Ruby | 1.40ct, Oval, Red

• Ruby is the red variety of corundum, the same mineral family as sapphire, and is one of the most historic and enduring coloured gemstones.
• With a Mohs hardness of 9, ruby is one of the best coloured gemstone choices for jewellery that may be worn often, including carefully designed engagement rings.
• Ruby colour can range from deep red to pinkish red, and many natural rubies show inclusions that form part of their identity and provenance.
• Untreated, antique and recycled rubies can be especially appealing for clients who value rarity, history and responsible reuse.
• We assess rubies individually for colour, treatment, inclusions, cut and origin, so the stone suits both the design and the way the piece will be worn.

Is ruby suitable for an engagement ring?

Ruby is one of the strongest coloured gemstone choices for engagement rings. It has a Mohs hardness of 9 and belongs to the corundum family, like sapphire. A ruby ring should still be designed thoughtfully, with secure settings and sensible proportions, but ruby is generally much more durable than many other coloured gemstones.

Are rubies usually treated?

Heat treatment is common in the ruby trade and is used to improve colour and clarity. Untreated rubies are rarer and can be more valuable, especially when they have attractive colour and good transparency. We disclose treatment information where it is available, including whether a ruby shows no indication of heat or has been heated.

What is the difference between ruby and pink sapphire?

Ruby and sapphire are both corundum. Ruby is the red variety, while pink sapphire sits in the pink range. The boundary between pinkish ruby and pink sapphire can be partly a gem trade judgement, especially in softer or more pink-red colours.

What does recycled ruby mean?

A recycled ruby has been removed from an older piece of jewellery or previous setting and given a new life. It can be a thoughtful option for clients who value existing materials, antique character or a lower-impact approach to sourcing.

Ruby sourcing is about more than colour. Origin, treatment, inclusions, cutting style and history all affect how a ruby should be understood and valued.

Our ruby selection includes natural rubies from sources such as Tanzania, Mozambique and Cambodia, as well as antique and recycled rubies where provenance and reuse are part of the appeal.

Some rubies show no indication of heat, while others may be heat-treated. Both can be valid choices when properly disclosed, but they should be valued and discussed differently.

For custom jewellery, we favour rubies that balance beauty, durability and honesty. The right ruby should have colour you connect with, but it should also suit the design, setting style and intended wear.