Ruby Engagement Rings

lllustration: Christina Park

Rubies may be not be the first stone that comes to mind when thinking about an engagement ring, but they have a long history of symbolizing love, courage, passion and protection. If you're looking for a colorful stone, these fiery red gems with notes of purple are about as timelessly revered as you can get. Rubies, after all, were once the stones of ancient kings and queens, and who doesn't want to look down at their hand and feel like she rules the world?
Since a ruby's color is crimson, it pairs really well with more vintage settings and yellow or rose gold. That doesn't mean, though, that you're limited to dainty or alternative settings. Plenty of platinum and white gold more modern or classic settings (think: halo) go well with this fiery gemstone too. And if you're not fully committed to going for a red-hued center stone, rubies are a great accent to your diamond.
Of course, there's also the cost benefit of choosing a ruby. Like any gemstone, you're likely to get a lot more bang for your buck when going for a ruby engagement ring as opposed to a diamond one, even if you mix it with diamonds in a vintage or art deco setting. Whether it's Anna Sheffield's contemporary take on this tried-and-true gem, or Kwiat's diamond and ruby vintage-inspired piece, rubies offer as much variety as any other center stone.
Sold on a ruby engagement ring? Click through to see all of favorite red-hued styles.

Courtesy of Anna Sheffield

"Attelage" marquise-cut ruby and diamond engagement ring, $6,925, Anna Sheffield

Courtesy of Polly Wales

Ruby halo engagement ring in 18K yellow gold with seven rubies in graduating size, $2,640, Polly Wales

Courtesy of Twist

Oval-cut two-leaf ruby engagement ring in yellow gold, $8,800, Cathy Waterman available at Twist

Courtesy of Kwiat

Style 28012R, ruby and diamond vintage engagement ring in 18K white gold, $4,500, Kwiat

Courtesy of Single Stone

"Charley" oval-cut ruby engagement ring in yellow gold, $6,500, Single Stone

Courtesy of Mociun

Custom cluster of Pigeon's Blood ruby, champagne diamond, natural pearls, and antique white diamonds, set in 14K yellow gold, price upon request, Mociun

Courtesy of Ritani

Ruby and diamond cushion-cut halo engagement ring in yellow gold, price upon request, Omi Privé available at Ritani

Courtesy of Trumpet Horn

"Napa Valley" round-cut vintage Edwardian era platinum ruby engagement ring, $14,500, Trumpet Horn

Courtesy of Anna Sheffield

"Tiny Rosette" round-cut ruby and diamond engagement ring in rose gold, $1,750, Anna Sheffield

Courtesy of Gemvara

"Samantha" emerald-cut ruby engagement ring in white gold, $4,885, Gemvara

Courtesy of Parade Design

Style R2167, two-tone diamond ring with ruby center in yellow and white gold, $6,425, Parade Design

Courtesy of Catbird

Hexagon ruby engagement ring in yellow gold, $615, Satomi Kawakita available at Catbird

Courtesy of Ritani

Round-cut ruby diamond engagement ring, $2,500, Ritani

Courtesy of Yael Designs

Style 04786, oval-cut halo ruby and diamond engagement ring, price upon request, Yael Designs

Courtesy of Kwiat

Style 28037R, diamond and ruby vintage engagement ring in 18K white gold, $18,700, Kwiat

Courtesy of De Beers

1888 Master Diamond Collection "Aura" double-halo ring featuring an emerald-cut fancy deep pink diamond, price on request, De Beers

Courtesy of Trumpet Horn

"Lanesboro" vintage Edwardian era 14K yellow gold and platinum ruby engagement ring, $8,250, Trumpet Horn

Courtesy of Gemvara

Ivy Collection round-cut diamond and ruby engagement ring in white gold, $5,965, Gemvara

Courtesy of Van Cleef Arpels

"Saidapur" oval-cut ruby and diamond engagement ring in platinum, price upon request, Van Cleef Arpels

Courtesy of Parade Design

Style R3107, two-tone diamond engagement ring with a ruby center in yellow and white gold, $8,600, Parade Design

Courtesy of Danhov

Style AE100-RB, abbracio single shank engagement ring with ruby center stone, $3,620, Danhov*

Courtesy of David Alan

VAL-001, "Valtis" ring 2.5 carat ruby and pavé-set diamonds in platinum, $35,000, David Alan

Courtesy of Sylvie Collection

SY564 RU, 2.66 carat engagement ring with oval ruby center and 18K white gold setting, $11,520, Sylvie Collection

Courtesy of David Yurman

Style WR1043CPLRUDI-2, DY Capri ruby and diamond engagement ring in platinum, $20,100, David Yurman

Courtesy of Adel Chefridi

Style gr211-2, oval-cut ruby engagement ring in yellow gold, $2,200, Adel Chefridi

Ruby Engagement Rings

Subscribe to the Magazine