Rubies
Vivid red, from scarlet to deep crimson, with rich saturation and a natural glow.
A fine ruby is defined by its red. The best stones show strong saturation, an even face up appearance, and a lively return of light in normal daylight as well as warmer indoor lighting. At À Vie, we source rubies for beauty and performance, then design settings that protect the stone while keeping the profile refined. If you are considering a ruby engagement ring or commissioning a bespoke piece, we will explain the choices that influence appearance, durability, and value, so you can buy with confidence.
What makes a ruby exceptional
Colour comes first, and it must look right beyond studio lights.
The most desirable rubies show a vivid red with good saturation and a balanced tone. You want colour that appears consistent across the stone, rather than patchy areas that look darker or washed out. Cut quality matters because it affects brightness and the way the ruby holds its colour when worn. We focus on stones that look alive on the hand, not only under spotlights.
Clarity, in practical terms
Most rubies have inclusions, but they should not distract.
Inclusions are common in natural rubies and they are not automatically a problem. What matters is whether the ruby looks clean to the eye at normal viewing distance and whether the inclusions reduce transparency or sparkle. We prioritise stones with a crisp face up look and avoid features that create obvious haziness or draw attention away from the colour.
Treatments and transparency
Clear information is part of luxury service.
Some rubies are treated to enhance appearance, and the level of treatment can influence rarity and pricing. We explain what is known about treatment for each stone and what it means for long term value. Where certification or supporting documentation is available, we recommend keeping it with the piece as part of the ruby’s provenance.
Settings that protect and flatter
Design is not only aesthetic, it is also engineering for daily wear.
Ruby rings should be designed around the stone’s shape and depth so they sit comfortably and remain secure. Protective details such as well placed claws, supportive galleries, and considered halo proportions help reduce snagging and support edges. Metal choice also changes the overall impression. Yellow gold can enrich warmth, while platinum and white gold can sharpen contrast and feel more contemporary. We will guide you to the combination that suits your ruby and your lifestyle.