If you want to break away from a traditional diamond ring, a beautiful ruby engagement ring may be the perfect choice. Their gorgeous red hue offer the symbolism of love and commitment while offering a unique twist on the traditional engagement ring. Before shopping for a ruby engagement ring, take the time to familiarize yourself with what makes rubies so valuable, and learn how to choose the perfect ruby for your bride-to-be’s ring.

How to Judge the Value of a Ruby

Rubies are gorgeous, classic and are a great alternative as the center stone for an engagement ring. Gemologists will look at the color and size of a ruby to help determine its value.

• Color

Rubies are revered for their beautiful red hue, but the color can be neither too light nor too dark. Look for a ruby that has a rich, intense red, but not so dark that it will be confused with a garnet. Similarly, a ruby shouldn’t be so light as to look like it has hints of pink.

• Size

Carat weight is an important way to determine the value of a ruby. Large rubies are quite rare; as such, naturally large, high-quality rubies will cost a small fortune – perhaps even more so than most diamonds!

Choosing a Ruby

When choosing a ruby for an engagement ring, it will be quite difficult to locate a stone free of flaws or imperfections. With that being said, it’s important to keep in mind that a ruby’s clarity is not always as good as other gemstones. With that in mind, look for a ruby that does not have any large cracks that could signal future problems down the road, and make sure the color is consistent throughout the entire stone. Avoid gems that have visible fractures or cracks, because you will inevitably need to take your ring in for repairs sooner than anticipated.

Shapes and Treatments

While the shape you choose for your ruby is a highly personal choice, ovals are arguably one of the most popular cuts for an engagement ring. Some shapes are harder to cut than others, and you should always choose a shape based on your budget and your bride-to-be’s personal preference. The majority of rubies also happen to be heat treated, which helps to enhance the color of the stone. Rubies that have not been treated with heat are exceptionally rare, and thus cost more. However, treated rubies have a more intense color and can often look even more beauty than rubies that have not undergone treatment.

Things to Check For

If you notice words such as “synthetic,” “created,” or similar terms describing a ruby, the stones have been created in a lab and are not technically natural. While lab-created rubies are grown to resemble a natural ruby in every visible way, they are not real and this should be disclosed prior to the sale.

Rubies are beautiful gemstone, and are a classic symbol of passionate love and commitment. If your bride-to-be desires a gemstone engagement ring, consider a ruby for a beautiful look.