ruby is a timeless gemstone that has been cherished throughout history for its symbolism of passion, love, and power. Incorporating a ruby into your engagement ring design not only adds a bold touch but also brings in a gemstone that's as durable as it is beautiful.

Let’s explore why the ruby is a perfect choice for an engagement ring and how you can create a stunning design using this powerful stone.

Symbolism of Ruby

Rubies are a great choice for a custom ring design. Rubies  have long been associated with intense emotions, particularly love and passion, making them an ideal symbol for an engagement ring. The stone’s deep red hue has traditionally been linked to the heart and romance, representing the fiery intensity of a lifelong commitment. In many cultures, rubies are also thought to bring good fortune, prosperity, and protection, further enhancing their significance as a meaningful engagement gem.

Are Rubies durable for everyday wear?

An important factor when choosing a gemstone for an engagement ring is durability. Rubies score 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them second only to diamonds in terms of hardness and ideal for everyday wear. This durability ensures that your ruby engagement ring will withstand the tests of time and remain beautiful even after years of constant use.

Design Ideas for a Ruby Engagement Ring

Morgan & Co are the leaders in custom design especially when incorporating coloured stones. Whether you opt for a classic or contemporary design, rubies can be incorporated in countless ways to create a unique and personal engagement ring.

Classic Solitaire Ruby Ring

A solitaire ruby engagement ring is a timeless and elegant choice. Featuring a single, breathtaking ruby as the centre stone, this design showcases the gemstone’s rich color and brilliance. You can opt for a round, oval, or cushion-cut ruby, each offering a different look. For a modern twist, you can choose a rose gold or platinum setting to complement the ruby’s warmth.

Ruby and Diamond Halo

For added sparkle and a vintage-inspired feel, consider a ruby centre stone surrounded by a halo of diamonds. The brilliance of diamonds highlights the deep red hue of the ruby, creating a dazzling contrast that elevates the ring’s overall appearance. This design works beautifully with both round and oval-shaped rubies and can be set in white gold or platinum to amplify the sparkle.

Three-Stone Ruby Ring

A three-stone engagement ring featuring a ruby as the centre stone flanked by two diamonds or other gemstones is a sophisticated and meaningful choice. The three stones symbolise the past, present, and future of your relationship. You can also incorporate your partner’s birthstone or a family heirloom as the side stones for a more personalised touch.

Pavé Set Ruby Band

For a more contemporary or understated design, consider a pavé-set ruby band where small rubies are set closely together along the band. This style can be paired with diamonds or other accent stones for added shimmer and is perfect for those who prefer a more minimalist or non-traditional engagement ring.

Vintage-Inspired Ruby Ring

If you’re drawn to vintage styles, a ruby engagement ring with intricate metalwork and milgrain details will give you that antique feel. Rubies were often used in Art Deco and Victorian jewellery, and their rich colour complements vintage-inspired designs beautifully. Choose a filigree setting or a ring with ornate scrollwork to enhance the old-world charm.

Choosing the Perfect Ruby

When selecting a ruby for your engagement ring, Morgan & Co are experts in choosing the perfect stone, we consider colour, clarity and cut of the stone when sourcing your forever stone.  

Colour: The most prized rubies are deep, vivid red with subtle blue undertones, often referred to as “pigeon’s blood” rubies. However, rubies come in a range of shades from pinkish-red to deep crimson, so we choose the hue that our clients prefer.

Clarity: Rubies may contain natural inclusions, but eye-clean rubies (free from visible inclusions) are highly valuable. A ruby with good clarity will enhance the brilliance of the stone.

Cut: The cut of the ruby affects how light reflects off the stone, influencing its overall brilliance. Round, oval, and cushion cuts are popular for ruby engagement rings.

Carat Weight: Depending on your budget, you can choose a ruby of varying sizes. Larger rubies are rare and often more expensive, but even a smaller ruby can have a powerful impact when well-set.

Why Choose a Ruby Engagement Ring?

Opting for a ruby engagement ring is not only a bold and unique choice, but it also carries layers of meaning. Rubies are often considered the "king of gemstones" due to their rarity, beauty, and association with love, strength, and passion. As a birthstone for July, a ruby engagement ring is especially meaningful if you or your partner were born in that month. Moreover, a ruby’s durability ensures that it will remain a lasting symbol of your love and commitment.

Conclusion

Choosing a ruby as the centrepiece for your engagement ring adds a striking, meaningful, and deeply romantic element to your jewellery. Whether you prefer a simple solitaire, a dazzling halo, or a vintage-inspired design, a ruby engagement ring is guaranteed to turn heads and stand the test of time. Morgan & Co custom jewellers will create your dream ring emphasising the  symbolism of love, beauty and the uniqueness that the ruby brings. Your custom ring design will be an unforgettable and unique engagement ring that will be cherished for generations. Book your obligation free consultation with our team at Sunshine Coast Jewellers.

With Love,
Laura xo