An oval lab-grown ruby, 5.5 × 10 mm, set in a kite-shaped frame of engraved leaves. Small lab-grown ruby accents mark the points of the frame and run down a split shank. Solid 925 sterling silver with a black ruthenium finish.
The Design
Nerida is named for the sea nymphs of Greek myth, and this version trades water color for fire. The oval sits north to south in four prongs inside a pointed, kite-shaped frame. Leaves are engraved into the black metal on every side of the stone, and the band splits in two as it reaches the frame, with a leaf and three small rubies on each shoulder.
If you are looking past a plain solitaire, our guides to fantasy engagement rings and non-traditional engagement rings map the wider field.
The Ruby
The center stone is lab-grown ruby: genuine corundum, grown in a laboratory, with the same chemistry, hardness and crimson color as a mined ruby. It is the July birthstone and, at 9 on the Mohs scale, one of the hardest colored stones you can put in a ring worn every day.
Our ruby engagement rings guide covers lab-grown against mined and what to look for in the color, ruby meaning covers its history, and the red engagement rings guide compares ruby with garnet, spinel and the other red stones. For the gift angle, see the July birthstone guide.
Metal and Stones
The ring is solid 925 sterling silver with a black ruthenium finish, a platinum-group metal that settles to a deep gunmetal rather than a flat black. Against it the red reads deeper than it would on silver. The small round accents are lab-grown ruby in the same color as the center.
Part of our ruby engagement rings, oval engagement rings and gothic engagement rings collections, alongside the rest of our black ruthenium jewelry, red gemstone jewelry and July birthstone jewelry.
Specifications
- Center stone: Lab-grown ruby, oval cut, 5.5 × 10 mm
- Accent stones: Lab-grown ruby rounds
- Metal: Solid 925 sterling silver, black ruthenium finish
- Setting: Four prongs in an engraved kite-shaped frame, split shank
- Hardness: Ruby, 9 on the Mohs scale
- Birthstone: July
- Sizes: 4 to 13, including half sizes
- Engraving: Available, up to 16 characters
- Presentation: Free luxury velvet jewelry box
Care
Ruby is 9 on the Mohs scale and well suited to daily wear, so the ruthenium finish is the part to protect. Clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and household chemicals, which dull the finish, and store the ring in its velvet box rather than loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ruby real?
It is lab-grown ruby: real corundum with the same chemistry, hardness and color as a mined ruby, grown in a laboratory rather than dug up. It is not a simulant.
What are the small accent stones?
They are lab-grown ruby in the same red as the center stone.
What color is the stone?
A deep crimson red with a slight pink flash in daylight. Against the black ruthenium it reads darker and richer than it would on silver.
Is ruby hard enough for an engagement ring?
Yes. Ruby is 9 on the Mohs scale, harder than everything except diamond and moissanite, and it suits daily wear.
Is ruby a birthstone?
Yes. Ruby is the July birthstone.
How big is the center stone?
5.5 × 10 mm, oval cut, set north to south so the length runs along the finger.
How dark is the black ruthenium finish?
Ruthenium settles to a deep gunmetal rather than a flat jet black. The slight reflectivity keeps the engraved leaves visible instead of flattening them.
What is the ring made of?
Solid 925 sterling silver with a black ruthenium finish. No brass or base metal.
What sizes are available?
Sizes 4 through 13, including every half size.
Can I have it engraved?
Yes. Engraving is available on the inner band, up to 16 characters, and can be added as an option at checkout.
Does it come with a ring box?
Yes. Every order arrives in a free luxury velvet jewelry box.
Are the stones ethically sourced?
Yes. The ruby is lab-grown, so no mining is involved, and all Aquamarise stones are conflict-free and responsibly sourced.