Buyer's Guide: Ruby Gemstones

Ruby is a precious gemstone known for its rich red color and durability. It is a variety of the mineral corundum, with its red color being caused by the presence of chromium. Rubies are highly prized for use in jewelry and other decorative objects, and have been treasured for thousands of years.

Rubies can be found in various locations around the world, but historically, some of the most famous and sought-after rubies have come from Southeast Asia.

Myanmar (formerly Burma) has long been known as a major source of high-quality rubies. The Mogok region in Myanmar is particularly famous for producing some of the finest rubies in the world, including the highly prized "pigeon's blood" red rubies. Other notable ruby-producing regions in Myanmar include Mong Hsu and Namya.

Thailand is also a significant producer of rubies, with many of the rubies on the market today originating from mines in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces.

Other countries known to produce rubies include Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon), Madagascar, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Vietnam, among others.

The origin of a ruby can be an important factor in determining its value, as rubies from certain regions, such as Myanmar, are known for their exceptional quality and rarity.

Ruby Treatments

Ruby treatment refers to any process that enhances the color, clarity, or overall appearance of a ruby gemstone. There are several common treatments used on rubies:

Heat Treatment: This is the most common treatment used on rubies. The ruby is heated at high temperatures to enhance its color and clarity. The process can also remove any visible internal flaws, cracks, or inclusions.

Glass Filling: This treatment involves filling any internal fractures or cracks with glass or other materials. The glass fills the cracks and makes them less visible, improving the clarity of the ruby.

Diffusion Treatment: This treatment involves heating the ruby with certain elements, such as beryllium or titanium, which penetrate the surface of the stone and alter its color. This treatment is controversial as it can artificially enhance the color of the ruby, making it less valuable.

Irradiation Treatment: This treatment involves exposing the ruby to radiation to alter its color. It is usually followed by heat treatment to stabilize the color.

It's important to note that treated rubies are generally less valuable than natural, untreated rubies. However, many rubies on the market are treated in some way, and the treatment may be disclosed or undisclosed. When buying a ruby, it's important to ask your jeweler about any treatments that have been performed on the stone.

Ruby Color

The color of ruby is typically a rich, deep red, ranging from a dark pinkish-red to a vibrant blood-red hue. The color is caused by the presence of chromium within the crystal structure of the gemstone. Rubies can also have secondary hues such as orange, purple, and brown, which can affect their value and desirability. The most prized rubies are those with a pure, intense red color and minimal secondary hues.

Ruby is known for its rich, deep red color, often described as "blood red". The color of ruby is caused by the presence of chromium, which gives the stone its distinctive hue. The color of a ruby can vary in intensity and tone, from a pale pinkish-red to a dark, almost blackish-red. The most highly prized rubies are those with a rich, intense red color with a slight blue tint, known as "pigeon's blood" red. However, the exact shade of red that is considered desirable can vary depending on cultural and personal preferences. Ultimately, the beauty of a ruby lies in its vibrant color, which is highly valued by collectors and consumers alike.

Ruby Prices

he price of a ruby can vary greatly depending on several factors such as its color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and origin. In general, the more intense and pure the red color of the ruby, the higher the price. Other factors such as the presence of inclusions or flaws, as well as the cut and carat weight, can also affect the price. Rubies from certain origins, such as Burma (now Myanmar) and Mozambique, are known to be of higher quality and can command higher prices.

To give you a general idea, small rubies (under 1 carat) with poor clarity and color can be found for less than $100, while high-quality rubies over 1 carat can cost tens of thousands of dollars per carat. Large, high-quality rubies over 10 carats can fetch hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. It's important to note that the price of rubies can fluctuate over time due to supply and demand, as well as market conditions. When purchasing a ruby, it's important to work with a reputable jeweler or gem dealer who can provide a detailed analysis of the stone and its value.

Ruby Certificate

When it comes to buying a ruby stone, it's important to make sure that you get a certificate of authenticity from a reputable gemological laboratory. Here are some of the most widely recognized and respected gemological laboratories for ruby certification:

1. GIA (Gemological Institute of America): GIA is considered the gold standard in gemological certifications, and is recognized and trusted by jewelers and consumers worldwide. GIA provides detailed reports that include information on the ruby's color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, as well as any treatments that may have been performed.
   
   
2. AGS (American Gem Society): AGS is another well-respected gemological laboratory that provides detailed grading reports for rubies and other gemstones. AGS reports include information on the 4 Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight) as well as an overall grade for the stone's quality.
   
   
3. The GRS (GemResearch Swisslab) is a well-respected gemological laboratory based in Switzerland that provides gemstone analysis and certification services. The GRS is known for its expertise in colored gemstones, including sapphires, and is widely recognized within the industry.
   
   The GRS certificate provides a detailed analysis of the sapphire's color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and origin, as well as any treatments that the stone may have undergone. The GRS is particularly well-known for its expertise in the identification of natural versus treated sapphires, including the identification of heat treatment and other common treatments

It's important to note that not all gemological laboratories are created equal, and some are less reputable than others. When purchasing a ruby, make sure to ask your jeweler which laboratory provided the certification, and do some research to make sure that the laboratory is reputable and respected within the industry.

Ruby Birthsatone and Healing

Ruby is considered a birthstone for the month of July, and it is also a traditional gift for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. In addition to its use as a gemstone, ruby is also believed to have healing properties by some cultures and practitioners of alternative medicine.

Here are some of the healing properties attributed to ruby:

1. Energy and Vitality: Ruby is believed to enhance energy levels and promote vitality, helping to combat fatigue and exhaustion.

2. Passion and Love: Ruby is associated with passion and love, and is believed to enhance romantic relationships and bring more love into one's life.

3. Self-Confidence: Ruby is believed to promote self-confidence, courage, and inner strength, helping individuals overcome fear and anxiety.

4. Blood Circulation: Ruby is believed to stimulate blood circulation, which can improve overall health and help alleviate conditions such as varicose veins and high blood pressure.

5. Spiritual Healing: Some people believe that ruby can help to balance and align the chakras, enhancing spiritual awareness and promoting inner peace.

It's important to note that the healing properties of ruby are not scientifically proven, and any use of gemstones for healing should be done in conjunction with traditional medical treatment.

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