What Are the Best Ruby Colors for Your Engagement Ring?
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS --
Ruby is one of the most iconic gemstones used in engagement rings, loved for its bold color and emotional symbolism. From vivid pigeon’s blood red to deep Siam crimson and purplish African tones, ruby colors vary more than most people realize. Knowing what each shade says about the gem’s origin and value can help you find a ruby that feels personal—and truly unforgettable.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- How Ruby Gets its Color
- Colors of Rubies
- Pigeon's Blood Red - Burma (Myanmar)
- Deep Red - Siam (Thailand)
- Purplish Red - Burma and Africa
- Synthetic Red
- No Gem At All
How Ruby Gets Its Color
Ruby is a vibrant variety of the mineral corundum, the same family that produces sapphires. What makes rubies unique is the presence of trace amounts of chromium, which give the gem its signature red color. The higher the chromium content, the more vivid and saturated the red—top-quality rubies display a rich, intense hue often referred to as “pigeon’s blood.”
Unlike many other gemstones, rubies can contain natural inclusions known as “silk,” which are fine rutile needles that can soften the color and enhance the gem’s glow. While these inclusions may affect clarity, they are often seen as part of the ruby’s natural beauty and character.
The name “ruby” comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning red—an enduring symbol of love, passion, and power across cultures and centuries.
Colors of Rubies
While rubies are most famous for their deep red color, the gem actually comes in a range of shades—from bright cherry red to rich crimson and even purplish hues. Burmese rubies are known for their “pigeon’s blood” color, a vivid red with a touch of blue that creates a velvety, glowing effect. Some stones from Burma also lean toward pinkish-red, which gives them a softer, more romantic feel.
Thai rubies, often called Siam rubies, tend to be darker and more intense, with a fiery quality that makes them bold and dramatic. African rubies, especially those from Mozambique, can show hints of purple or violet, creating a unique twist on the traditional ruby red. Each color tells a different story—and choosing a shade that speaks to you makes your engagement ring feel even more personal.
1. Pigeon’s Blood Red - Burma (Myanmar)
Some of the rarest and most valuable rubies in the world come from the Mogok region of Burma (now Myanmar). These rubies are prized for their pigeon’s blood color—a deep, vivid red with a slight blue undertone that gives the gem a velvety glow. Because of their beauty and rarity, Burmese pigeon’s blood rubies are one of the most sought-after choices for engagement rings.
Every Burmese ruby in our collection is set in a vintage ring, carefully sourced from past eras. These pieces offer timeless elegance and beauty—with no ties to modern conflict mining.
2. Pinkish-Red - Burma (Myanmar)
While Burma is most famous for its vivid red rubies, many stones from the region also display delicate pinkish-red hues that are equally enchanting. These softer tones offer a romantic and feminine look, with a gentle glow that sets them apart from deeper crimson stones. Found in vintage settings, Burmese pink rubies make a beautiful and uncommon choice for those seeking elegance with a subtle twist.
3. Deep Red – Siam (Thailand)
Siam rubies—traditionally mined in Thailand—are known for their deep, dark red color, often richer and more intense than Burmese rubies. These gems can have a fiery, almost garnet-like glow, making them a bold choice for someone drawn to dramatic, statement-making jewelry. While Thai ruby mines are no longer active, vintage Siam rubies offer timeless beauty, rich history, and unforgettable color.
4. Purplish-Red – Burma & Africa
Some rubies, particularly those from Mozambique and even select Burmese mines, display a purplish-red hue that distinguishes them from traditional crimson or pigeon’s blood stones. These gems feature strong saturation with subtle violet undertones, creating a rich, velvety appearance. Purplish-red rubies are especially captivating in vintage settings, offering a bold and distinctive twist on a timeless classic.
5. Synthetic Red
Lab-created rubies are designed to replicate the vivid red of natural stones, often showcasing intense color and exceptional clarity. These synthetic rubies typically feature a bright, consistent red—so flawless they can be difficult to distinguish from natural rubies without magnification. Early synthetic rubies were first developed in the late 19th century, making them a popular choice in Victorian and Art Deco jewelry.
Today, vintage rings from these eras featuring synthetic rubies offer not only historical charm and timeless, affordable beauty—but also a more sustainable choice, repurposing existing materials without the need for modern mining.
Symbolism of Ruby Colors
Rubies have long symbolized passion, courage, and deep emotional strength—perfect for a gem so vividly linked to the heart. Their rich red hues are associated with love, vitality, and inner fire, making them a powerful emblem of desire and determination. Across cultures, rubies have also represented protection, power, and prosperity.
Ruby is the official birthstone of July and is connected to the Zodiac sign Cancer (June 21 to July 22), known for its deep emotional ties and protective nature. In ancient traditions, rubies were believed to ward off danger, inspire confidence, and even ignite the life force within—solidifying their status as one of the most revered gemstones in history.
Your Perfect Shade of Ruby
From rich crimson to purplish-red to the rare and sought-after pigeon’s blood hue, ruby colors span a remarkable range. The shade you choose can shape the entire feel of your engagement ring—bold and dramatic, soft and romantic, or classic and regal. Rubies are timeless, but finding the color that speaks to your personal style makes it truly one of a kind.
Suzanne Sachs
Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
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