diff --git a/easybuild/easyblocks/generic/rubygem.py b/easybuild/easyblocks/generic/rubygem.py
index c53a392cb5d..9f5a3a06c35 100644
--- a/easybuild/easyblocks/generic/rubygem.py
+++ b/easybuild/easyblocks/generic/rubygem.py
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ def install_step(self):
             raise EasyBuildError("Ruby module not loaded?")
 
         # this is the 'proper' way to specify a custom installation prefix: set $GEM_HOME
-        if not self.is_extension:
+        if not self.is_extension or self.master.name != 'Ruby':
             env.setvar('GEM_HOME', self.installdir)
 
         bindir = os.path.join(self.installdir, 'bin')
@@ -100,6 +100,6 @@ def make_module_extra(self):
         """Extend $GEM_PATH in module file."""
         txt = super(RubyGem, self).make_module_extra()
         # for stand-alone Ruby gem installs, $GEM_PATH needs to be updated
-        if not self.is_extension:
+        if not self.is_extension or self.master.name != 'Ruby':
             txt += self.module_generator.prepend_paths('GEM_PATH', [''])
         return txt