0.90 CT Ruby Round Faceted 3 Stone Engagement Ring in 14kt White Gold

This round ruby engagement ring sets a 0.90 carat round ruby of vivid red in four prongs, above a 14kt white gold band whose shoulders are covered in three rows of pave diamonds. Seventy-four small diamonds, about 0.50 carats in total, frame the ruby with sparkle from every angle. Everything below describes this exact ring, which you can see and try on at our Boca Raton showroom.

The round ruby engagement ring at a glance

Here are the specifications of this round ruby engagement ring, as recorded for this piece.

The center stone is a round faceted ruby of 0.90 carats, a vivid, slightly pinkish red, held in four prongs on a raised head.

The band carries seventy-four round diamonds of about 0.0075 carats each, recorded as 0.50 carats in total, graded G color and SI1 clarity. They are pave-set in three rows along each shoulder and continue beneath the head, so the ring sparkles from the side as well as from above. Together with the ruby, the ring carries 1.40 carats of gemstones.

The metal is 14kt white gold. The ring can be sized to fit.

In short, this is a classic ruby and diamond engagement ring: one bold red center, framed by a band of white sparkle.

Why a ruby engagement ring

Ruby has stood for love and passion for centuries, and its red is the color of the heart. For couples who want an engagement ring with color and meaning, a ruby is one of the most romantic choices there is.

It is also one of the most practical. Ruby is a variety of corundum and ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond, so it wears beautifully every day. The Gemological Institute of America ranks ruby among the most valued of all colored gems.

A round ruby engagement ring has a classic, balanced look. The round shape is symmetrical from every angle, so it suits any hand and any wedding band.

And it stands apart. Where most engagement rings are white on white, a ruby center is instantly recognizable.

The ruby: 0.90 carats of vivid red

The center stone is a round faceted ruby of 0.90 carats. Its color is a vivid red with a slightly pinkish tone, bright and lively rather than dark.

Color is the most important factor in a ruby's value. Gemologists look at hue, tone and saturation, and the most prized rubies are a pure red to slightly purplish or pinkish red, with strong saturation and a tone that is not too dark. This ruby sits comfortably in that range.

The round cut helps. Its facets are arranged to return light evenly, so the ruby shows its color across its whole face and sparkles more than a flatter or more deeply cut stone would.

Most rubies sold today are heated to improve their color and clarity, a permanent and widely accepted practice. The written appraisal for this ring records what is known about the stone.

Ruby or pink sapphire?

Ruby and pink sapphire are the same mineral, corundum. The difference is color: when corundum is red enough, it is called ruby; when it is lighter or pinker, it is called pink sapphire. Where exactly the line falls has long been debated in the trade.

This stone is a vivid, slightly pinkish red, and it is recorded as a ruby. If you prefer a deeper, darker red, or a softer pink, we can show you other stones side by side so you can see where your own preference lies.

Either way, the durability is the same: 9 on the Mohs scale, ideal for a ring you will wear every day.

Round, oval or cushion ruby?

The shape of the center stone changes the whole look of a ruby engagement ring. An oval is elongated and flattering on the finger; a cushion has soft corners and a vintage feel.

A round ruby engagement ring is the most classic and balanced of the three. The round shape returns light evenly, so a round ruby tends to show more sparkle, and it looks the same from every angle, which makes it easy to pair with any band.

Round rubies of good color are also less common than ovals, because rubies are often cut into ovals to save weight from the rough crystal. That makes a well-colored round ruby a satisfying find.

If you are deciding between shapes, try a few on. The difference is easier to feel on the hand than to describe. Bring photos of rings you like, too; they help us understand your taste quickly and show you the closest matches we have in the showroom.

A pave ruby ring

The shoulders are what give this round ruby engagement ring its brilliance. Each shoulder is gently domed and covered in three rows of tiny diamonds set so close together that the surface reads as a single sheet of sparkle. That is pave, from the French for paved, and it makes this a pave ruby ring.

Pave diamonds are held by tiny beads of metal raised from the surface around each stone, so very little gold is visible between them. The result is a band that sparkles continuously as the hand moves.

The pave continues beneath the head, so there are diamonds visible from the side too. When you look at the ring in profile, the ruby seems to sit on a cushion of light.

Pave also frames color beautifully. Against a field of white diamonds, the red of the ruby looks even richer.

Micro pave: small diamonds, big sparkle

The diamonds on this ring are very small, about three quarters of a hundredth of a carat each. Setting stones this small is called micro pave, and it requires fine tools and magnification.

A micro pave engagement ring has a refined, delicate look. Because each diamond is tiny, the band can carry many of them without looking heavy, and the sparkle is fine and even rather than chunky.

Seventy-four diamonds in total add up to about half a carat, which is a lot of sparkle for a band this slim.

The diamonds are graded G color, near-colorless, and SI1 clarity. At this size they face up bright white against the white gold. Our guide to diamond color explains the scale.

The four-prong head

The ruby is held in four prongs on a raised head. Four prongs show as much of the ruby as possible while keeping it secure, and from above they frame the round stone in a neat square.

The head sits above the band, so light can reach the ruby from the sides, which makes its color glow. Below it, the shoulders taper in toward the head, drawing the eye straight to the center.

This combination of a raised solitaire head and pave shoulders is one of the most popular engagement ring designs of recent decades, because it balances a single important center with plenty of sparkle.

Why a white gold ruby ring

White gold is a striking frame for a ruby, which is why a white gold ruby ring looks so vivid. The cool white metal and white diamonds make the red look deeper and more saturated by contrast, so the ruby is the unmistakable focus.

This white gold ruby ring is made in 14kt gold, which is 58.3 percent pure gold, alloyed for strength. That strength matters in a ring that holds seventy-four small diamonds, because it helps keep every bead and prong secure.

White gold is usually finished with rhodium for a bright white surface. Over time the rhodium can wear, and a quick re-plating restores it; we can do that in our store.

A ruby and diamond engagement ring for everyday wear

A ruby and diamond engagement ring is built for daily wear. Both stones are very hard, and the white gold holds them firmly.

As with any pave ring, a little care keeps it looking its best. Take it off for the gym, gardening and heavy cleaning, and have the pave checked once or twice a year.

The raised head does sit a little above the band, so be mindful of knocks, and have the prongs checked from time to time.

In return, the design gives you a ring that is easy to live with. A micro pave engagement ring like this has no large side stones to catch on sweaters, and the white gold band is slim and comfortable. Many owners find that a pave ruby ring becomes the piece they never take off, because it looks just as right with jeans as it does with an evening dress.

What a ruby means

Ruby has long been called the king of gems. In many cultures it has been linked with love, courage and protection, and it was once believed to glow with an inner fire that could never be extinguished.

That symbolism is part of why a ruby and diamond engagement ring feels so meaningful. The ruby stands for passion; the diamonds, traditionally, for strength and permanence.

Ruby is also the birthstone for July and the traditional gift for a 40th wedding anniversary, so this ring can carry more than one story.

Proposing with a round ruby engagement ring

A ruby suits someone with a strong sense of style and a love of color. If your partner wears a lot of red, rose or warm tones, or simply prefers jewelry that feels personal, a ruby is a bold and thoughtful choice.

For sizing, borrow a ring they already wear on the ring finger, or ask a close friend. If you are unsure, propose with the ring as it is and have it resized afterwards.

Wedding bands for a round ruby engagement ring

A thin pave diamond band sits beautifully beside this pave ruby ring and continues the line of sparkle. A plain white gold band gives a clean, classic look and lets the pave shoulders stand out.

Because the shoulders taper toward the head, most straight bands sit close to the ring. Bring in a band you are considering, or try some of ours, and we will show you how they look together.

How to judge a pave ruby ring in person

Start with the ruby. Look at it in daylight and under indoor light; a fine ruby stays a rich, lively red in both.

Next, look closely at the pave. The diamonds should be evenly sized and evenly spaced, with no gaps, and each should sparkle as you tilt the ring.

Then look at the ring from the side, where the pave beneath the head is visible, and check that the prongs sit firmly over the ruby.

Finally, put it on. A ring always looks different on the hand, and seeing the ruby against your own skin tone is the best test of color.

Caring for a micro pave engagement ring

Micro pave collects lotion and soap, which dull its sparkle. To clean the ring, soak it briefly in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, brush gently along the pave and under the head with a soft toothbrush, rinse and pat dry. Our jewelry care guide has more detail.

We offer complimentary cleaning and inspection for jewelry bought from our store, and a quick check of the pave is part of every visit.

Seeing this round ruby engagement ring in Boca Raton

Ruby color is best judged in person, in different light. You are welcome to try this round ruby engagement ring on at our Boca Raton showroom and look at the ruby and the pave under a loupe.

We are open Monday to Friday, 9:30 to 5:30, and Saturday, 10:30 to 4:30. Directions are on our Visit Us page.

David Stern Jewelers has served Boca Raton for over 40 years. David Stern is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, so detailed questions about the ruby and diamonds can be answered on the spot.

Sizing, appraisal and insurance

This ring can be sized to fit. Because the shoulders are set with pave, we will look at the ring with you and confirm how far it can be sized before any work is done.

It includes a written jewelry appraisal by David Stern, which describes the ruby, the diamonds and the gold and gives a replacement value for insurance.

More ruby jewelry and engagement rings

See our vintage ruby engagement ring or estate ruby cocktail ring, or browse all our engagement rings.

Questions about this round ruby engagement ring