The Most Popular Ruby Solitaire Rings That Celebrities Own
Few gems command attention like a ruby. Its deep red glows under candlelight and camera flash alike, which may explain why rubies have featured in some of the most talked-about celebrity jewelry of the past half-century. Many of those famous rings frame the ruby with diamonds rather than letting it stand alone, but they’re a brilliant source of inspiration for anyone considering ruby solitaire rings. At Zuuro, we’ve gathered some of the best-known publicly reported examples, then explain how to get a similar look in your own style. A quick note: these rings were publicly reported at the time, and we’re not suggesting any of these stars wear or endorse Zuuro pieces.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Burmese Ruby
Perhaps the most famous ruby ring of all belonged to Elizabeth Taylor. Richard Burton gave her an 8.24-carat Burmese ruby ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, framed by diamonds, as a Christmas gift in 1968. When Taylor’s jewelry collection was auctioned at Christie’s in New York in 2011, the ring set a per-carat auction record for a ruby at the time. It’s a classic example of a ruby ring with diamonds: a rich red center made even more vivid by a bright white frame. Because it was sold in that auction, the ring is no longer part of the Taylor collection, but its influence on ruby jewelry design is still easy to spot today.
Sarah Ferguson’s Royal Ruby
When Prince Andrew proposed to Sarah Ferguson in 1986, he chose a Burmese ruby surrounded by diamonds, reportedly because red suited her famous auburn hair. Made by the royal jeweler Garrard, the ring was widely compared with Princess Diana’s sapphire cluster ring from a few years earlier. It remains one of the best-known royal ruby rings and, like Taylor’s, it is a cluster design rather than a solitaire.
Other Famous Red Rings
Rubies have appeared in other celebrity engagements too. When Jessica Simpson became engaged to former NFL player Eric Johnson in 2010, People reported that he proposed with a Neil Lane three-stone ring featuring a central ruby flanked by two diamonds, a detail later carried by the Associated Press. Jewelry trade publication JCK described it as a cushion-cut ruby with pear-shaped side diamonds in a yellow gold mounting. Like the royal and Hollywood examples above, it pairs red with white sparkle, proving that rubies can feel romantic, bold and personal all at once. Across all three stories, a clear pattern emerges: when a ruby takes center stage, it becomes the part of the story everyone remembers.
Get the Look: The Ruby Solitaire
If you love these famous rings but want something cleaner, choose a solitaire. A single ruby lets the color lead, with nothing competing for attention. Oval rubies elongate the finger and echo Taylor’s classic shape; cushion cuts feel soft and vintage; round rubies look crisp and modern. Zuuro’s Ruby No Heat Ring With Designer Platinum Band sets an unheated ruby on a sculpted platinum band, a refined take on ruby solitaire rings. Browse ruby platinum rings for more settings, or for evenings, a ruby cocktail ring brings old-Hollywood glamour to your fingertips. Ruby is also the July birthstone and is traditionally associated with passion and love.
What to Look For in a Ruby
Rubies rank 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond, so they’re durable enough for everyday wear. When comparing ruby solitaire rings, color is the most important factor: look for a vivid, saturated red that isn’t too dark or too pink. Heat treatment is common and widely accepted when disclosed, because it improves color and clarity. Be cautious with glass-filled rubies, which are heavily treated with lead glass to fill fractures; they need extra care and must be clearly disclosed. For any significant purchase, ask for a gemstone report from a recognized laboratory, so you know exactly what you’re buying and how the stone has been treated.
Choosing Your Metal
Metal changes how a ruby looks. Platinum and white gold make red appear cooler and brighter, so a white gold ruby ring feels crisp and contemporary. Yellow gold warms the stone and gives it a rich, vintage glow, much like the yellow gold mounting of Jessica Simpson’s ring. Choose the shade that matches the jewelry you already wear most, so your new ring sits naturally alongside our watch, bracelets and everyday pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a ruby good for an engagement ring?
Yes. At 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies handle daily wear well, which is why ruby solitaire rings are a popular alternative to diamonds.
What does “no heat” mean on a ruby?
It means the stone hasn’t been heat-treated, which is rarer and should be confirmed by a
gemstone report.
Do rubies need special care?
Not much. Warm, soapy water works; avoid ultrasonic cleaning for treated or glass-filled stones.
Final Thoughts
Celebrity rubies prove that red is anything but ordinary. Whether you love a diamond-framed look or the clean simplicity of ruby solitaire rings, choose a vivid stone, a setting you love and a metal that suits you. Every piece at Zuuro is vetted for quality, so you can shop with confidence.
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