All About Ruby Rings

A long, long time ago, the ruby was known as the 'king of gems', and was used by royalty in rings, crowns, necklaces, and earrings. Although sometimes in the past, the 'rubies' that were placed in jewelry were actually spinels or garnets, today, with our better techniques for determining which gem we are looking at, if you purchase a ruby, you can be assured that it is, in fact, an actual ruby. In modern times, the ruby is the birthstone for July. Since it represents romance and devotion, it is an excellent choice for an engagement ring, and somewhat less expensive than a comparable diamond ring, although the diamond has become extremely popular in the last 100 years.

The red aura of rubies makes them appear bigger than they are. When rubies are faceted, they are generally deeper cut than a diamond of the same diameter, in order to show off the deep coloration. You can find rubies for rings cut in a variety of shapes, from the more common round, oval, teardrop, square, and pointed oval and variations on these basic shapes to a more contemporary look in the shapes of hearts. A ruby ring with two hearts cuddled next to each other, proclaims devotion and love to everyone who sees it. Some antique or antique look rings have the ruby in a cabochon, or rounded rather than faceted cut. You can find rubies nestled among other gems such as diamonds and peridots.

Rubies may be the main gem of an elegant cocktail ring with diamonds circling it, or as the accent to other gems to set them off. Ruby rings come in dainty, delicate styles as well as more massive rings that might look best on a gentleman's hand. Rubies may be set at solitaires, in bands, in criss-crossing bands, in intricate patterns, or even as the central piece of a claddagh ring. Rubies as accents to Celtic knotwork always make beautiful rings. Rubies look well in platinum, white gold, gold or antique gold rings. It is important when you are choosing a ring to consider the finger upon which it will be placed. If you are looking for a ring that will go on a slender, tiny hand, you will be picking a dainty, delicate ring. If you are looking for a ring that will be gracing the hand of a woman of substance, a larger, design that is more intricate might be a better choice. No matter what the choice is, there is a ruby ring available for you.

Julie Carson is passionate about cheap ruby rings and writes about them for several websites. To find out more read her article Ruby Rings Jewelry.