The Cuttings Blog

If you're thinking of investing in some jewellery for yourself or a loved one, you won't be disappointed with rubies. Luxurious, striking and versatile - rubies make an ideal gift and look stunning whether worn as a single stone or paired with others.

Rubies get their red hue from an intensely coloured element called Chromium, which derives its name from the Greek word for colour.

Of all the coloured gemstones available to buy, rubies are the most expensive, with the highest price-per-carat of any coloured stone. The price depends largely on the colour, size, cut and brilliance of the stone, with fine quality rubies over one carat being very rare.

When purchasing a ruby, the most important factor to take into account is the colour. The colour in a ruby varies from bright, vivid reds, which are considered the highest quality, to a dark, more orange or purplish hue. If the colour is a brilliant red, with few imperfections or inclusions, you should expect to pay a little more for the stone.

If you are looking for a special piece of jewellery, in a unique design perhaps, the great advantage of choosing rubies is that they are quite durable. They measure 9.0 on the Mohs scale and are able to tolerate great pressure and high heat. This makes them ideal for ornate designs or more complicated cuts, and their strength also means that your jewellery will stand a lot of wear over the years.

When to Buy Rubies

While there need not be an excuse to buy a ruby, there are some occasions where the gemstone is an ideal gift:

40th Wedding Anniversary

The 40th year of marriage is traditionally recognised with rubies, which can be seen as a symbol for strength, vitality and happiness.

July birthday

Ruby is the birthstone for July, so if you are thinking of a special gift for someone with a birthday in this month, ruby jewellery is the ideal choice! It could also offer as a unique Christening gift to celebrate the birth of a July baby.

Engagement

For a less traditional engagement ring, a ruby is an excellent choice. Its warm, red fluorescence is a reminder of love and romance, while the stone’s durability represents a lifetime of devotion and commitment. Pair a single ruby with diamonds and rich yellow gold for a traditional look, or for something more contemporary you could perhaps choose a white gold or platinum setting.

Here at Cuttings we carry a wonderful variety of ruby jewellery – why not come and have a browse?