Honestly, if you're looking at engagement rings right now, you’ve probably noticed something. The sea of white diamonds is starting to feel a little... expected. Don't get me wrong, a classic rock is timeless. But there’s a reason why celebrity ruby engagement rings are suddenly everywhere again. It’s that shot of "pigeon blood" red. It’s bold. It’s a bit rebellious. And frankly, it’s got a lot more soul than a standard D-color solitaire.
When Orlando Bloom proposed to Katy Perry, he didn't go the Tiffany setting route. He went full floral. We’re talking a massive pink-red center stone—most experts peg it as a ruby or a very rare Padparadscha sapphire—surrounded by a halo of diamonds that look like petals. It’s estimated at around $5 million. That's not just a ring; it's a statement that says, "We aren't doing the boring traditional thing."
The Royal Obsession with the "King of Stones"
Long before Hollywood caught the bug, the British royals were obsessed.
Think back to 1986. Prince Andrew proposed to Sarah Ferguson with a stunning Burmese ruby. Why? Because it matched her hair. He actually said that in their engagement interview. It was a classic cluster design from Garrard, featuring ten diamonds surrounding that fiery center. It’s a look that feels vintage because it is vintage, but it set a blueprint for the "flower" style we see on celebs today.
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Then you’ve got Princess Margaret. Her ring was literally designed to look like a rosebud because her middle name was Rose. It’s these little personal touches that make rubies so much more interesting than a diamond. A diamond is about purity and "forever." A ruby? That’s about passion. It’s about blood, fire, and a bit of drama.
Victoria Beckham’s "Other" Ring
You probably know that Victoria Beckham has something like 15 engagement rings. David basically upgrades her every time they hit a milestone. But one of the absolute standouts in her "jewelry wardrobe" is the massive oval-cut ruby.
It’s huge.
Like, "distracts you from her outfit" huge.
She usually wears it set in a white gold or platinum halo. It’s a masterclass in how to wear colored stones. While most people think of rubies as "old lady jewelry," Posh Spice proved they can look incredibly modern and architectural. Experts estimate that specific piece is worth well over £5 million.
Why Rubies are Actually Practical (Kinda)
Let’s get into the weeds for a second. If you’re actually thinking about getting a ruby, you need to know about the Mohs scale. Diamonds are a 10. Rubies are a 9.
Basically, they are the second hardest natural gemstone on the planet.
That matters because you’re going to be wearing this thing while you wash dishes, go to the gym, and accidentally bang your hand against car doors. An emerald (which is much softer) might chip. A ruby can handle the chaos of real life.
What to look for (The "Pigeon Blood" Factor)
If you're hunting for a celebrity-level stone, you’ll hear the term "pigeon blood" thrown around. It sounds a bit macabre, but in the gem world, it's the gold standard. It refers to a specific shade of vibrant, deep red with a tiny hint of blue.
- Origin: Historically, the best ones came from the Mogok Valley in Myanmar (Burma).
- Inclusions: Here’s a secret—almost all natural rubies have "silk" or tiny imperfections. If a ruby is perfectly clear and costs $200, it’s probably glass or a lab-grown stone.
- Treatment: Most rubies on the market are heat-treated to improve color. It’s a standard industry practice. But if you find an "unheated" ruby with top-tier color? That’s when the price tag enters the stratosphere.
The Ashlee Simpson Fairytale
One of the most unique celebrity ruby engagement rings belongs to Ashlee Simpson. Her husband, Evan Ross, worked with Neil Lane to create a 5-carat marquise-cut diamond ring that is surrounded by calibrated rubies.
It’s very Art Deco. Very "Great Gatsby."
It’s a "navette" shape, which is basically an elongated oval with points. It’s a total departure from the "big rock on a skinny band" trend we’ve seen for the last decade. It proves that you don't need the ruby to be the center stone to make it the star of the show. Using rubies as accents can give a ring a regal, antique feel that a diamond-only ring just can't touch.
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Eva Longoria’s Crimson Halo
When Jose Antonio Baston proposed to Eva Longoria in the desert of Dubai, he did it with a ruby that looks like it belongs in a museum. It’s a massive round-cut stone encircled by a heavy diamond halo.
It’s classic. It’s loud. It’s very "Old Hollywood."
The thing about Eva’s ring is the contrast. The deep red against the colorless diamonds makes the center stone look even more intense. If you’re going for this look, remember that the metal choice changes everything. Set a ruby in yellow gold, and it feels warm and traditional. Set it in platinum or white gold like Eva, and it looks crisp and expensive.
The Bottom Line on Going Red
Choosing a ruby isn't just about being different; it’s about a different kind of investment. While diamonds have a very rigid pricing structure (The 4 Cs), rubies are much more subjective. It’s about the "glow."
Some people prefer a pinkish-red (like Katy Perry’s), while others want that deep, moody crimson. There is no "wrong" red.
If you’re ready to move away from the traditional diamond path, your next step should be finding a certified gemologist who specializes in colored stones. You want to see the stone in natural daylight—not just under the bright halogen lights of a jewelry store. A ruby that looks amazing in a shop can sometimes look "flat" once you get it outside.
Check the certification (look for GIA or GRV) to ensure the stone hasn't been "lead-glass filled," which is a cheap way to make a low-quality stone look better. You want a stone that holds its value, just like the ones sitting on the fingers of the A-list.
Actionable Next Steps for Future Ruby Owners:
- Request a Lab Report: Always ask for a GIA or AGL report to confirm the ruby's origin and whether it has undergone significant treatments.
- Prioritize Saturation Over Carat: A smaller, "vivid" red ruby is often more valuable and visually striking than a larger, brownish-red stone.
- Consider the "Silk": Look for "rutile silk" under magnification; these tiny needle-like inclusions are often proof of a natural, non-synthetic origin.
- Test the Setting: If you choose a high-profile setting like Eva Longoria’s, ensure the prongs are platinum for maximum security of the colored gem.