When shopping for engagement rings UK, many couples are choosing rubies as the gemstone for their special day. Known for their rich red color, rubies are an ideal choice for an engagement ring, symbolizing passion, love, and commitment. However, choosing the best ruby quality for your engagement ring can be challenging, especially with so many factors to consider. In this article, we will guide you through the essential qualities to look for when selecting the perfect ruby for your engagement ring.
- Color: The color of a ruby is its most important characteristic and plays a huge role in its overall quality. Rubies are available in various shades of red, ranging from pinkish-red to deep blood red. The most prized rubies are those with a vivid, pure red color with a hint of blue, often referred to as “pigeon’s blood.” When choosing a ruby for your engagement ring, look for one with a rich, even color without any brownish or orange undertones, as these can reduce the stone’s value and beauty.
- Clarity: Like diamonds, rubies are graded for clarity, which refers to the presence of inclusions or internal flaws. While diamonds are often flawless, rubies naturally contain inclusions, which can add character but may also affect the stone’s overall appearance. When selecting a ruby for an engagement ring, try to choose a stone with minimal visible inclusions. A good quality ruby will have only slight inclusions that do not detract from its color or brilliance.
- Cut: The cut of a ruby determines how well it reflects light and how its proportions enhance its natural beauty. A well-cut ruby will have the right balance of depth and symmetry, which will make the stone appear more brilliant and fiery. Unlike diamonds, rubies are typically cut into oval, cushion, or round shapes to enhance their color and depth. When selecting a ruby for your engagement ring, ensure that the cut maximizes its brilliance and showcases its vivid color.
- Carat Weight: Ruby carat weight refers to the size of the stone, and it can have a significant impact on both the price and the overall look of your engagement ring. Larger rubies are rarer and more expensive, but you can still find beautiful rubies at smaller carat weights that offer great value. When choosing the right ruby for your engagement ring, consider the size that fits your style and budget, as well as how the ruby will look in proportion to the setting and band.
- Origin: The origin of a ruby can influence its value, with rubies from certain regions, such as Myanmar (Burma), being highly sought after for their deep red hue. While rubies from other regions like Thailand, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka can also be of high quality, Burmese rubies are often regarded as the most desirable due to their color and historical significance. When purchasing an engagement ring with a ruby, consider the gemstone’s origin as it can impact both its quality and price.
- Treatment: Many rubies undergo treatments to enhance their color and clarity. The most common treatment is heat treatment, which can improve the stone’s color without compromising its overall quality. While heat-treated rubies are generally considered acceptable, be aware that some rubies may undergo more invasive treatments, such as filling cracks or fractures with glass or other materials. These treatments can affect the ruby’s durability and value, so always inquire about any treatments the ruby may have undergone before purchasing.
- Certification: When buying a ruby for your engagement ring, it is essential to ensure that the gemstone is certified by a reputable gemological laboratory. A certification provides a detailed analysis of the ruby’s color, clarity, cut, and treatment, offering assurance of the stone’s quality. Look for rubies certified by well-known gem labs, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), to ensure you are purchasing a high-quality stone.
In conclusion, when choosing the best ruby quality for your engagement ring, consider factors such as color, clarity, cut, carat weight, origin, and treatment. By carefully evaluating these characteristics, you can find a ruby that is both beautiful and enduring, making it the perfect choice for your engagement ring. With its timeless appeal, a ruby engagement ring is sure to symbolize your passionate love for years to come.