One of the best parts of my jewelry blogging journey has been that I’ve had the opportunity to learn to appreciate new things. The more I see, the more new things I learn to love. For example: the ruby.
I never used to care much about rubies. They just didn’t excite me. But I’ve changed my tune: rubies are lush and luminous; the best ones glow in your hand like a captive ember. They symbolize passion: intense, all-consuming, unbridled passion. It’s also been thought to carry protective properties or represent prosperity.
Rubies – like their chemical counterpart, sapphires – are a 9/10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which makes them almost as resilient as diamonds (which are a 10/10). That means they’re a great option for engagement rings or everyday wear; they’re much less likely to crack or wear than something more fragile, like emeralds, opals, or pearls.
It’s also glorious to look at, which is where we’re going next. Let’s dive into a ruby ring roundup!
Let’s start out with something bold and old. This ring from Lang Antiques is Art Deco, circa 1930, and features a magnificent Burma ruby in platinum with diamonds. I love love love the color of that central ruby and the fascinating use differently-shaped diamond cuts in this unique piece.
This ruby ring is also Art Deco, but with a completely different feeling, thanks to its rounded cabochon of a center stone and gentle, almost foliate, shoulders.
Here’s a ruby ring that will make the rest of these antiques look new: this one dates to the 16th century. Featuring a table cut ruby in a quatrefoil setting of high-karat gold and traces of black enamel.
The ruby in this ring is small, but it’s an important part of the visual effect. This crowned heart beauty dates to 1900, and features the most wonderful rose-cut diamonds.
