The red gemstones called Ruby have been valued for their beauty and scarcity from the earliest times. So, the best Rubies are not the same as the other rubies out there in the market. Selecting the perfect ruby is not an easy task since it has to be of the right quality when used in an investment. This guide will discuss what you should expect from a ruby gemstone, so that you pick the right one depending on your needs.
What Determines Ruby Gemstone Quality?
The attributes used in ruby gemstone quality include color, clarity, cutting, carat weight and the geographical origin. All these factors have unique importance in allocating the beauty and esteem attached to the gemstone. Before discussing these factors in more detail further, let’s explain them in more detail.
1. Color: The Most Important Factor
The presence and absence of color in a ruby is the main determinant in its quality. Rubies are admired for their red color that is described as “pigeon blood red.” In the best quality rubies the red color is intense and clear. Unfortunately, this is not a typical color; if a ruby contains too much pink or even purple, the value of the stone is lowered.
However, when it comes to selecting a good ruby gemstone quality, then it is advised that the depth of the color is best. It is a fact that the intensity of the red color means better quality of the coffee. This is due to the fact that, if a gem has an appearance of being dull or too dark, it is regarded as an inferior product. This is the reason it is always advised that the ruby in question should have a clear, rich and well balanced red color.
2. Clarity: Natural Inclusions Matter
Rubies like other gemstones possess inclusions which are components which are part of the mineral structure. These are minor defects that are recognized to have been formed in the process of formation of the gemstone. It has been postulated that the less a ruby contains inclusions, the more valuable the gemstone is. However, it is almost impossible to have a ruby that has no inclusions; thus, one should not be worried about finding some of them.
Florida gems that are fine have inclusions that a naked eye cannot even detect. Next time you are assessing the ruby gemstone quality, do it under the light and make sure there are no marks that are taking away the beauty of the gemstone. Just do not forget that the rubies’ clarity defines the stones’ brilliance and the overall outlook.
3. Cut: Enhancing the Ruby’s Beauty
The cut of a ruby gemstone is another essential aspect and it mainly explains how the gemstone has been shaped and well finished. Whereas, in the case of a well-cut ruby, light is reflected and this not only brings out the color but also improves the entire look of the gem. The cut should bring out the inherent sparkle of the ruby as much as possible while keeping as much of the carat weight as possible.
The ones that are poorly cut may look gray or flat even when they possess an extraordinary color. When analyzing a ruby look for sharpness in cutting the facets and the escapement should be accurate, no mis-matching.
4. Carat Weight: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Carat weight basically means the size of the ruby. It is to be noted that it is considered that the big rubies are dearer than the smaller ones but the size may not be the only factor that determines the prices. That is why a small yet clean brilliant cut ruby with a perfect color and transparency may cost more than a larger stone of poor quality.
As you choose your ruby, pay attention to size but also other qualities of the gemstone. A gemstone of lesser size but having intense color and transparency will be more attractive than a larger and less colored and less transparent gemstone.
5. Origin: What the Ruby Comes From
The finest quality of ruby is produced in Burma (Myanmar), these are the most attractive red colored stones with very less inclusion. These so-called ‘Burmese rubies’ are mostly a little more expensive.
Some other rubies which are found are in Sri Lanka, Thailand and more recently, Mozambique. Ruby from these regions may also hail from good quality, however, the Burmese rubies are always much after. When seeking to buy a ruby, do not fail to check the origin of the ruby since it will help you get the best quality in your investment.
How to Spot a Synthetic Diamond
Cutting, polishing and heat treatment of the rubies may sometimes occur resulting in synthetic rubies in the market. Lab created rubies are also known as synthetic rubies and their appearance is as good as that of natural stones. The above-said man-made stones are comparatively cheaper but they are not as rare or as rich in history as the natural rubies.
Therefore one should always seek accredited certification from any reputable gemological institute in order to differentiate between the natural and synthetic ruby. This documentation will verify the ruby’s source whether it is natural or man made and quality parameters related to it.
Conclusion
So it is important to always remember that the ruby gemstone quality is defined by many factors such as hue, clarity, cut, carat and source. An ideal ruby will be of excellent red color, have negligible inclusion, well-cut and from a reputable source. In a bid to assess the ruby gemstone quality for investment or for beautifying one’s jewelry pieces, there is a need to have adequate knowledge about it.
