Ruby Engagement Rings: 7 Beautiful Styles and How to Choose

A ruby engagement ring is a declaration in colour. Where a diamond whispers, a ruby speaks of passion, courage and a love that burns bright, and it's a choice that feels unmistakably personal.

If you're drawn to red, this guide shows you the most beautiful ways to wear a ruby, how to pair it with diamonds and metals, and what to know about choosing and caring for the stone.

Seven Ways to Wear a Ruby Engagement Ring

1. The classic solitaire

A single ruby on a slender band lets the colour speak for itself. Round and oval rubies look especially elegant in a simple four or six-prong setting.

2. A ruby framed by a diamond halo

A halo of white diamonds makes the red glow even more vividly and adds plenty of sparkle. The Everly pairs an oval ruby with a halo of round brilliants and contrasting trapezoid stones.

3. Ruby and diamond three-stone

A ruby centre flanked by two diamonds is a timeless way to balance colour and brilliance. The Seraphine sets a cushion ruby between pear side stones, while the Scarlet adds a halo and trillion side stones for a bolder look.

4. Petal and floral designs

Ruby's warmth suits romantic, nature-inspired settings. The Roselyne frames a round ruby with bold petal shapes and a sparkling split band.

5. Vintage-inspired

Rubies have adorned engagement rings for centuries, so they feel right at home in vintage designs. The Claudette holds its ruby in eight graceful claws within an open petal setting. Explore more in our guide to vintage and antique engagement rings.

6. A ruby wedding band

If you'd prefer a diamond engagement ring, rubies make a striking accent in a wedding or anniversary band, adding a flash of colour to your stack.

7. Matching ruby jewellery

A ruby engagement ring pairs beautifully with ruby studs or a pendant for your wedding day and beyond. See the Elle ruby studs and the Amore ruby pendant.

Choosing the Right Red

The most prized rubies have a pure, vivid red often called pigeon's blood, with no hint of brown or orange. Lighter, pinkish reds can be lovely too, but if the colour is very light, the stone may be graded as a pink sapphire rather than a ruby, since both are the same mineral.

Every ruby we set is a PUREGEM® lab grown ruby, selected for a rich, consistent blood red that natural rubies rarely achieve.

Pairing Ruby With Metal and Diamonds

Yellow gold brings out a ruby's warmth for a classic, romantic look. Rose gold softens it with a gentle glow. White gold and 950 platinum create a crisp contrast that makes the red stand out. For accents, white PURE® lab diamonds or ATERNA® stones keep the focus on the ruby while adding brilliance.

What Size Ruby Should You Choose?

Coloured stones are denser than diamonds, so a ruby looks a little smaller than a diamond of the same carat weight. As a guide, a 1 carat round ruby measures about 6 mm, and many couples choose between 1.5 and 2.5 carats for a confident presence on the hand. Our PUREGEM® rubies are available from 1 to 10 carats.

Caring for a Ruby Ring

At 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is tough enough for everyday wear. To keep it bright, soak the ring in warm water with a drop of mild soap, brush gently behind the stone with a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry. Take your ring off for heavy work or the gym, and have the prongs checked once a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a ruby engagement ring bad luck?

No. In many cultures, ruby is a stone of protection, passion and good fortune. It has been treasured in engagement and wedding jewellery for centuries.

Do rubies fade or change colour over time?

No. A ruby's colour comes from its natural chemistry, so it stays vivid for a lifetime with normal wear and care.

What is the difference between a ruby and a pink sapphire?

Both are corundum. When the colour is a deep, saturated red, the stone is called a ruby. Lighter pink shades are classified as pink sapphire.

Does a ruby look good with diamonds?

Yes. White diamond accents, such as a halo or side stones, make a ruby's red appear even richer and add brilliance to the ring.

How do I clean a ruby ring at home?

Soak it in warm water with a little mild soap, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse and pat dry. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners unless your jeweller recommends them.

Find Your Ruby Ring

A ruby engagement ring is for those who love boldly. Explore our lab grown ruby engagement rings and jewellery, each handcrafted in Canada in solid gold or platinum, or design your own with our custom ring team.