For centuries the ruby has stood for feeling expressed openly, without half tones. Its deep red carries warmth, courage and passion, which is why a ruby ring is often chosen by people who want to say more than a classic diamond can. It is a stone with a strong character and, at the same time, surprisingly practical for everyday wear. Below we explain how to recognise a good, natural ruby, what to look at when choosing a ring, and how to design one with full personalisation at BELLER, so that it matches your vision exactly.
What sets a natural ruby apart among precious stones?
A natural ruby is the red variety of corundum, the same mineral as sapphire, and one of the hardest jewellery stones right after the diamond. On the ten point Mohs scale, which describes resistance to scratching, the ruby reaches a hardness of 9, which makes it an excellent choice for a ring worn every day. Its red comes from chromium, the same element that colours emeralds in another form. At BELLER we work exclusively with natural stones of confirmed origin, because only such a ruby has the depth and individual character that cannot be reproduced. It is a stone for life, not for a season.
How does colour decide the beauty and value of a ruby?
Colour is the most important feature of a ruby and it decides its beauty and value more than anything else. The most desirable shade is the one described as pigeon blood: an intense, pure red with a subtle bluish undertone, without slipping into brown or orange. What matters is not only the colour itself, but also its saturation and evenness across the whole stone. A ruby of vivid, deep red draws the eye even in a small size, so when choosing it is worth looking first at colour and only then at the carat. When you view a stone in person, the differences in shade are clearly visible, which makes the decision much easier.
How do clarity and cut affect a ruby's brilliance?
Clarity and cut are responsible for how much light a ruby lets through and how vividly it shines. Rubies naturally contain tiny internal features, called inclusions in jewellery, so a perfectly clean stone is a rarity. The most valued rubies are those in which the inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, as in the AAA class, because they keep full transparency and brilliance. The cut decides the proportions and the way the stone reflects light: a well cut ruby looks livelier and deeper. It is worth remembering that light inclusions are proof of natural origin rather than a flaw, as long as they do not take away the stone's transparency.
Where do the finest rubies come from?
The finest rubies traditionally come from Burma, and today also from Mozambique, and it is origin that often decides the character of the colour. Burmese rubies are famous for the purest, deep red and for centuries have been considered the benchmark of the kind. For example, our B One N°43 ring holds a natural Burmese ruby of 0.7 carats in a round cut, in AAA class, meaning without inclusions visible to the naked eye, set in white gold and framed by side diamonds. This pairing of strong red with the cool brilliance of diamonds creates a composition full of contrast and class. Knowing the origin of the stone makes it easier to choose, with confidence, a ruby you will love for years.
Ruby or diamond: which stone to choose for a ring?
A ruby and a diamond tell two different stories, so the choice depends on what you want to express. A diamond speaks the language of the classic, of pure brilliance and timeless elegance, while a ruby adds colour, temperament and expressiveness that a white stone cannot give. More and more people choose a ruby precisely to have a personal, distinctive ring, including as an unconventional engagement ring. You do not even have to choose once and for all: a ruby pairs beautifully with diamonds in one setting, where the red plays the leading role and the diamonds underline its depth. If you love colour and want jewellery with character, a ruby will be a well judged choice.
What does a ruby symbolise and who is it worth giving to?
The ruby has long symbolised love, passion and life energy, which is why it is sometimes called the stone of the heart. In many cultures it was credited with the power to add courage and to protect what matters most, and its red was identified with vivid feeling. This makes a ruby ring a beautiful gesture for an engagement, an anniversary or a fortieth birthday, as well as a gift for someone with an expressive, warm personality. The ruby is also a July birthstone, so it naturally works as birthday jewellery. By giving it, you pass on not only a beautiful stone, but also a clear, bold message of the heart.
How to wear a ruby ring every day?
A ruby ring can be worn every day without worry, because with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale the stone copes well with daily life. It is only worth taking it off during work with strong detergents and protecting it from knocks against hard surfaces, as with any precious jewellery. A ruby pairs beautifully with yellow gold, which underlines its warmth, and with white gold, which brings out the contrast of the red. You do not have to worry about ongoing care: the complimentary refreshing and polishing service at BELLER restores full brilliance to the stone and the setting whenever needed. You will find more designs in our rings with precious stones collection.
How to order a ruby ring with full personalisation at BELLER?
At BELLER you can design a ruby ring entirely around yourself, because full personalisation is our everyday practice rather than an exception. Within our bespoke jewellery service we will choose the stone, the colour of gold, the fineness and the setting together, and match the design to the size and proportions of your hand. Every ring is made by hand in our own atelier in Warsaw, from a solid, full band rather than thin, hollow sheet, which is why it serves for generations. We also add a complimentary engraving, a one time resizing included in the price and a complimentary service. Natural stones are best seen in person, so we invite you to our boutiques in Warsaw at Mokotowska 71 and in Krakow at Szczepanska 9, and you can arrange a visit through our contact page. You can read more about our stones on the precious stones page.
Frequently asked questions about a ruby ring
Is a ruby suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, a ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and is one of the hardest jewellery stones, so it copes well with daily wear. It is enough to protect it from strong knocks and aggressive cleaning agents.
Which ruby colour is the most valuable?
The most desirable is the pigeon blood shade: an intense, pure red with a slight bluish undertone and even saturation.
Does a ruby work as an engagement ring?
Yes, a ruby is an expressive and durable alternative to a diamond, and its symbolism of love makes it a beautiful choice for an engagement.
Do you use only natural rubies at BELLER?
Yes, we work exclusively with natural stones of confirmed origin, for example rubies from Burma.
Can I order a ruby ring designed to measure?
Yes, within full personalisation we will select the stone, the colour of gold, the fineness and the setting, and make the ring by hand in our atelier in Warsaw.