To sign "ruby", you will fingerspell the word R-U-B-Y. Hold your dominant hand at about shoulder height with your palm facing outward. Start with the letter 'R' by crossing your middle finger over your index finger, then form a 'U' by extending your index and middle fingers together. Next, transition to a 'B' by extending all four fingers straight up with your thumb tucked, and finally form a 'Y' by extending your thumb and pinky finger.
To express this, start by signing 'MY' and 'FAVORITE'. Then, you can sign 'STONE' or 'GEM' before smoothly fingerspelling R-U-B-Y. Keep your hand steady in your comfortable signing space as you spell the word to ensure it is clear.
Begin by pointing to indicate 'SHE', then sign 'WEAR' and 'BEAUTIFUL'. Next, fingerspell R-U-B-Y clearly. Finish the sentence by signing 'NECKLACE', tracing the shape of a necklace around your neck with your index fingers.
Start by signing 'RING' by sliding an imaginary ring onto your ring finger. Then sign 'HAVE' and 'LARGE'. Finally, fingerspell R-U-B-Y to specify the type of stone. Remember to keep your palm facing outward as you spell.
To express this, start by signing 'MY' and 'FAVORITE'. Then, you can sign 'STONE' or 'GEM' before smoothly fingerspelling R-U-B-Y. Keep your hand steady in your comfortable signing space as you spell the word to ensure it is clear.
Begin by pointing to indicate 'SHE', then sign 'WEAR' and 'BEAUTIFUL'. Next, fingerspell R-U-B-Y clearly. Finish the sentence by signing 'NECKLACE', tracing the shape of a necklace around your neck with your index fingers.
Start by signing 'RING' by sliding an imaginary ring onto your ring finger. Then sign 'HAVE' and 'LARGE'. Finally, fingerspell R-U-B-Y to specify the type of stone. Remember to keep your palm facing outward as you spell.
While some signers might combine the signs for 'RED' and 'STONE' to describe a ruby in a highly visual or storytelling context, fingerspelling R-U-B-Y is the most common, accurate, and widely accepted way to convey the word in everyday ASL.
As a beginner, you should always prioritize clarity over speed. It is much more important that each letter—R, U, B, and Y—is formed distinctly. Speed will naturally develop over time as your muscle memory improves with practice.
No, you should avoid mouthing the individual letters (R-U-B-Y). Instead, you can gently mouth the whole English word "ruby" as you fingerspell. This provides helpful context to the person you are signing with and makes your communication much more natural.
