Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a deeply personal decision that reflects your style, budget, and sentiment. Diamonds are known for their timeless elegance and brilliance, while rubies captivate with their deep red hues and passionate symbolism. In this guide, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of both gemstones to help you decide which one best suits your love story.
A Glimpse into the History and Meaning
Ruby: The Gem of Love and Passion
Rubies have been cherished for centuries and are known as the "king of gemstones." The name "ruby" originates from the Latin word ruber, meaning red. Ancient civilizations believed that rubies had protective powers, symbolized love, and could bring harmony in relationships. It has been a favorite gemstone among royalty, including Burmese kings and European monarchs.
The ruby’s association with love, passion, and protection makes it a meaningful choice for engagement rings. In many cultures, rubies were also believed to strengthen bonds between lovers and bring prosperity. For those seeking a unique and symbolic engagement ring that captures the rich beauty of rubies, the '272 custom made unique round ruby center stone and emerald cut diamond accent three stone engagement ring' offers a stunning example. This ring, featuring a vibrant round ruby as its centerpiece, complemented by elegant emerald-cut diamond accents, embodies the passionate and luxurious essence of rubies, making it a truly special and significant piece.
Diamond: A Symbol of Eternity
Diamonds have been the quintessential choice for engagement rings since De Beers' famous "A Diamond is Forever" marketing campaign in the 20th century. They represent strength, purity, and everlasting love. Diamonds are prized for their unmatched brilliance and durability, making them an ideal representation of a lifelong commitment.
Quality Factors: Ruby vs. Diamond
When choosing a gemstone, understanding the quality factors is crucial. Both rubies and diamonds are graded based on the "Four Cs": color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.
Color
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Ruby: The most valuable rubies are pigeon-blood red, a rich, deep red with a hint of blue undertones. Lighter pinkish-red rubies are often classified as pink sapphires. However, for those who appreciate the deep red hue of rubies and seek a unique and striking design, the '67 custom made unique asscher cut diamond center stone and asscher cut ruby accent three stone engagement ring' offers a compelling option. This ring masterfully combines the brilliance of an asscher-cut diamond center stone with the intense color of asscher-cut ruby accents, creating a visually captivating and luxurious piece that showcases the beauty of both gemstones.
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Diamond: Diamonds are traditionally colorless, but they also come in fancy colors like yellow, pink, and blue.
Cut
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Ruby: A well-cut ruby enhances its color and brilliance. Oval ruby and cushion-cut rubies are among the most popular shapes for engagement rings.
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Diamond: The round brilliant cut is the most popular due to its superior sparkle, but other shapes like princess, emerald, and oval are also widely chosen.
Clarity
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Ruby: Natural rubies often contain inclusions, but these are considered acceptable as long as they don’t affect the stone’s transparency.
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Diamond: Diamonds with higher clarity grades are more valuable, but slight inclusions may not be visible to the naked eye.
Carat Weight and Pricing
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Ruby: High-quality rubies can be rarer and more expensive than diamonds. The average price of a fine ruby gemstone starts at $1,000 per carat, but premium stones can cost significantly more.
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Diamond: Diamonds are priced based on their clarity, color, cut, and carat weight. The cost of a one-carat diamond varies depending on its quality, typically ranging from $3,000 to $10,000.
Durability and Longevity
One of the most crucial factors in choosing an engagement ring gemstone is durability.
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Ruby: With a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale, rubies are incredibly durable and suitable for daily wear.
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Diamond: Diamonds rank at 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest known natural substance.
Both rubies and diamonds are excellent choices for engagement rings, as they can withstand everyday wear and last for generations.
Popular Ring Styles and Settings
Whether you choose a ruby or a diamond, the setting plays a crucial role in enhancing the beauty of your ring.
Ruby Engagement Rings for Women
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Ruby and Diamond Halo Rings – A central ruby surrounded by a halo of diamonds for extra sparkle.
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Solitaire Ruby Rings – A single ruby in a classic setting, perfect for minimalists.
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Three-Stone Ruby Rings – Featuring a central ruby with diamond side stones, symbolizing the past, present, and future.
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Ruby and Diamond Stackable Rings – A modern choice for those who love mixing and matching rings.
Diamond Engagement Rings
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Classic Solitaire Diamond Rings – The timeless favorite with a single diamond.
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Pavé Diamond Rings – A band encrusted with tiny diamonds for added brilliance.
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Toi et Moi Rings – Featuring two stones (ruby and diamond) to represent two souls becoming one.
How Much Should You Spend?
Traditionally, the "three-month salary rule" was popularized by diamond marketers. However, your budget should depend on personal financial considerations and preferences.
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Diamonds: Premium diamonds can be expensive, but lab-grown diamonds offer an affordable and ethical alternative.
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Rubies: A high-quality ruby engagement ring may be more budget-friendly while still offering a unique and luxurious feel.
Ruby vs. Pink Sapphire: What's the Difference?
Many shoppers confuse pink sapphires with rubies. The key distinction is that rubies must have a deep red color, while pink sapphires are lighter in shade. Although both come from the corundum family, rubies are rarer and command higher prices.
Natural vs. Synthetic Rubies
In a world saturated with sparkle, the emerald-cut diamond stands as a testament to timeless elegance and discerning taste. It's a choice that speaks volumes, whispering of sophistication and a keen eye for detail. This isn't just about owning a diamond; it's about possessing a piece of art that tells a story. Whether you're drawn to its vintage allure, its budget-friendly charm, or its unique light performance, an emerald-cut diamond is an investment in beauty and individuality. For a truly unique and vibrant expression of your love, consider our custom-made three-stone engagement ring featuring a square diamond center stone, flanked by striking square ruby side stones. This design creates a captivating contrast of brilliance and color, making it a truly unforgettable piece. Let our experts guide you on this exquisite journey, and together, we'll find the emerald cut (or square diamond) that captures your heart and reflects your unique love story. Because when it comes to expressing your forever, nothing less than extraordinary will do.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
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Choose a Ruby if: You love vibrant colors, want a meaningful and unique engagement ring, or have a connection to July’s birthstone.
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Choose a Diamond if: You prefer a classic and timeless gemstone known for its brilliance and durability.
Whichever gemstone you choose, ensure that it reflects your love story, personality, and style. Both rubies and diamonds make exquisite choices for engagement rings, promising beauty and elegance for a lifetime.
Looking for the perfect ring? Explore our collection of ruby engagement rings for women and diamond engagement rings to find the one that speaks to your heart!