Every love story deserves a gemstone as rare and enduring as the bond it represents. At Holdsworth Bros., our ruby engagement rings capture passion at its finest — a timeless choice for those seeking something truly remarkable. For more than 130 years, we have been handcrafting fine jewellery, and our ruby collections remain among the most admired.
Whether you are considering a classic solitaire, a radiant halo, or a bespoke design, ruby engagement rings combine rarity, romance, and strength.
Why Choose a Ruby Engagement Ring?
Rubies are steeped in symbolism. Throughout history, they have been celebrated as stones of passion, devotion, and protection. Choosing a ruby for your engagement ring is a powerful way to symbolise a relationship filled with love and vitality.
Beyond their meaning, rubies are also practical. They score 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale — just below diamonds — making them exceptionally durable for daily wear. For couples in Australia, ruby engagement rings provide a vibrant and luxurious alternative to traditional diamonds.
What Metals Look Best with Rubies?
Yellow and Rose Gold for Traditional Elegance
Ruby’s rich red tones harmonise beautifully with warm alloys like yellow or rose gold. The combination creates a classic, romantic appearance that suits vintage or traditional styles. A ruby halo engagement ring, for instance, in rose gold radiates everlasting charm.
White Gold and Platinum for Modern Sophistication
For those who prefer a contemporary aesthetic, white gold or platinum offers a striking contrast. These cool-toned metals enhance the ruby’s brilliance, creating a clean, modern look. This makes them an excellent choice for someone seeking an unconventional yet elegant engagement ring.
The Cost of Ruby Engagement Rings in Melbourne, Australia
At Holdsworth Bros., our ruby engagement rings are priced from approximately $2000 to $50,000 AUD. The wide range reflects the many factors influencing cost, including:
- Gemstone shape and cut
- Colour saturation and shade
- Carat weight
- Accompanying gemstones such as diamonds
- Alloy of the band
- Visible inclusions or imperfections
- Any treatments to enhance colour or clarity
We can customise your ring to create a truly unique piece. Our jewellers specialise in bespoke ruby engagement rings, designed from scratch to reflect your story.
Ruby vs Diamond Engagement Rings
The decision between a ruby and a diamond engagement ring is not about superiority but about what best reflects your story. Diamonds are classic and widely recognised, while rubies offer rarity, intensity, and rich symbolism.
If your partner values bold colour, individuality, and heritage, a ruby engagement ring may be the perfect choice.
How Rare Are Rubies Compared to Diamonds?
Although diamonds are marketed as rare, they are relatively abundant. High-quality rubies, especially those over one carat, are exceptionally scarce. Today, most rubies come from Mozambique, while Myanmar has historically produced some of the world’s most coveted stones.
This rarity makes natural ruby engagement rings an exclusive and prestigious option for couples who appreciate truly remarkable gemstones.
The Best Ruby Colour for Engagement Rings
Rubies appear in shades ranging from pinkish-red to deep maroon. The most valuable display vivid, medium to dark saturation — vibrant yet balanced.
Certification of coloured gemstones is becoming increasingly common and rubies are the perfect candidates. Their origin, any treatments and colour grade are all important factors in determining value.Â
The colour results from chromium within the stone: higher concentrations create intense reds, while lighter levels lean towards pink. This sometimes blurs the distinction between ruby and pink sapphire. Ultimately, the best choice is the colour that resonates most with you, not only the one rated highest in market value.
Identifying a Genuine Ruby
Authenticity is essential when buying a ruby engagement ring. The market includes:
- Synthetic rubies: Lab-created with identical chemical composition but lacking rarity and long-term value.
- Imitations: Materials such as glass designed to mimic ruby’s appearance.
- Glass-filled rubies: Lower-quality stones, filled to improve clarity but vulnerable to damage.
We work exclusively with natural rubies, ensuring your ring is as enduring as it is beautiful.
Custom Ruby Engagement Rings
For something truly personal, our customisation service allows you to create your ideal ruby engagement ring. From selecting the perfect stone to choosing the metal and setting, our jewellers guide you through every detail.
A custom ruby engagement ring crafted by us ensures your proposal is marked by a ring as unique as your love.
Finding the Perfect Ruby Engagement Ring
Ruby engagement rings are not just alternatives to diamonds — they are bold expressions of love, passion, and individuality. Holdsworth Bros. offers an extensive collection of exquisite ruby engagement rings to help you find the perfect piece.
Explore our collection of natural ruby engagement rings in Melbourne. Contact us and book a private engagement ring consultation to find the ring that perfectly symbolises your story.
FAQs
1. How do I choose between a ruby and a diamond engagement ring?
It depends on personal preference. Diamonds are classic, but rubies are rarer, more colourful, and deeply symbolic.
2. What is the most popular style of ruby engagement ring?
Ruby and diamond rings, particularly halo designs, are among the most sought-after for their brilliance and vibrancy.
3. Are natural ruby engagement rings more valuable than synthetic ones?
Yes. Natural rubies are rare and retain value over time, while synthetic rubies hold little or no resale value.
4. How can I care for and clean my ruby engagement ring?
Rubies are durable, but they should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.
5. Do ruby engagement rings hold their value over time?
High-quality natural rubies, especially in larger sizes, tend to maintain or increase their value due to their scarcity.
