Are you a fan of rubies? Of course, you are! Who isn’t enchanted by that fiery, passionate red? Lately, I’ve been diving into the world of colored gemstones and even colored diamonds, and I have to say—it’s been a gem of a journey. If you missed my blog on pink diamonds or those stunning sapphire earrings, go check them out because they’re definitely worth a look.
But today, the spotlight is on rubies. Your prayers have been heard! Welcome to another By Bonnie blog, where we talk about all things diamonds…and rubies! Let’s explore the magic and majesty of this bold, vibrant stone that deserves just as much love as its sparkling diamond cousins.
Oh, the ruby love is real! When I made those blue sapphire earrings, you all flooded my comments saying, “We want ruby versions! Pink sapphire versions!” Yes, let’s manifest that energy more because guess what? It’s happening! Your wish is my command.
I just finished crafting the most gorgeous ruby earrings, and I cannot wait to show them off. First, let’s revisit the blue sapphire versions we made a few blogs ago. Remember?
We paired a round diamond on top with a cushion-cut blue sapphire dangling below. Stunning, right?
Well, one of my fabulous clients loved those but said, “Bonnie, I’m obsessed with rubies! Can you make an oval ruby version?” Of course! And to make it even more exciting, she adored my emerald green earrings, which had a cushion-cut diamond on top. So we merged those two ideas and—voilà!—a sparkling, ruby-red masterpiece was born.
Let me give you a close-up of these stunning ruby earrings with diamonds on top—pure magic!
Previously, I showed you the blue sapphire version, but let’s talk about red. Red is the color of passion, of love, and of absolute elegance. And I’m obsessed with rubies.
Now, for all my fellow ruby lovers out there, you might be wondering: What’s the best way to buy rubies?
Because let’s be honest, typing “ruby ring” or “ruby earrings” into Google can feel like stepping into a black hole. How do you even know what you’re getting?
Well, lucky for you, I’m the queen of craftsmanship (yes, I said it!). And while diamond shopping can feel overwhelming, colored gemstone shopping? Oh, honey, it’s on another level of stressful. But not with us! Nope, we take all that stress away and do the work for you.
Still, I’m here to empower you, so let me share three little tips for buying the perfect rubies. Ready? Let’s dive in!
First things first, let’s talk about what not to do when shopping for rubies—or any colored gemstone, really. Number one: don’t rely on online photos or videos. I cannot stress this enough!
Here’s the thing—colored gemstones can look completely different depending on the lighting. They might appear darker, lighter, or even slightly off in color depending on the camera, the angle, or—let’s be honest—how much Photoshop was involved. What you see online might not be what you actually get in real life.
Trust me, lighting makes all the difference. This is why working with someone you trust (hi, hello, that’s me!) is so important when choosing the perfect gemstone. Let’s not leave it to chance, shall we?
The transparency of rubies is incredibly important.
If the gemstone is dull with many inclusions, it won’t reflect light effectively, diminishing its brilliance and beauty.
And lastly, let’s talk about saturation. Because the tone is just one part of the story—what really brings a ruby to life is the depth of its color. Is it a vivid, rich red that feels like it’s glowing from within? Or is it more of a pale, washed-out red?
Saturation is what gives a ruby its intensity and makes it pop. You’re looking for that perfect balance—bold and vibrant without being overly dark or dull. The kind of red that stops you in your tracks and makes you say, “Wow!”
When it comes to clarity in rubies, it’s not quite the same as evaluating clarity in diamonds. Forget about terms like VVS or SI—those don’t really apply here. With rubies, it’s all about whether the gem looks clean to the naked eye.
Natural rubies will almost always have some inclusions—it’s part of their charm and individuality. In fact, as gemologists, we often use those inclusions to confirm that a ruby is natural!
Of course, with modern technology, there are plenty of lab-grown ruby options on the market as well. So whether you go natural or opt for a lab-grown gem, it’s all about finding the ruby that speaks to you and fits your vision perfectly.
One thing you’ll hear often when shopping for colored stones—whether it’s rubies or sapphires—is that they are frequently heat-treated. Don’t let this scare you! Heat treatment is a very common practice and simply enhances the color and clarity of the gem. For example, I have a GIA report for some rubies, and it clearly states the treatment and all the important details.
Speaking of reports, when it comes to colored gemstones, GIA isn’t the only lab that issues certificates. There are many reputable laboratories that provide grading for colored gems. These reports include details like transparency, cutting style, color, measurements, and whether the ruby is a natural corundum—which is the gemstone family rubies belong to.
So, don’t stress—just get informed and enjoy the beauty of your gem.
Now, let’s dive into these stunning ruby earrings. The ruby centers weigh just over three carats, while the diamonds on top are about one carat each. For the diamonds, my client specifically requested crushed-ice cushions rather than brilliant-cut cushions because she wanted maximum sparkle. And oh, did we deliver!
We added a delicate bezel around the rubies and set them with petite prongs to create an illusion-like setting that feels modern, refined, and absolutely radiant. These earrings are everything—bold yet elegant, vibrant yet timeless. What do you think? Aren’t they just breathtaking?
What I absolutely adore about these ruby earrings is their versatility. You can dress them up or down effortlessly! Picture this: they’re perfect for every day—whether you’re rocking a pair of jeans or stepping out for a special dinner. Add a classic red manicure, and voilà—you’re serving timeless elegance.
So, what do you think about these gorgeous rubies? Are they speaking to your soul? If you’d love to see them in other colors, let’s manifest that energy in the comments because your wish just might come true. Speaking of rubies, here are some other designs I’ve created that you might love.
For instance, this stunning oval ruby paired with French pavé—so chic, so timeless.
Or how about a matching ruby half-tennis necklace with a Cuban chain? It’s bold and luxurious but still wearable for any occasion. We’ve also made this style in diamonds before, and let me tell you, it’s breathtaking.
For more behind-the-scenes magic and sparkle, make sure you’re following me on Instagram at @ByBonnieJewelry, where I showcase all the beautiful creations coming out of our workshop. Until next time, keep shining, and I’ll see you in the next blog. Bye!