Cherrywood is a traditional copper based ruby. You can control the striking in the flame and in the kiln. If you put your piece into the kiln and the color is clear then you can strike it from a transparent strawberry red to a deep dark ruby.  When the piece is worked, streaks or opalescent patches of reds and pinks emerge and once kilned and struck further, these areas will look like a deep ruby cherrywood pattern.  An opalescent or opaque look will provide a richer and creamier looking finish. 

Encasement will only dilute the density of color, the same striking properties occur.