Ruby Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

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Rubies might 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. About as distinguished as you can get, rubies were once the stones of ancient kings and queens, making a ruby engagement ring an entirely regal choice. Besides, who doesn't want to look down at their hand and feel like royalty? In terms of feeling fresh and modern, ruby engagement rings are entirely in line with the untraditional ring styles modern brides crave—from unique settings to contemporary shapes, and, of course, gemstones.

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While most precious gems are much softer than diamonds, which are the most durable (hence their dominance in the engagement ring market), rubies are a lot more resilient than other gemstones. They come in second to the diamond in terms of toughness, and they range in color from bright cherry-red to dark reddish-brown. The most popular hue is blood-red with blue and purple undertones (these are known as Burmese and pigeon's blood rubies). All pair incredibly well with yellow and rose gold settings, but that hardly means you're limited to said settings. Plenty of platinum and white mountings pair well with this blazing gemstone.

If you're not fully committed to going for a red-hued center stone, consider a ruby to serve as a side or accent stones in a three-stone ring or cluster design.

Of course, there's the cost-benefit of choosing a ruby, too. 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 setting or go for a raw or rough-cut stone.

Sold on a ruby engagement ring? Ahead, scroll through our favorite spectacular styles for every taste and budget.

ruby engagement rings — Bailey Mariner/Brides

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Angara Pear Ruby Ring With Diamond Halo

Pear ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Angara

Pear-cut stones create an elongating effect on a finger in the most stunning way. And with a diamond halo and pavé band, this ring is super sparkly.

SHOP NOW: Angara, from $8,108

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Berganza Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring

Side stone ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Berganza

This Burmese ruby is nothing short of stunning, showcased in a three-stone setting. We love the use of an 18K gold band, paired with a gold claw setting to bring together a gorgeous look.

SHOP NOW: Berganza, $10,033

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Barbela Ruby Stellan Ring

Small ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Barbela

Who says a ruby needs to be big and bold? This ring is dainty, but it packs a beautiful punch with a single ruby and two diamonds off to either side.

SHOP NOW: Barbela, $500

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Berganza Pigeon Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring

Three-stone ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Berganza

What a way to make a statement! This dark red ruby is set between two trapezium diamonds, all brought together by a stunning claw setting in platinum.

SHOP NOW: Berganza, $75,600

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Bario Neal Custom Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring

Clustered gem ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Bario Neal

Rubies can offer so much potential for playing with shapes and colors. This stunning cluster ring brings together one bold ruby, paired with pink sapphires, and champagne diamonds for a one-of-a-kind look.

SHOP NOW: Bario Neal, $14,500

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Diamondère Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring

Square ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Diamondère

Two baguette diamonds on either side set up this emerald-cut ruby as the star of the show. We love the addition of a claw setting in white gold for a polished look.

SHOP NOW: Diamondère, $5,021

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Jacquie Aiche Pavé Band Freeform Ruby Pear Ring

pave band ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Jacquie Aiche

We love the way a pavé band leads to a stunning pear-shaped ruby on this ring. And with it set in rose gold, it brings in the tiniest bit of a vintage vibe.

SHOP NOW: Jacquie Aiche, $5,250

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Harry Winston Classic Winston Cushion-Cut Ruby Ring

Gold prong ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Harry Winston

There's something so special about mixing metals, especially when it comes to a claw setting. The gold plays its part in making this stunning cushion-cut ruby stand out in this beautiful design.

SHOP NOW: Harry Winston, price upon request

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Jane Taylor Cirque One-of-a-Kind Large Cloud Swing Ring With Ruby

Large ruby swing ring — Courtesy of Jane Taylor

Who says you can only have one ruby in your ring? This one-of-a-kind design breaks all the rules, in the best way. With one large center ruby, surrounded by multiple mixed cut rubies, this rose gold ring is absolutely stunning.

SHOP NOW: Jane Taylor, $10,505

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Jennie Kwon Ruby Tanzanite Diamond Dew Ring

Multi-stone ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Jennie Kwon

Add a splash of color to your ring finger by mixing stones. This thin gold band features an oval ruby, but it also brings in two tanzanites and six little diamonds to round out a beautiful look.

SHOP NOW: Jennie Kwon, $846

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Kwiat Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring

Diamond and ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Kwiat

This argyle design is so unique and so sparkly! With rubies and diamonds set to create a pattern in white gold, this ring is playfully gorgeous.

SHOP NOW: Kwiat, $6,100

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Lauren Wolf Jewelry Ruby Gold Octagon Ring

Not all rubies need to be loud and proud. Go for a simpler look with a beautiful gold setting. We love the way this unique ring utilizes an octagonal shape to stand out.

SHOP NOW: Lauren Wolf Jewelry, $345

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LaMore Design Vintage Floral Ruby Engagement Ring

Vintage ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of LaMoreDesign/Etsy

Doesn't this ring just feel like it's fit for royalty? With a floral-shaped ruby, surrounded by diamonds, this gives off such an art deco vibe.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, from $2,346

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Malcolm Betts Oval Ruby Ring

Bezel set ruby engagement ring — [#Beginning of Shooting Data Section]Nikon D2Xs2014/04/25 18:19:45.4Compressed RAW (12-bit)Image Size: Large (4288 x 2848)ColorLens: 85 mm F/2.8 DFocal Length: 85 mmExposure Mode: ManualMetering Mode: Multi-Pattern1/125 s - F/14Exposure Comp. : 0 EVSensitivity: ISO 100Optimize Image:White Balance: Preset d-1Focus Mode: ManualVR Control: OFFLong Exposure NR: OFFHigh ISO NR: OffColor Mode: Mode I (Adobe RGB)Tone Comp. : NormalHue Adjustment: 0°Saturation: NormalSharpening: NoneFlash Mode: Flash Exposure Comp. : Flash Sync Mode: Image Authentication: OFFImage Comment: [#End of Shooting Data Section].
Courtesy of Malcom Betts

Make a shining statement by opting for a bezel setting for your ruby. This 2.21-carat stone sits so pretty amongst a bold gold ring and channel set diamonds.

SHOP NOW: Malcolm Betts, price upon request

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Mark Broumand Cushion-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring

Mixed metal halo ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Mark Broumand

Make a regal statement with this stunner. We love the purple hue of this 1.66-carat ruby, paired with a contrasting gold and diamond halo.

SHOP NOW: Mark Broumand, $9,950

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Ring By Irina Cluster Ruby Ring

Cluster ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of RingByIrina/Etsy

Even if you don't want a ruby to be the star of the show, there are still unique ways to incorporate this stunning stone. This cluster ring pairs gray diamonds and one lovely ruby for a beautiful design.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, from $1,700

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Zales Princess-Cut Ruby Engagement Ring

Square halo ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Zales

Take a classic princess-cut diamond and switch it up. This white gold ring, with a center ruby stone and diamonds all the way around, is so special.

SHOP NOW: Zales, $349

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Lori McLean East-West Double-Banded Ruby Ring

East-west ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Lori Mclean

An East-West ring can be such a special option, but a stunning ruby takes it to a whole new level. We love the double-band in gold with an oval-cut ruby for a unique, bespoke look.

SHOP NOW: Lori Mclean, price upon request

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Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Soleste Ruby Ring

Tiffany halo ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

Shine in true Tiffany's fashion with this stunning ring. With not one, but two, rows of diamonds surrounding this gorgeous ruby, this ring is sure to be a show-stopper

SHOP NOW: Tiffany & Co, $9,500

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Van Cleef & Arpels Motifs Pétales Cushion-Cut Ruby Ring

Bright red ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels

We love the way two pear-shaped diamonds are placed on either side of a brilliant cushion-cut ruby in this design. The three-stone setting is classic and elegant.

SHOP NOW: Van Cleef & Arpels, price upon request

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Selin Kent Defne Ruby Ring

Ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Selin Kent

Make a statement with a uniquely shaped stone. This offset .4-carat ruby truly stands out with a special marquise cut. Paired with rose gold, this setting makes for a bold design.

SHOP NOW: Selin Kent, $820

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Moritz Glik Ruby Shaker Ring

This is such a unique ring design in its own right, but adding in rubies totally ups the ante. This 18K gold ring showcases glistening rubies in a white sapphire shaker to create something truly out of the ordinary.

SHOP NOW: Moritz Glik, $5,600

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Ausgems Co Lab Ruby Halo Engagement Ring

Vintage halo ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of AUSGEMSCo/Etsy

Ruby stones pair perfectly with rose gold to create a gorgeous, vintage look. This ring brings even more of a vintage feel with a stunning oval-cut stone surrounded by a diamond halo, complete with a pavé band.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, from $969

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Anna Sheffield Attelage Marquise-Cut Ruby Engagement Ring

Double-banded ruby engagement ring — Courtesy of Anna Sheffield

Adding a diamond halo around a ruby can create such a regal look. But this ring takes that one step further with a stunning marquise-cut stone and a double yellow gold band.

SHOP NOW: Anna Sheffield, $5,300

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Ferkos Fine Jewelry Ruby Cluster Engagement Ring

Make a ruby the star of the show, but add a few diamonds for good measure. This oval-cut ruby makes a statement, but with the addition of multi-cut diamonds on either side, it's truly one-of-a-kind.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, $580.50

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Everything You Need to Know About Ruby Engagement Rings

Angara Pear Ruby Ring With Diamond Halo

Berganza Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring

Barbela Ruby Stellan Ring

Berganza Pigeon Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring

Bario Neal Custom Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring

Diamondère Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring

Jacquie Aiche Pavé Band Freeform Ruby Pear Ring

Harry Winston Classic Winston Cushion-Cut Ruby Ring

Jane Taylor Cirque One-of-a-Kind Large Cloud Swing Ring With Ruby

Jennie Kwon Ruby Tanzanite Diamond Dew Ring

Kwiat Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring

Lauren Wolf Jewelry Ruby Gold Octagon Ring

LaMore Design Vintage Floral Ruby Engagement Ring

Malcolm Betts Oval Ruby Ring

Mark Broumand Cushion-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring

Ring By Irina Cluster Ruby Ring

Zales Princess-Cut Ruby Engagement Ring

Lori McLean East-West Double-Banded Ruby Ring

Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Soleste Ruby Ring

Van Cleef & Arpels Motifs Pétales Cushion-Cut Ruby Ring

Selin Kent Defne Ruby Ring

Moritz Glik Ruby Shaker Ring

Ausgems Co Lab Ruby Halo Engagement Ring

Anna Sheffield Attelage Marquise-Cut Ruby Engagement Ring

Ferkos Fine Jewelry Ruby Cluster Engagement Ring

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