It would be very difficult to find a gemstone with more prestige and fame than the ruby. In the language of the ancient Hindus, Sanskrit, it was known as Ratnaraj, 'the king of precious stones' and sought after by kings, emperors and maharajahs throughout history.
Ruby Colors
As soon as you hear the word ruby the color red will pop into your mind. Not just any old red but an intense deep red that inspires passion and desire.
A ruby has to be red otherwise it is NOT a ruby but the color can range from a deep blood red to an almost orange-red with purple, brown or pink shades found in some examples.
Which is the best color is a matter of personal preference but the purer the red the more valuable the stone.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Ruby Price
The main factor in the price of a ruby will always be its color. The color of a red ruby loose gemstone is determined by the hue, tone and saturation.
The hue is the actual color of the gem as well as any underlying color - too much orange or too much purple can devalue a ruby.
The tone is how light or dark the gem is. Too dark will affect the ruby's brightness and too light can make the ruby appear pink.
The saturation is vividness or intensity of the color - a deeply colored, vivid ruby is a real find. Some rubies can fluoresce - glow under ultra violet light - which can enhance the intensity.
The perfect colored ruby has been described as pigeon blood red, usually found in Myanmar (Burma), but these are extremely rare.
Carat Weight
The general rule with any colored gemstone is the bigger the stone, the bigger the price. Of course there are factors like clarity, the quality of the cut and the intensity of the color to consider but carat weight will always be important.
Finding a quality ruby over 1 carat is not easy and as they increase in size, they increase in value significantly, carats do matter. A 2 carat ruby will be a lot more expensive than simply twice the price of a 1 carat ruby gemstone and a 5 carat ruby will be likely to be 25 times the price of a 1 carat gem all things being equal with color and quality.
It is very difficult to show an accurate price guide for such a diverse gemstone - heavily treated stones can be snapped up for as little as $15 a carat while heated rubies can be $250 - $10,000 per carat according to the size and color. A 25 carat untreated ruby sold for over $1m per carat recently!
What jewelry is Ruby suitable for?
Rubies have a rating of 9 on Mohs hardness scale. This durability means that they can be used for any type of jewelry and can be worn daily without any concerns about chipping, scratching or breaking.
Birthstones and Anniversaries
Ruby is the birthstone of July and makes a perfect gift for anyone celebrating a birthday in that month.
The ruby is the traditional gemstone gift for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
Ruby Gemstone for Sale
Dive into the captivating world of the Ruby Gemstone, now available for sale. Renowned for its rich crimson hue and representing passion and love, the ruby has been coveted throughout history. Seize this chance to own or gift a gemstone synonymous with royalty and elegance.
Ruby Gemstone Jewelry: The Pinnacle of Elegance
In the realm of gemstone jewelry, the Ruby stands unparalleled. Its vibrant red essence, embedded in necklaces, rings, or bracelets, adds a touch of luxury to any ensemble. For those seeking to make a bold statement or commemorate a special moment, ruby gemstone jewelry is the perfect choice.
The Alluring Ruby Pear Cut
The ruby pear cut is the embodiment of sophistication. With its teardrop shape, it combines the brilliance of both oval and marquise cuts, capturing light perfectly to accentuate the ruby's deep red tones. Whether set in a pendant, earring, or a ring, the ruby pear promises a unique and striking appearance.
Loose Ruby Gemstones: A World of Possibilities
For designers, collectors, or those looking to create a custom piece, loose ruby gemstones offer endless potential. Their raw beauty can be molded into any desired shape or setting, ensuring a personalized touch. Dive into the world of loose rubies and let your creativity take flight.
For a detailed ruby education please read our article here.
Note: At GemSelect we do not sell created gemstones of any kind, we sell natural gemstones only.
