Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold

Named from the Latin word for red, ruby is the essence of red and the gem of desire, passion, courage, and emotion. In Ancient Sanskrit, ruby is ratnaraj, the king of gems. Ruby burns like a glowing coal: no wonder ancient people believed they contained an undying flame. For most of recorded history, ruby has been the most valuable gem. In the Bible, only wisdom and virtuous women are "more precious than rubies.” Burning bright in history and legend but even more bewitching in person, ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and the gem of the 15th and 40th anniversaries.

14K white gold is the most popular white precious jewelry metal. Its pale glow is the perfect setting for cool-toned gems. Since gold is naturally golden yellow in color, to make 14K white gold, 58.5% gold is alloyed with white metals, usually silver, zinc, palladium, or nickel. These metals also improve the hardness, durability, and affordability of white gold jewelry, since pure gold scratches fairly easily. To get that bright shine, most white gold jewelry is also plated with rhodium, a platinum group metal.