Ruby Rings - What To Buy

It seems like times change, whether we want them to or not. Not too long ago, it was the height of fashion to give a diamond to the woman you loved and intended to marry. However, as times change, it seems that coloured gemstones such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are becoming more and more fashionable. Ruby rings, once the stuff of birthstones and anniversaries, have now worked their way into the engagement category in a big way. Where once brides-to-be only wore diamonds on their fingers, many men are now choosing bright red ruby rings.

Ruby rings aren't always associated with the color red. While traditionally rubies are considered to be red, there are instances where these gemstones can be shades of orange and purple, though this is rare. Ruby rings run the gamut from the colour of fine wine all the way to the fiery orange of a clear sunset. Imagine a gemstone of that versatility. Such ruby rings have been used for generations; in many countries they're thought to ward off evil, and warn the wearer of mortal danger. Although it's true that many gemstones have such stories attached to them, it's hard to find one with the versatility of a ruby ring.

Of course, we mustn't forget that the ruby isn't just a very popular gemstone for wedding rings, and the like. It is also historically the birthstone of the month of July. Choosing ruby rings for a bride whose birthday is in the month of July will give these rings a double meaning.

When purchasing ruby rings, it's important to understand what to look for and which rings will be of the highest value. Blood-red rubies are considered to be the most desirable of all the colours available. The deeper the shade of red, the more valuable the gemstone will be. Burmese rubies are the most sought after in the world, and for good reason. They don't require the same chemical and heat treatments that lesser quality stones require. These treatments deepen the color of the ruby and hide any surface imperfections.

The downside to these treatments, of course, is that they falsely inflate the value of the stone. Experts can recognize the telltale signs of enrichment treatment, but for a layman, they can cause some confusion. You should always deal with a reputable gem dealer, and ensure that they're willing to provide a professional appraisal from one of the major gemological societies. In most cases, these are the only appraisals that an insurance company will accept, and it's important to have these before you make your purchase, so you can have the appraisal verified.

Since the dawn of time, people have sought rubies not just for their beauty, but also because of the mystery and the lore surrounding these stones. When you use rubies to make ruby rings, you aren't just setting a stone in a ring of gold, platinum, or silver; you're melding thousands of years of history into a single piece of artwork.

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