The red of a ruby is hard to mistake for anything else. It is a colour that has meant love, courage and life for centuries, which is why a ruby is often chosen for moments meant to be remembered. A ring with a natural ruby is worn close to the skin and close to the emotions, so it is worth knowing how to choose a stone that delights with its colour and lasts for generations.
What does a ruby symbolise and why is it captivating again?
A ruby has symbolised love, courage and vitality for centuries, and that is what makes it such a personal choice. In many cultures it was seen as the stone of kings and a talisman that guarded the feelings. Today it is returning to favour as a striking alternative to the classic diamond, especially in engagement rings and gifts with character. Its deep red lends warmth to a setting while remaining timeless.
How do you recognise a good quality natural ruby?
You recognise a good quality natural ruby by its vivid, saturated colour and clear brilliance. A ruby is the red variety of corundum, the same mineral that gives us sapphire, and its beauty comes above all from colour, clarity, cut and origin. Tiny inclusions inside the stone are natural and often confirm that you are looking at a genuine ruby rather than glass or an imitation. At BELLER we work only with natural gemstones, so every ruby has its own unmistakable character.
Which ruby colour is the most valuable?
The most valuable is a pure, intense red with a slight hint of pink or purple, known in the jewellery world as pigeon blood. A stone that is too light looks pale, while one that is too dark loses its sparkle, so the balance between depth and vividness is key. It is worth viewing a ruby in different light: a good stone stays beautiful both in daylight and by evening light. During a visit to the salon we will happily show how the same ruby plays under different conditions.
How does a ruby differ from other gemstones?
A ruby stands out for its combination of exceptional hardness and warm colour. On the Mohs scale, which measures resistance to scratching, a ruby reaches 9 out of 10, second only to diamond. That makes it one of the most durable coloured stones and perfectly suited to daily wear. An emerald delights with its green but is more delicate, a sapphire offers cool blue, while a ruby combines durability with a warm, living red. If you are looking for a stone for everyday, a ruby is one of the safest choices.
Which setting and gold colour bring out a ruby best?
The red of a ruby is lit most fully by yellow and rose gold, though in white gold the stone takes on a modern, contrasting character. The setting, the way the stone is held, also matters: a classic prong setting lets in plenty of light and emphasises the colour, while a bezel setting protects the edges of the stone and suits an active life. We make every setting in three gold colours, white, yellow and rose, so you can see a ruby in several versions before you choose yours.
Is a ruby suitable for everyday wear and how do you care for it?
Yes, thanks to its hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale a ruby is perfectly suited to everyday wear, and the right care will keep its brilliance for years. From time to time simply wash the jewellery in lukewarm water with a little mild soap and dry it gently with a soft cloth. It is worth taking the ring off for work with chemicals and for contact sports to protect the setting. We will take care of the rest: our complimentary refreshing and polishing service restores full brilliance to the stone and the gold, and we carry out a one time resizing within the price.
How do you design your own ruby ring at BELLER?
The most beautiful ruby is the one chosen for a particular person, which is why we offer full personalisation. Together we will decide the size and shape of the stone, the colour and hallmark of the gold, the type of setting and the engraving, and the design will be made by hand in our own atelier in Warsaw. We match the gold hallmark to character: 585 for everyday jewellery, 750 for a special occasion. Every ring is made from solid gold rather than thin, hollow sheet, so it will serve future generations with ease. You can browse the whole gemstone ring collection online and refine your ruby design with us in the salon.
You are warmly welcome at the BELLER boutiques in Warsaw at Mokotowska 71 and in Krakow at Szczepanska 9. You can read more about natural gemstones and about bespoke jewellery on our pages, and arrange a convenient consultation through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Are BELLER rubies natural?
Yes, we work only with natural gemstones, so every ruby has an unmistakable colour and character.
Which ruby colour is the most valuable?
The most prized is a deep, living red with a hint of purple, known as pigeon blood.
Is a ruby suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, a ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and is one of the most durable coloured stones, well suited to daily wear.
Which gold colour suits a ruby best?
The red of a ruby is lit most by yellow and rose gold, while white gold gives a modern contrast; all three colours are available.
Can I order a bespoke ruby ring?
Yes, we offer full personalisation, from the choice of stone and setting to the engraving, and the design is made by hand in our Warsaw atelier.