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Ruby Gemstone • Ruby Ring Meaning

Birthstones, Gemstones

vintage style natural ruby ring with white yellow diamonds

Ruby Gemstone • Facts about the elusive natural Ruby

Ruby Gemstone: A fine, gem-quality Ruby is second to none in the gemstone world. Rubies are, along with Sapphire, the most durable colored gemstone for ring use, and have been passed down through generations. They combine the inner glow of an Emerald, the rarity of a fine diamond (or more) and possess the rarest color in the gem world: pure red. Thus they are the most treasured of the natural colored gemstones, and the July birthstone, and a global symbol of passion.

vintage style natural ruby ring with white yellow diamonds 2.JPG

1.00ct unheated Burmese Ruby (GIA) set in white & yellow diamond accented ring mounting

Ruby Meaning: The ruby has more of a spiritual meaning to most people. In the US, its red color makes the Ruby a perfect gift for a loved one or on occasions such as Valentine’s Day or an anniversary. In China, where red is the good luck color, Rubies are a good luck gemstone. In India, it is believed that the Ruby stone has the power to align and lend energy to the body. The ruby is also believed to protect the wearer from negative forces that leach positive energy, promoting spiritual vitality and wellness overall. In European lore, the Ruby was given as a gift to show love, passion, and success.

Elusive Ruby: As you can see, Rubies are coveted by cultures and people around the world. Yet scarcity of fine natural Rubies cannot be overstated. In the US rubies are the July birthstone and considered one of the three precious gems, thus demand is high. In Europe rubies are associated with royalty and command a premium. In Asia – especially China – a ruby has become a symbol of wealth. Thus the entire globe is in competition for a tiny supply of elusive rubies.

What makes a Ruby top quality? The key factor is color. The ideal color for a Ruby is 95% red, with just a hint of blue or purple- what connoisseurs call “pigeon’s blood red.” The best shade is medium dark, so that the color is rich and intense, without looking too dark or pink. Really, any Ruby that screams RED is going to be valuable. Secondarily the gem must be clean to the eye. Almost all rubies contain flaws and imperfections due to the geological conditions when they form. Thus a flawless Ruby is almost unheard of, but we aim for rubies that are eye-clean and whose imperfections do not detract from the life of the stone. Thirdly, a good ruby must have a good cut. Most rubies are cut at the mine where they aim to preserve weight and size. This frequently results in a windowed, deep or shallow, off shape stone. So a ruby cut with precision is a welcome rarity. Lastly, the best Rubies come out of the ground as they are, and are untreated Ruby, and buyers pay a premium for totally natural Rubies. Most Rubies are heat treated, to remove silk inclusions, and this is an acceptable treatment and we always disclose this to buyers, and items are accompanied with lab paperwork when the ruby is over $2500. 

The scarcity of fine Rubies cannot be overstated. Historically the finest Rubies were mined in Burma (now Myanmar) but these sources are drying up. A key mine near Mogok flooded and collapsed several years ago, and the other mines have not been producing in the quantity that they used to. Concurrently, the US has placed a trade embargo on any goods originating in Myanmar due to political reasons, and these Burmese rubies are now illegal to import. Fortunately some East African countries have started producing limited numbers of gem quality rubies, but the mining is sporadic. The best African Ruby so far has been from Madagascar and Mozambique, though we aren’t picky- we love any beautiful red Ruby, no matter its origin. 

Ruby Gemstone • Meaning • Elusive Rubies

A pair of round heated Burmese rubies flanking a 1.1ct unheated Madagascar Ruby.

Unfortunately, as Rubies get Rarer, more treated stones and fakes enter the market. We advise our clients to only buy Natural Rubies (or lab created if its their preference), and to prioritize untreated or heat only gems, and to get the details in writing with lab documents (from the GIA or comparable lab) to back up the specifications of the gem. Many of the Rubies we see offered, especially those over 2ct, are “glass filled” or “heated with residue” which is a nonpermanent and not trusted practice, and should be avoided. 

We have been fortunate to find some amazing deals on rubies in the last few years. One of our favorite dealers works in selling the collections of retiring dealers and jewelers, giving us access to material that is “old stock.” We also buy as much antique jewelry with Rubies as we can, as many antique ruby rings are set with higher quality and untreated gems that are impossible to replace on the market today. Good quality 1ct heated rubies can still be found for $1500-3000, but fine quality will be $5,000-10,000, and untreated Burmese can be double, and more in large sizes. The time to buy a Ruby is when you see one you like and can afford! 

Interested to learn more about the Elusive Ruby? Contact us today to see how we can help you. We have a great selection of loose natural Rubies, other natural red gemstones, and Ruby jewelry in stock for your browsing pleasure. 

Buying an engagement ring is a big deal — especially if it’s your first time and you’re planning a surprise proposal. You want the moment to be unforgettable, the ring to be perfect, and the reaction to be joyful.

But if you’re not careful, even small missteps during ring shopping can tip your partner off or result in a ring that misses the mark entirely.

To help you make the right choice without spoiling the surprise, here are five of the most common engagement ring shopping mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Not Doing Enough Research Before You Shop

Jumping into ring shopping without understanding the basics is one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make. If you don’t know the difference between a round cut and a princess cut — or you assume bigger always means better — you risk buying a ring that doesn’t match your partner’s style or values.

What to Do Instead:

  • Learn the 5 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, and Certification

  • Pay attention to the styles they admire (on friends, social media, etc.)

  • Browse ring types online before visiting a jeweler

Being informed gives you confidence, and it helps you spot quality and value when you see it.

2. Guessing Their Ring Size Without a Plan B

Getting the ring size wrong can turn a magical moment into a fumble — especially if the ring won’t go on, or worse, gets stuck. Asking them directly spoils the surprise, but guessing with no backup plan is risky.

What to Do Instead:

  • Secretly borrow one of their rings and have it sized

  • Ask a trusted friend or family member who might know

  • Use a ring sizing guide or tool while they’re sleeping (if you dare)

Pro Tip: If you have to guess, go slightly larger. It’s easier to resize down than up — and most jewelers, like FWCJ, offer complimentary resizing.

3. Talking Too Much or Being Obvious About Your Plans

If you start bringing up marriage or jewelry more than usual, your partner may suspect something’s up. Even casual mentions can start to unravel your surprise — especially if your partner is observant.

What to Do Instead:

  • Keep your research private (use incognito browsing!)

  • Enlist a trusted friend for feedback instead of asking them directly

  • Space out any ring-related conversations so they feel organic

The less you say, the more powerful your surprise will be.

4. Letting a Salesperson Talk You Into the Wrong Ring

When you walk into a jewelry store unprepared, it’s easy to get overwhelmed — and even easier to be upsold. A persuasive salesperson might convince you to buy something that looks impressive in-store, but doesn’t align with your partner’s taste or your budget.

What to Do Instead:

  • Set a clear budget before you go

  • Look for jewelers (like FWCJ) who focus on education, not upselling

  • Prioritize style and quality over size alone

Remember, your goal isn’t just to impress — it’s to choose a ring that feels like them.

5. Waiting Too Long to Start Shopping

This is a huge one — especially for surprise proposals. Many rings require adjustments, resizing, or customizations. Waiting until the last minute can mean shipping delays, limited inventory, or not enough time to make it perfect.

What to Do Instead:

  • Start shopping at least 6–8 weeks before your planned proposal date

  • Communicate with your jeweler about timelines and turnaround

  • Consider proposing with a temporary setting and finalizing the design together later

Planning ahead gives you room to breathe and keeps your proposal stress-free.

Final Thoughts: Get the Ring, Keep the Surprise

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t have to be stressful — even if you’re doing it all in secret. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make confident decisions and deliver a magical moment your partner will never forget.

At FWCJ, we help first-time buyers every day — guiding you through the process, answering questions, and making sure your ring is as perfect as the proposal. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make a move, our team is here to help.

Start your journey today — Schedule an appointment or stop by our store to speak with a jeweler who understands the importance of your moment.

FAQs: Engagement Ring Shopping for First-Time Buyers

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What are the biggest mistakes on engagement rings?
Common mistakes include guessing ring size, shopping too late, buying without research, overspending, and choosing a ring based on trends instead of personal style.
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What should I know before going engagement ring shopping?
You should understand the 5 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, Certification), know your budget, have a sense of your partner’s style, and leave time for resizing or custom work.
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What are the 5 C’s of buying a ring?

  • Cut – Determines sparkle

  • Color – Measures colorlessness of the diamond

  • Clarity – Refers to internal flaws or inclusions

  • Carat – The weight (and size) of the diamond

  • Certification – Confirms the diamond’s quality and grading

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Can I buy a ring without my partner knowing?
Yes! With the right strategy, you can choose a ring that fits their style and size without giving away the surprise. This blog covers exactly how to do it.