Rubies have long been admired for their deep red colour and connection to love and devotion. For couples considering getting engaged, it’s not uncommon to ask “which gemstones are best for engagement rings?” The short answer is it all depends on your preference and of course their hardness level on the Mohs hardness scale which indicates their durability for day to day wear. Rubies and sapphires, for example, are among the hardest natural gemstones, measuring 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamonds. Did you know that both of these gemstones actually have the same composition? Classified as corundum, they offer a level of durability that makes them well suited for mindful everyday wear, which is essential for a piece of jewelry that rarely leaves your finger.
At Alexis Gallery, we specialize in creating custom gemstone rings that balance craftsmanship with personal meaning. Some clients choose a ruby engagement ring as they’re drawn to colour, knowing a diamond engagement ring was never their style, while others are drawn to the symbolic qualities of the stone. By combining timeless design with ethically sourced materials, we help couples create a ring that is not only beautiful but also intentional.
Engagement rings are worn every day, so the gemstone you choose needs to hold up to daily life. Durability is measured using the Mohs scale of hardness. Diamonds are a 10, the highest rating, and are widely considered the hardest gemstone. Sapphires and rubies rank just below at 9, making them excellent for long-term wear and a good choice for a ring that will last.
Anything below an 8, including emeralds, aquamarine, and amethyst, can be more prone to scratching and damage. These stones can still be used, but they need more mindful care, especially in exposed or delicate settings. If you want a lower-maintenance ring that stays beautiful over time, opting for a harder gemstone is the most reliable option.
Colour is often the starting point for clients exploring custom rings. Below is a look at popular colour families and the gemstones that bring them to life, along with how each one holds up in everyday wear.
Sapphire offers a ton of variety – especially in the blue range. From rich, saturated ‘Princess Diana blue’, to more modern teal tones – their beauty is endless. It’s a versatile choice with strong durability, making it ideal for everyday wear. Aquamarine has a lighter, oceanic blue shade that feels airy and romantic. However, with a lower hardness rating, it may show wear sooner. If you love the look of aquamarine but want something stronger, a light blue sapphire or blue lab diamond offers a similar style with added resilience.
Emeralds are prized for their vivid green, but they tend to be softer and often have natural inclusions that can make them more fragile. Historically, emeralds from India have been celebrated as one of the world’s most valuable gems, but they are not always practical for an engagement ring. The recent introduction of green lab grown diamonds offers an excellent, harder option that gives you fire, brilliance and stunning colour ranging from moss to forest.
Ruby is known for its deep red colour and timeless symbolism of love and passion. The Latin word ruben, meaning red, is the root of its name. Ruby’s colour is often described as blood red, and its visual embodiment of love gives it high regard across cultures. As one of the hardest gemstones, it’s well suited for daily wear and holds its brilliance for years. Whether set in yellow gold, or white gold, ruby makes a bold statement. Many clients also love to see a ruby gemstone paired with small diamonds, either as accents or in three stone rings, which enhance its brilliance and give it an elevated style.
Rubies occur in a variety of colours – each with a unique classification.
Classification | Hue | Tone | Saturation | Visual Description | Common Trade Name |
Vivid Red | Strongly purplish-red to pure red | Medium to medium-dark | Vivid | Bright, fiery red with minimal brown or purple — exceptional brilliance | Pigeon’s Blood Ruby |
Strong Red | Slightly purplish-red | Medium-dark | Strong | Deep, well-balanced red with excellent saturation and lively sparkle | Fine Ruby |
Moderate Red | Slightly purplish to slightly orangy-red | Medium to medium-dark | Moderate | Classic ruby color, may appear slightly less intense under daylight | Commercial Ruby |
Light Red / Pinkish Red | Orangy-red to pinkish-red | Light to medium-light | Moderate to Strong | Soft pinkish-red tone — may be classified as pink sapphire under GIA rules | Pink Ruby (Trade) |
Dark Red / Brownish Red | Purplish-red or brownish-red | Dark | Moderate to Strong | Deep red with visible brown or purple undertones, slightly subdued brilliance | Burmese Deep Ruby / Garnet-like Ruby |
A purple sapphire is rare and eye-catching, with excellent hardness and durability. Alexandrite offers a colour-shifting effect, changing from greenish in daylight to purplish-red indoors. Earth mined/natural alexandrite is a very rare, lab grown Alexandrite offers a more accessible alternative. With strong durability and unique visual appeal, it’s a standout choice. Amethyst, while rich in colour, is softer and more prone to scratches, making it better for occasional wear or protected settings.
Yes, rubies are considered durable gemstones that stand up well to daily wear, which is why they have remained a popular choice in luxurious jewelry for centuries. Their hardness, combined with their symbolic meaning, makes them a perfect gemstone for an engagement ring. Unlike softer stones such as opals or emeralds, rubies can withstand the demands of being worn mindfully every day.
Not every gem is suited to the demands of an engagement ring. Softer stones such as pearls, amber, or opals often scratch or chip when exposed to the pressures of daily life. Emeralds, despite being precious stones, can also be prone to fractures under extreme pressure. For a ring that will be worn constantly, it is best to choose durable options such as diamonds, rubies, or sapphires, all of which have the hardness required for longevity.
Absolutely. A ruby engagement ring carries deep symbolism and makes for a meaningful choice. Its red colour is often associated with passion, devotion, and undying love, making it a fitting symbol of commitment. It also may just be the stone your partner has always adored! Proposing with a ruby ring also creates a story that stands apart from the traditional diamond engagement. For couples who want a personal connection to their jewelry, a ruby ring can be just as powerful, if not more so, than a diamond.
It depends on what you value. Diamonds remain the hardest gemstone, with unmatched durability and light performance. They are often seen as the most traditional engagement choice. Rubies, however, offer a unique blend of durability, symbolism, and vibrant red colour that many find compelling. The question of ‘better’ is really in the eye (or hand) of the beholder. A ruby is not necessarily better than a diamond, but for those drawn to precious gemstones with rich history and individuality, it can be the perfect gemstone for an engagement.
A gemstone engagement ring is an excellent choice for couples seeking an alternative to the traditional colourless diamond. Whether showcased alone or paired with diamonds in a custom setting, gemstones offer beauty and meaning to create something that feels timeless and personal.
If you’re drawn to rubies or other gemstones but still exploring your options, you might find it helpful to learn more about lab grown gemstones and how they compare to earth mined. For those ready to begin the design journey, our guide on how to make a custom engagement ring explains the step-by-step process of working with our designers. And if you’re wondering about budgets, we’ve also shared practical advice on how much to spend on an engagement ring.
At Alexis Gallery, every ring is made to order, designed collaboratively with our clients, and built to last. If you’re considering a gemstone engagement ring or another custom creation, schedule a phone consultation with us to begin designing a piece that reflects your story.
