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Ruby Engagement Rings • Meaning • Vintage Ruby Rings

General

art deco style natural ruby and diamond ring in white gold
A Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring in White Gold

A Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring in White Gold

Ruby Engagement Rings: The Ruby Gemstone comes from the corundum family of gemstones. Along with sapphires the ruby is considered to be the second hardest of all natural minerals, second only to the diamond. Corundum gemstones are associated with sapphires and their wide range of colors. However, the ruby is the only variety of corundum that is red in color. Any other colors of corundum should be classed as sapphires. We have some excellent articles on Sapphires and their Colors on our engagement ring menu page.

Color is a very important aspect to consider if you are evaluating a ruby. There have been many terms to describe the color depth of a ruby in the past including “pomegranate,” “saffron,” and “China rose,” to name a few. However, these color terms are not really recognized in today’s jewelry markets.

When selecting a ruby, the ideal will be a vivid, medium-to-darker red meshing into a purple-ish red tone. Many rubies today come from Myanmar (formerly called Burma) and these fine rubies tend to have a purple-ish secondary color. Other rubies, however, come from Thailand and these rubies tend to show a garnet-red-ish color due to their darker tome.

Vintage Style Ruby with Diamond Cluster on White Gold

Vintage Style Ruby with Diamond Cluster on White Gold

The most widely known countries of ruby sources are Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). However, Vietnam and Thailand, in Afghanistan, Africa, Cambodia, India, Kashmir, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan and the United States (North Carolina) are also notable resources.

Ruby Engagement Rings Meaning: Ruby engagement rings are generally thought to signify “desire, love and passion.” Tales from way back in the past suggested that the ruby was not really a gemstone, but more of a hardened fire that could set your heart on fire. A ruby is also said to mean a noble stone and along with love it is thought to offer peace and courage. In today’s modern world engagement rings with rubies are thought to represent “desire” through their deep red color. It is said that the ruby can settle fights between lovers – perhaps as peacemaker.

Vintage Ruby Engagement Ring: To be considered a Vintage Ruby Ring its age must be at least 50 years old to qualify. If you have a ring that is over 100 years old, then it can be considered as antique. There are many examples of fine vintage ruby rings being offered in today’s jewelry markets that have been passed down through the lineage of many families. However, not all families are interested in the sentimental value of grandma’s vintage jewelry and invariably they end up in the hands of the Acquisition and Estate Divisions of fine jewelry companies. Federal Way Custom Jewelers have been a major player in Estate and Acquisitions Jewelry markets in Western Washington since 1953. It doesn’t happen every time, but quite often a vintage ruby ring emerges from the days of yesteryear, perhaps from grandma’s personal treasures. We are then able to offer our customers some tremendous vintage jewelry, sometimes with provenance, or just a little history.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article about the Ruby Gemstone. This would be a good time to check out our prices and ruby gemstone related products in our online store.

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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.