What if the ruby you've been eyeing isn't worth the price tag? It's crucial to know how to check the quality of rubies before buying. Factors like color, clarity, cut, and treatment are key in evaluating rubies. This article will explain how to spot a high-quality ruby from a common one.
Natural AAA rubies are very rare, making up only 1% of all rubies. AA rubies are a bit more common, but still rare, making up 10% of rubies. This shows why it's important to make smart choices when buying rubies. Are you ready to learn how to pick a ruby that stands out?
The Importance of Ruby Gemstone Color
Color is key when judging a ruby gemstone's quality and value. The best rubies have a deep, bright red color that shifts to purplish-red. These colors greatly affect the ruby's grade and price.
Medium-toned rubies with strong red colors are the most wanted. Rubies that are too dark or light are worth less. Rubies and pink sapphires are different because of their colors. Rubies have a deep red color, while pink sapphires have softer pink shades.
"Pigeon blood" rubies are highly prized for their bright red color and soft glow. These rubies are among the priciest in the market.
The following table shows the different ruby colors and their prices:
| Ruby Hue | Market Value (per carat) | Red Ruby Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Red | $15,000 - $30,000 | Highly desirable and prestigious |
| Slightly Purplish Red | $10,000 - $20,000 | Valuable, often sought after |
| Pinkish Red | $5,000 - $15,000 | Less valued, akin to pink sapphires |
| Orange Overtones | $3,000 - $8,000 | Lower value compared to pure red |
| Purple Overtones | $2,000 - $6,000 | Significantly lower value |
High-quality rubies have few inclusions, which affect how clear they are. Inclusions, or "silk," are common in rubies but can lower their value if they're too noticeable.
A ruby's color is crucial for its beauty and price. Knowing about ruby colors helps buyers choose the best gemstone.
Understanding Ruby Clarity
Ruby gemstone clarity is key to its value. It's about how clear the ruby is, looking at inclusions. These are natural marks inside the stone. Knowing how to grade clarity helps buyers choose wisely. The scale goes from VVS (very, very slightly included) to I3 (heavily included). VVS and VS rubies are the top quality.
Natural rubies have inclusions like silk fibers and needles. These can change how the light shines through and what color it looks. AAA rubies are rare, with almost no visible inclusions. They are very clear and bright.
Heat treatment is common, making rubies clearer and more colorful. It gets rid of some inclusions. But, some treatments can lower the ruby's value. Glass-filled rubies look clear but can be unstable.
Inclusions can also make rubies special. Rutile needles can make a star effect. But, how clear a ruby is affects its price. Rubies that look clear to the eye are the most wanted. Finding the right balance between clarity and beauty is important for buyers and experts.
Evaluating Ruby Gemstone Quality Through Cut
The cut of a ruby is key to its beauty and how well it reflects light. Shapes like oval, cushion, and round affect its look. Ruby faceting is important for making the stone sparkle and show off its color.
Choosing the right cut depends on the stone's shape before cutting. The goal is to keep the stone heavy while making it look great. Cutting techniques that make the stone clear and colorful are best.
- Common ruby shapes include:
- Oval
- Cushion
- Round
- Triangular
- The three primary clarity grades are:
- VVS (very, very slightly included)
- VS (very slightly included)
- I3 (many prominent and obvious inclusions)
Rubies change color when viewed from different angles, known as pleochroism. This makes choosing the right cut very important. Skilled cutters work to show off the stone's color and light best. Top-quality rubies, known as AAA grade, are very rare, making them highly sought after.
| Ruby Grade | Market Availability | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | 1% | Extremely rare and expensive |
| AA | 10% | High quality, ideal for fine jewelry |
| A | 20% | Great for fine jewelry |
| B | Over 50% | More common in the market |
The way a ruby is cut greatly affects its value and appeal. Through careful faceting and choosing the right shape, a ruby can be made more beautiful and valuable.
Factors Influencing Ruby Size and Weight
The size and carat weight of a ruby greatly affect its price. Rubies over one carat are rare, making them more valuable. This rarity drives up their price.
Prices for rubies increase exponentially with size. Large, high-quality rubies are especially sought after. They are highly valued by collectors and investors. On the other hand, rubies of commercial quality come in various sizes for different markets.
Natural availability is key to understanding ruby size and weight. Countries like Myanmar (Burma), Mozambique, Thailand, and Madagascar are major sources. Myanmar's Mogok Valley is famous for its high-quality rubies, which set global price trends.
The following table outlines the general relationship between ruby carat weight, price range, and quality:
| Carat Weight | Quality Level | Price Range (Per Carat) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 Carat | Commercial Quality | $300 - $1,000 |
| 1 - 2 Carats | Fine Quality | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| 2 - 5 Carats | High Quality | $5,000 - $25,000 |
| Over 5 Carats | Rare Quality | $25,000 and above |
The size, weight, and quality of rubies greatly influence their market price. Larger rubies are highly sought after due to their rarity. They hold a special place in the gemstone world because of their unique qualities.
Ruby Treatments and Their Effects on Quality
Many rubies get treated to look better. Heat treatment is the most common way to do this. It makes rubies look more vibrant by heating them to over 1,700 degrees Celsius. This process gets rid of inclusions and makes rubies more attractive.
Fracture filling also makes rubies clearer and shinier without changing their color. But, this method can be risky because it might not stay on if the gem is cleaned with sonic cleaners. Dyeing rubies with organic dyes can make them look bright and colorful. But, these colors can fade, which might be a problem for those planning to keep the gem for a long time.
Diffusion treatment adds trace elements to rubies to make them look better. This makes rubies more affordable. Over 97% of rubies sold have been treated in some way, which affects their price and availability. Untreated rubies are much rarer and can cost two to three times as much as treated ones.
| Type of Treatment | Effects on Quality | Durability | Impact on Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Treatment | Improves color and clarity | Stable and permanent | Can be higher than untreated due to enhancements |
| Fracture Filling | Enhances clarity and luster | Not durable; sensitive to some cleaning | Can be less valuable than other treatments |
| Dyeing | Creates vivid colors | May fade over time | Marketability increases, but investment value may diminish |
| Diffusion Treatment | Permanently enhances color | Stable and permanent | Offers affordable options |
Knowing about ruby treatments is key for buyers. It helps people make smart choices about quality and value. GemsBiz offers rubies and sapphires, making sure each stone is checked carefully for quality, color, and clarity before selling.
Conclusion
The ruby gemstone assessment shows how different factors come together to determine its quality. Color, clarity, cut, size, weight, and treatments are key in evaluating a ruby's worth and beauty. Buyers need to think about these when making a purchase to get a gemstone that's truly valuable.
Rubies are loved worldwide for their beauty. Rubies from Myanmar, especially those from the Mogok Stone tract, are very valuable. Thai rubies are known for their skillful craftsmanship and unique look. These are important things to know if you want a ruby that's both beautiful and meaningful.
Rubies are known as the "King of Gems" for more than just their looks. They can also offer health and astrological benefits. So, if you're looking to improve your life, pick a ruby carefully. Make sure you're investing in a quality gemstone that will bring you value.
