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Rubies may be not be the first stone that comes to mind when thinking about an engagement ring, but ruby engagement rings 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.
While most precious gems are much softer than diamonds which are the most durable (hence their dominance amid the engagement ring market), rubies are a lot more resilient than other gemstones, coming in second to the diamond in terms of toughness. They range in color from bright cherry red to dark reddish-brown and then the most popular hue, which is a deep-blood red with blue and purple undertones (these are known as Burmese and Pigeon's Blood rubies). These various shades of red pair incredibly well with yellow and rose gold settings, though, that hardly means you're limited to said settings. Plenty of platinum and white mounting pair just as 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 side or accent stones in a three-stone ring or cluster design.
Of course, there's 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 or go for a raw or rough-cut stone.
Whether it's Spinelli Kilcollin’s contemporary take with mixed accent stones in yellow and rose gold, Adel Chefridi’s east-west oval setting, Harry Winston’s classic cushion-cut ruby ring, or Erstwhile’s three-stone Edwardian stunner, rubies offer as much variety as any other center stone.
Sold on a ruby engagement ring? Ahead, scroll through 70 spectacular styles for every taste and budget.
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Alberto 5.24 Carat Oval Ruby and 0.57 Carat Diamond Ring
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SHOP NOW: 1stdibs.com, $9,980, from 15,999
Anna Sheffield Attelage Marquise Cut Ring Yellow Gold & Ruby
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SHOP NOW: Anna Sheffield,, starting at $5,300
AUSGEMSCo Lab Ruby Engagement Ring Set Rose Gold Oval Cut Bridal Set
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SHOP NOW: Etsy, Starting at $969
Berganza Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, Circa 1940
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SHOP NOW: Berganza, $10,112
Berganza Pigeon Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring, Circa 1935
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SHOP NOW: Berganza, $66,560
Bario Neal Custom Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring
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SHOP NOW: Bario Neal, price upon request
David Yurman Venetian Quatrefoil Ring with Ruby and Diamonds in 18K Gold
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SHOP NOW: David Yurman, $1,450
Diamond Nexus Lady Of Kensington Oval Cut Engagement Ring
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SHOP NOW: Diamond Nexus, $923.20
Diamondère Emerald-Cut Ruby and VS Diamond Sidestone Ring in 14k White Gold
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SHOP NOW: Diamondère, $4,026
Eragem Retro Ruby & Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
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SHOP NOW: Eragem, $8,800
Harry Kotlar Edwardian Ruby adn 18K Yellow Gold Ring
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SHOP NOW: Harry Kotlar, $71,430
Jacquie Aiche Pave Band Freeform Ruby Triangle Ring
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SHOP NOW: Jacquie Aiche, $5,250
Harry Winston Classic Winston Cushion-Cut Ruby Ring
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SHOP NOW: Harry Winston, price upon request
Jane Taylor Cirque One-of-a-Kind Large Cloud Swing Ring with Ruby
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SHOP NOW: Jane Taylor, $10,505
Jared Le Vian Natural Ruby Ring 1/3 ct tw Diamonds 14K Vanilla Gold
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SHOP NOW: Jared, $2,499.99
Jennie Kwon Designs Ruby Tanzanite Diamond Dew Ring
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SHOP NOW: Jennie Kwon, $832
LaMoreDesign Bridal Set Vintage Floral Ruby Engagement Ring and Scalloped Diamond Wedding Band in 14k Rose Gold
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SHOP NOW: Etsy, starting at $2,146
Mark Broumand 2.91ct Cushion Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring
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SHOP NOW: Mark Broumand, $9,950
McTeigue & McClelland Hand Forged Ruby Ring, 24Kt
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SHOP NOW: MC2Jewels, price upon request
Rebecca Overmann Cabochon Ruby Halo Ring
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SHOP NOW: Rebecca Overmann, price upon request
Moritz Glik 1.29CT of Rubies and 0.18CT of Diamonds Set and Enclosed in Between a Double White Sapphire Crystal Kaleidoscope Shaker in 18k Gold
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SHOP NOW: Moritz Glik, $3,240
Zales Princess-Cut Lab-Created Ruby and 1/7 CT. T.W. Diamond Engagement Ring in 10K White Gold
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SHOP NOW: Zales, $349
The One I Love NYC The Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring
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SHOP NOW: The I Love NYC, $2,500
Lori McLean Fine Jewelry Custom Ruby Ring
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SHOP NOW: Lori Mclean, prince upon request
Yael Designs Verbena Ruby Ring in 18k Two-Tone Gold Featuring Diamond Halos and Diamond Set Shoulders
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SHOP NOW: Yael Designs, starting at $9,668
Van Cleef & Arpels Motifs Pétales Solitaire, Platinum, Cushion-Cut Ruby Ring
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SHOP NOW: Van Cleef & Arpels, $285,000