Red gemstones have captivated people for centuries with their fiery allure and enchanting hues. From the deep red of ruby to the warm glow of garnet, the world of red gemstone jewellery is diverse and fascinating, being cherished for its beauty, symbolism, and metaphysical properties. Red gemstone jewellery is often associated with the autumn months with their rich warm hues complementing the season however, we also love to wear it all year. Read more about trending autumn jewellery on our blog.
What Should I Wear With Red Gemstone Jewellery?
Red gemstone jewellery is an easy accessory to match with almost any outfit. The choice of which outfit to match your red gemstone jewellery to largely depends on the occasion, your personal style, and the specific red gemstone you're wearing. Although there are popular trends and colours, it all depends on your choice and preference.
Red gemstones, such as rubies or red garnets, can pop against an all-black outfit such as a classic black dress. This combination creates a timeless and elegant look with red gemstone jewellery being seen on the runways this autumn, captivating fashion enthusiasts with its warm hues. For a bolder look, you can pair red gemstone jewellery with a complementing red outfit or add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your outfit by using red gemstone jewellery to enhance your formal attire. If you're wearing red gemstone jewellery, you can also add other red accessories, such as a red bag or red shoes to add more style to your outfit.
An unconventional choice that has become very popular is combining red and pink. One way to do this is to layer your jewellery with a mix of red and pink gemstone jewellery. This creates a feminine and romantic look that is captivating. As well as looking beautiful in jewellery, pink is the colour of hope and stands as a symbol for breast cancer awareness making it a meaningful addition to your wardrobe that shows compassion.
Meanings And Symbolism Of Red Gemstones
Red gemstones are most commonly associated with passion, love, and courage which is why they are given as tokens of affection and are popular choices for engagement rings. They are believed to promote vitality, strength, and a strong connection to the Earth. Many cultures also believe that red gemstones offer protection from negative energies and harm, making them popular choices for amulets and talismans. This combination of love and protection within the stone boosts the wearer's well-being while encouraging love and strength making the perfect gift for a loved one.
What Are The Red Gemstones Used In Jewellery?
There are several red gemstones used in jewellery which vary in hue, transparency, and rarity, each with its unique charm such as ruby, garnet, and fire opal. The specific shade, rarity, and characteristics of these red gemstones can vary significantly, and their value is often determined by factors such as colour, clarity, size, and origin. As with all gemstones, it is important to verify their authenticity and quality through certification and expert assessment, especially for valuable gems like rubies. At Sonny’s Jewellers, we can guarantee the authenticity of all of our gemstones. Here are some of the most notable red gemstones:
Ruby:
Known as the "King of Gemstones," the ruby is treasured for its deep red colour and exceptional hardness. Rubies are one of the most desired gemstones in the world with their vibrant red colour often being associated with love and passion, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and romantic jewellery. Rubies are also steeped in lore and legend. In many ancient cultures, they were believed to possess protective qualities and healing powers, guarding their wearers from harm. The Burmese believed that rubies would make them invincible in battle, while Hindus considered them a symbol of the sun's fiery power. Even today, rubies are associated with vitality and strength, making them a cherished gemstone on top of their natural beauty.
Ruby is the birthstone for July. This elegant stone makes the perfect jewellery gift for a loved one born in this month or as a celebration for a marriage or christening. Gifting ruby jewellery can add an extra layer of sentimentality and will be cherished for a lifetime.
Read our ruby buying guide to learn more.
Garnet:
Garnets encompass a spectrum of red shades. From a deep burgundy to a vibrant red-orange hue, these gemstones offer a diverse array of colours and styles. The deep, velvety red of garnets is often compared to pomegranate seeds, while lighter tones can resemble ripe raspberries. Garnet jewellery adds a pop of colour and elegance to your wardrobe. They are also known for their metaphysical properties, such as promoting vitality and strength, enhancing creativity, and fostering a sense of security.
Garnets have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. They were favoured by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for their beauty and protective properties. In medieval Europe, garnets were associated with the blood of Christ, making them highly popular gemstones.
Garnet is often known for being the January birthstone. Adding somebody’s birthstone to their gift can make their present extra special with a wonderful meaning that represents them.
Read our garnet buying guide to learn more.
Spinel:
Spinel is one of the lesser-known gemstones, often overshadowed by more famous gems like ruby. However, spinel boasts a remarkable beauty of its own, available in a range of colours, including striking shades of red and is often mistaken for being a ruby. Spinels are often highly sought after by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts.
Historically, many "rubies" set on royal crowns and jewellery were later discovered to be spinels and not ruby like it was thought to be. One of the most famous examples is the Black Prince's Ruby, which is actually a red spinel adorning the British Imperial State Crown. Despite their historical significance, spinels are relatively affordable in comparison to rubies, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a more affordable price.
Fire Opal:
Fire opals have a captivating colour that can look like flames and molten lava with its fiery oranges, deep reds, and occasional flashes of yellow. Fire opal jewellery is known for its distinct play of colour, which is said to flicker and dance as the gemstone catches the light. This matched with the gem's unique transparency, creates an almost mystical quality that has made it a cherished treasure among gemstone and jewellery enthusiasts.
The fire opal's name comes from the Sanskrit word ‘upala’ which means ‘precious stone’, but it can also be called ‘Mexican Opal’ or ‘Sun Opal’. Over time, this captivating gem has been known to symbolise passion and creativity making it a meaningful gift for a loved one, especially as a birthday gift for someone born in October. Opal is the birthstone for October making fire opal the perfect unique and special gift.
Red Tourmaline:
Red tourmaline is also known as ‘rubellite tourmaline’. This stone is a combination of pink and red hues creating a beautiful stone that is perfect for jewellery. Red tourmaline symbolises love, passion, and vitality, making it a favoured choice for jewellery. Its vivid colouration, combined with its transparency and brilliance, gives it a captivating glow that can transform any outfit. As well as opal, tourmaline is also the birthstone for October allowing for a choice of either to represent a special celebration like a birthday or christening.
Read our tourmaline buying guide to learn more.
Celebrities And Red Gemstone Jewellery
Many celebrities wear red gemstone jewellery, and the choice of gemstone often depends on personal style and preferences. Due to ruby being one of the most popular red gemstones, it is often seen in high-end jewellery and worn by celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Angelina Jolie. Celebrities like Kate Middleton have also been seen wearing garnet jewellery.
Historical Significance Of Red Gemstones
Red gemstones have played a significant role throughout history, with each culture attributing its unique symbolism and significance to these gems. Here are some examples:
- In ancient Egypt, rubies were associated with the sun god ‘Ra’ and believed to bring protection and prosperity.
- The ancient Burmese considered rubies to be the "blood of the earth" and believed they could ensure invincibility in battle.
- Garnets were used in ancient Rome to create signet rings.
- Red coral was worn as a protective amulet by sailors to ward off evil spirits.
- In China, red agate has been used for centuries as a symbol of wealth and protection.
Care and Maintenance
Like all gems, red gemstones require care to maintain their beauty and longevity. To keep your red gemstone jewellery looking its best, it is recommended to remove them before showering or cleaning to avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and abrasive materials. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth will help remove dirt and oil and keep your red gemstones sparkling.
Final Thoughts
Red gemstones have a huge part in history with symbols of love, power, and protection, but they also showcase an incredible variety of colours. Whether you choose a red gemstone for its aesthetic appeal, its metaphysical properties, or to make a statement, these beautiful gemstones make an extraordinary addition to your wardrobe or make a meaningful gift for a loved one.
Check out our coloured gemstone guide to learn more about gemstone jewellery, or visit us in-store to see our collection. Alternatively, if you can't make it in store view our jewellery online or ask us a question on our Contact Us page.