Some ruby engagement rings feature diamond accent stones.
Rubies are the second most popular stones used for engagement rings. As the July birthstone, rubies are known for their durability and luster. These precious stones are rare, so expect to pay a fair amount for the ring. Imitation ruby stones are also for sale.
Instructions
1. Decide how much money you're willing to spend on the engagement ring. Set a budget and stick to it.
2. Pick the band metal that will help your ruby stand out. Choose platinum, white gold or yellow gold. Select gold if money is an issue; buy a platinum band for ultimate durability.
3. Look for rings at jewelry stores. Visit a few jewelry stores to compare prices, cuts, designs and availability. When purchasing an engagement ring, hold the ring in your hands and examine it closely.
4. Consider the color of the gemstone. Hold the ring up to the light and look at how the light reflects through the stone. Like a fingerprint, all rubies are different; remember that there's no right or wrong when it comes to deciding on the ruby's shade of red.
5. Examine the stone's clarity. Pick a ring with minimal flaws. The more imperfections a ruby has, the less valuable it becomes.
6. Choose a cut for the ruby itself. Rubies traditionally are cut in an oval or cushion shape. Select an oval ruby for a perfectly symmetrical look.
7. Determine if you want your ring to have any additional stones surrounding the ruby. Finalize the design and purchase your ring.
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