Fiery color. Enduring strength. Timeless passion.
Ruby has captivated hearts and imaginations for millennia. With its unmistakable red hue, legendary symbolism, and rare combination of beauty and durability, ruby continues to be one of the most iconic gemstones for engagement rings and heirloom jewelry.
But beneath the surface lies a world of fascinating detail—unique optical effects, crystal inclusions, and natural phenomena that make every ruby truly one of a kind.
Whether you’re drawn to its rich color, its timeless appeal, or the story it tells, a ruby-centered design is a bold expression of individuality and emotional depth.
What Is a Ruby?
Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum—just like sapphires—but owe their red color to the presence of chromium. Ranging in tone from deep crimson to vibrant pink-red, rubies are among the most coveted colored gemstones in the world. Only red corundum is considered ruby; all other colors are classified as sapphire.
Why Choose a Ruby?
Color:
The ruby’s color is unmistakable—fiery, vibrant, and full of life. Shades range from intense “pigeon blood” red (a rare and valuable deep red with a hint of blue) to softer pinkish-reds that glow with warmth. Rubies offer a saturated, velvety appearance that holds its allure in both daylight and candlelight.
Meaning:
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Love & Passion: Historically believed to ignite the heart and stir emotion.
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Protection: Worn by royalty and warriors as a talisman against harm.
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Vitality & Courage: Symbolizes strength, energy, and resilience—ideal for marking major life milestones.
Physical & Optical Characteristics of Rubies
To the naked eye, rubies are dazzling. But gemologists use a variety of characteristics to identify and assess their quality, authenticity, and even geographic origin.
Color Nuances
Ruby color is evaluated across three key dimensions:
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Hue: The dominant red, with possible secondary tones of pink, orange, or purple.
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Tone: Light to dark—top-quality rubies often sit in the medium to medium-dark range.
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Saturation: The intensity of color; higher saturation is more valuable, especially if the ruby remains vivid under different lighting conditions.
Fluorescence
Rubies often fluoresce red under UV light, a trait most intense in rubies from Myanmar (Burma) due to high chromium and low iron content. This glow can be so strong it’s visible in daylight, giving Burmese rubies their famed "inner fire."
Pleochroism
Rubies are pleochroic, meaning they display different colors when viewed from different angles—usually a rich red and a purplish or orangey red. Skilled cutting is essential to orient the stone in a way that enhances the most desirable color face-up.
Asterism (Star Rubies)
When fine rutile inclusions—known as “silk”—align within the crystal, and the ruby is cut into a cabochon (smooth, domed surface), a six-rayed star effect may appear under direct light. These rare “star rubies” are cherished for their ethereal beauty and optical intrigue.
Inclusions
Inclusions help distinguish natural rubies from synthetics or treated stones. Common inclusions include:
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Rutile needles ("silk") – often intersecting at 60-degree angles
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“Fingerprint” inclusions – fluid-filled patterns that resemble whorls or ridges
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Color zoning – uneven distribution of color, often in stripes or bands
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Hexagonal growth lines – evidence of natural crystal structure
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Crystals with tension halos – small minerals inside the ruby with stress fractures radiating outward
These characteristics aren’t flaws—they’re proof of authenticity, and often help gemologists determine origin (e.g., Myanmar vs. Mozambique rubies).
How to Identify a Ruby: Practical Guidance
You don’t need lab equipment to appreciate a ruby’s natural features. Here’s how you can begin to observe what makes a ruby special:
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Use a 10x Loupe:
Look for rutile “silk” inclusions, fingerprint patterns, and internal zoning. -
Check for Pleochroism:
Gently rotate the ruby and observe how the color shifts slightly depending on the angle. Look for flashes of red-violet or red-orange. -
Test Fluorescence (if possible):
Under UV light, authentic rubies often fluoresce a vivid red. Some Burmese rubies glow even in natural light. -
Observe Color in Natural vs. Artificial Light:
High-quality rubies maintain rich saturation under different lighting, without appearing too dark or dull indoors. -
Look for a Star (Cabochons Only):
If the ruby is dome-cut, direct light may reveal a six-rayed star—an indicator of aligned rutile inclusions and proper cutting.
For confirmation, professional gemological testing (e.g., spectroscopy, refractive index, or lab reports) can verify whether a ruby is natural, treated, or synthetic.
Why Rubies Make Exceptional Engagement Rings
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Durability: With a MOHS hardness of 9, rubies are one of the hardest gemstones—perfect for everyday wear.
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Symbolism: Rubies have long symbolized love, power, protection, and vitality.
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Timeless Appeal: Their bold red hue offers a dramatic alternative to diamonds while remaining classic and sophisticated.
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Versatility in Design: From vintage cluster rings to minimalist solitaires, ruby rings look stunning in every era and setting.
Ruby Engagement Ring FAQ
Are rubies durable enough for everyday wear?
Yes. With a MOHS hardness of 9, rubies are second only to diamonds in scratch resistance—making them ideal for engagement rings.
What’s the difference between a ruby and a pink sapphire?
Both are corundum, but rubies must meet specific saturation thresholds to be classified as ruby. Lighter tones are considered pink sapphires.
What is a star ruby?
A star ruby displays a six-rayed star pattern (asterism) caused by rutile inclusions. It must be cut en cabochon to reveal this effect.
Can I get a lab-created ruby engagement ring?
Yes—lab-created rubies offer the same color, durability, and composition as natural rubies, often with fewer inclusions and greater affordability.
Discover the Beauty of a Ruby That’s All Your Own
Each Lisa Robin ruby ring is handcrafted to celebrate not only the boldness of this legendary gemstone—but the story behind your connection. Whether you're drawn to the intensity of its color, the depth of its symbolism, or the precision of its natural inclusions, a ruby engagement ring is a powerful and lasting expression of love.
Ruby FAQ
Is a ruby a good choice for an engagement ring?
Absolutely. With a MOHS hardness of 9, rubies are second only to diamonds in durability, making them ideal for daily wear and lifelong celebration.
Do rubies only come in red?
While rubies are exclusively red, their tone can vary from deep crimson to vivid pink-red. All other colors in the corundum family are considered sapphires.
Are lab-created rubies real rubies?
Yes. Lab-created rubies are chemically and optically identical to natural rubies, with the same fiery color and hardness, created under controlled conditions for greater clarity and sustainability.
What does a ruby symbolize in a ring?
A ruby symbolizes love, passion, strength, and protection—making it a meaningful choice for engagements, anniversaries, or personal milestones.
The Legacy of a Ruby
From ancient Sanskrit texts that called it the "king of precious stones" to its role in royal jewels throughout history, the ruby has always been a symbol of luxury, love, and power. Choosing a ruby engagement ring is more than a style decision—it’s a statement of enduring emotion and bold individuality.