Ruby Guide
Browse ruby engagement ringsRuby gemstones, known for their captivating red hues and striking brilliance, have captivated humans for centuries. Revered for their rarity and beauty, rubies are not only a symbol of love and passion but also hold significant cultural and historical importance. In this guide, we will explore the fascinating world of rubies, delving into their formation, characteristics, and the various factors that contribute to their value. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply intrigued by these precious stones, this comprehensive overview aims to enhance your appreciation and understanding of rubies.
The Gem of Passion
What Are Rubies?
Rubies, a precious gemstone, belong to the corundum mineral family. Known for their captivating red hues, rubies have been treasured for centuries in jewellery and as symbols of passion and power.
What Do Rubies Symbolise?
Historically, rubies have symbolised wealth, protection, and passion. They are often associated with love and romance, making them a popular choice for engagement rings. In various cultures, rubies are also viewed as guardians against evil, making them a cherished heirloom passed through generations.
How to choose a ruby
Ruby '4Cs'
When choosing a ruby, it's essential to consider the four Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat. These factors significantly impact the gemstone's beauty and value.
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The finest rubies exhibit a deep, vibrant red often referred to as "pigeon blood" red. This term signifies the most desirable and valuable colour, characterised by a rich red with a hint of blue.
Colour is the most critical factor, with the best rubies showcasing a vibrant, pure red to slightly purplish-red hue. A rubies' colour can dramatically affect its value, making the selection of the right shade paramount.
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While rubies often have inclusions, or internal flaws, the fewer visible inclusions, the higher the value. However, certain inclusions within rubies can add character and uniqueness, making clarity a subtle yet significant aspect of ruby selection.
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The cut impacts a ruby's brilliance and overall appearance. Well-cut rubies reflect light beautifully, enhancing their natural beauty. Round, oval and cushion cuts are popular shapes for rubies in general.
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Rubies come in various sizes, with larger stones being rarer and more valuable. When purchasing a ruby, buyers should be aware that carat weight directly correlates with price, making larger stones a more significant investment.
Ring Styles & Inspiration
Celebrities have often chosen emerald engagement rings to make a unique and sophisticated statement. Halle Berry, for instance, boasts an exquisite emerald and diamond trilogy ring, which features a captivating emerald flanked by two diamonds, symbolising the past, present, and future of love. This striking design not only complements her style but also represents eternal commitment. Similarly, Rita Ora's emerald halo engagement ring captures hearts with its vibrant central emerald surrounded by a stunning halo of diamonds, enhancing the gem’s natural beauty and adding a touch of vintage elegance. These celebrity choices underline the timeless allure and symbolic depth of emerald engagement rings.
Emerald engagement buying guide
What metal is best for an emerald engagement ring?
Choosing the right metal for an emerald engagement ring is crucial to complement the stone's vibrant green hue and ensure durability. Popular metal choices include:
Platinum:
Platinum is a premium choice for emerald engagement rings due to its durability and hypoallergenic properties. Its natural white sheen highlights the deep green of the emerald, providing a striking contrast that enhances the gemstone's beauty. Platinum is also resistant to tarnishing, making it a long-lasting option.
18ct White Gold:
White gold offers a similar appearance to platinum but at a more accessible price point. When combined with emeralds, white gold creates a modern and elegant look. It is important to note that white gold is often rhodium-plated to enhance its whiteness, and this plating might require reapplication over time.
18ct Yellow Gold:
Yellow gold beautifully complements the lush green of emeralds, creating a timeless and regal appearance. This classic pairing is especially favoured by those who appreciate vintage-inspired designs. The warm tones of yellow gold accentuate the rich colour of the emerald, making it a popular choice among traditionalists.
18ct Rose Gold:
For those seeking a romantic and unique option, rose gold can be an excellent choice. The soft, pinkish hue of rose gold provides a subtle yet stunning contrast to the vivid green of the emerald, resulting in a distinctive and contemporary look. Rose gold’s popularity has grown in recent years, especially among modern brides.
When selecting the metal for an emerald engagement ring, consider your personal style, skin tone, and lifestyle. Each metal offers a different aesthetic and level of maintenance, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and enhances the beauty of the emerald.
Is it OK to use an emerald as engagement ring?
Absolutely, using an emerald as an engagement ring is not only acceptable but also offers a unique and visually stunning alternative to traditional diamond rings. Emerald engagement rings convey elegance and sophistication, along with a touch of individuality due to their rich green hue. Because emeralds are somewhat softer than diamonds, with a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, it’s important to consider settings that offer greater protection for the stone, such as bezel or halo settings. Regular care and thoughtful use can help maintain the emerald’s beauty, making it a timeless choice for an engagement ring that stands out and tells a distinctive story.
Is emerald more expensive or diamond?
When comparing the cost of emeralds and diamonds, several factors come into play, including colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Generally speaking, diamonds are more consistently priced due to their standardised grading system and broad market demand. High-quality diamonds, especially those with exceptional clarity and colour, tend to be more expensive per carat than emeralds.
However, the pricing of emeralds can be more variable. Exceptional emeralds, particularly those with a deep, vivid green hue and good clarity, can command prices that rival or even exceed that of diamonds of similar carat weight. Colombian emeralds, for instance, are renowned for their superior colour and can be particularly valuable. On the other hand, emeralds with significant inclusions or less desirable colors can be substantially less expensive than diamonds.
Ultimately, the relative expense of emeralds versus diamonds depends on the specific characteristics of the stones being compared. While diamonds may generally lead in cost, an exceptional emerald can be a more costly and rare option, providing a unique and stunning alternative to traditional diamond jewellery.
What should I consider when choosing the setting for an emerald engagement ring?
When choosing the setting for an emerald engagement ring, it’s important to opt for a design that protects the stone due to its lower hardness relative to diamonds. Bezel settings, which completely surround the gemstone, and halo settings, which feature a ring of diamonds around the emerald, are excellent choices. These settings not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide additional security to the gemstone.
Are Emerald Engagement Rings Popular?
Yes! Emerald engagement rings have gained significant popularity in recent years, embraced by those who appreciate their distinctive beauty and vibrant colour. The allure of an emerald lies in its unique presence and the rich history that accompanies this gemstone. Many modern brides are drawn to emerald engagement rings for their individuality, as they offer a striking alternative to the more ubiquitous diamond rings. Celebrities and influencers opting for emerald engagement rings have further fuelled this trend, bringing them into the limelight of contemporary fashion. The combination of a deep, lush green hue and the potential for personalised, unique inclusions makes emerald rings a symbol of bespoke elegance and timeless appeal. With a variety of cuts and settings available, emerald engagement rings are celebrated for their versatility and the statement they make, bringing a touch of sophistication and exclusivity to the wearer.
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frequently asked questions
Unsure about emerald? Find our frequently asked questions.
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To care for an emerald engagement ring, it’s important to handle it with extra care due to its softer nature compared to diamonds. Regular cleaning with mild soap and lukewarm water, followed by gentle drying with a soft cloth, helps maintain its shine. Avoid exposing the ring to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, and consider having it professionally inspected and cleaned once or twice a year to ensure the setting remains secure.
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Yes, an emerald engagement ring can typically be resized, but due to the delicate nature of emeralds, this process should be done by a skilled jeweller with experience in handling such gemstones. Always consult with us beforehand to ensure that resizing won't compromise the integrity of the ring or the stone itself.
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Yes, emeralds do hold value and can be a worthwhile investment, particularly when they are of high quality. Several factors impact the value of an emerald, including its colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Emeralds with a rich, vivid green hue, minimal inclusions, and expert cutting are highly prized and tend to appreciate over time. Additionally, the provenance of the emerald can also affect its value, with Colombian emeralds often regarded as the most valuable due to their exceptional quality. Like all gemstones, the market value of emeralds can fluctuate based on demand and availability, but high-quality emeralds generally maintain their worth and can even increase in value, making them both a sentimental and financially sound choice for an engagement ring.
