Planning on building a solid Ruby necklace collection?
Ruby necklaces are super trendy right now. The ruby market is booming, and colored gemstone jewelry growing 28% annually, as millennial and Gen Z shoppers increasingly turn to unique, non-diamond alternatives.
Here's the thing…
Ruby necklaces offer a blend of classic elegance and modern edge that few other gemstones can rival. Perfect for everyday wear but luxurious enough to wear for special occasions.
In this guide, I'll be sharing everything you need to know to create a collection of ruby necklaces you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Ruby necklaces are more than just another pretty bauble.
They're powerful statement pieces that instantly take your style to the next level. That rich, deep red color exudes passion and emotion as well as meaning protection and prosperity.
Oh, and here's something else you might not know…
Necklaces represent 27% of ruby jewelry sales globally, which makes them one of the most popular ways to wear these beautiful gemstones.
When it comes to types of ruby necklaces, you have more variety than you might realize.
Each one has something unique to offer, and knowing the differences between them will help you assemble a diverse collection. Let me break down the main ruby necklace styles for you…
The classic, no-fail go-to.
A ruby solitaire pendant features one ruby as the central gemstone. The clean, simple design really lets the beauty of the ruby stone shine.
You can wear these for just about any occasion, whether it's the office, a fancy dinner, or layered with your other necklaces.
Looking for something a little more interesting?
Station necklaces feature two or more rubies set closely together along the chain. It creates a subtle but sophisticated pattern without being too flashy. Station necklaces have been growing in popularity as they provide more bling without going overboard.
The best part? Station necklaces are super versatile and go with just about any other piece.
These groupings of multiple rubies create gorgeous focal points.
Cluster necklaces come in a range of sizes from small and delicate to extra large and showy. The sky's the limit with these statement pieces.
Say hello to chokers, because they are officially back.
Ruby chokers are a modern look that sits high on the neck and give you serious fashionista cred. They are especially flattering for evening events when you want to make a statement.
Picking out a ruby necklace is really not that difficult.
As long as you take into account a few key factors, you can be confident you'll end up with a piece you'll love and wear for years to come.
Remember that not all rubies are created equal.
When it comes to gemstones, the "Four Cs" always matter: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat. As with diamonds, the most desirable rubies have the richest, deepest red color with few or no visible inclusions.
Look for the following when shopping for ruby necklaces:
Natural rubies from Myanmar are the highest quality, but Mozambique rubies also have excellent color and clarity with a better price point.
The choice of metal also impacts the overall look of the ruby necklace.
White gold and platinum have a more modern, sleek appearance and make the ruby red color pop. Yellow gold has a more traditional feel and imparts a warm tone to the ruby. Rose gold has been increasingly popular recently for its ability to enhance the romantic vibes of red gemstones.
Don't be afraid to mix and match metals in your collection.
Your jewelry choices should be an extension of your personal style.
If you prefer a minimalist look, stick to simple solitaire pendants and delicate station necklaces. If you like to make a statement, experiment with more intricate cluster designs and ornate settings.
Lifestyle is also important to think about. Do you need something for daily wear? Or are you looking for special occasion pieces?
The world of jewelry is constantly evolving, and ruby necklaces are no exception.
Here's what you should know about what's trending in ruby necklace designs these days…
Layering multiple necklaces together has never been more popular.
Wear a ruby solitaire pendant with some longer chain necklaces to create a "peek-a-boo" layered look. Or stack your ruby necklaces with other gemstone necklaces. The key is to mix up the lengths but keep the pieces in the same metal family.
Forget the old school rule about only wearing matching metals.
Ruby necklaces today often combine white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold all in one piece. Mixing the metals adds visual interest and makes it much easier to style with the rest of your jewelry collection.
Cool, right?
Vintage and antique-style ruby necklaces are seriously hot right now.
Expect to see a lot more of these romantic pieces featuring ornate metalwork, milgrain edging, intricate designs, and that overall antique vibe. If you like jewelry with history and character, vintage-inspired ruby necklaces are the way to go.
On the other end of the spectrum, minimalist ruby jewelry is also trending.
Ultra-modern pieces feature simple bezels, clean lines, and understated settings that let the ruby be the focal point. If you like your jewelry to be less-is-more, minimalist ruby necklaces are your jam.
Ruby necklaces are hardy, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take care of them.
Rubies rank 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them one of the most scratch-resistant gemstones out there. But they can still get damaged if you're not careful.
To keep your ruby necklaces in tip-top shape:
You need to take care of the metal settings, too. Keep your gold and platinum settings clean and ensure the prongs are tight.
Take good care of your ruby necklaces and they will last a lifetime.
No need to go all in and buy a whole bunch at once.
Start with one versatile piece that you can wear every day. A ruby solitaire pendant is the perfect starter piece. Then you can add to your collection over time as you identify gaps.
Consider:
A collection of 3 to 5 well-curated ruby necklaces will serve you far better than a dozen lackluster pieces.
Ruby necklaces are a smart investment and offer a unique blend of beauty, durability, and rich symbolism.
Classic solitaire pendants or bold contemporary designs, there's a style out there for every preference. Start with a few versatile basics, and slowly build your collection over time.
Pay attention to quality when shopping for rubies, and choose metals that match your existing jewelry. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles to find what suits you best. Ruby necklaces work with just about any wardrobe, and they are special enough to become heirloom pieces you pass down through the generations.
