It is said that with one glimpse, Rubies catch the wandering eye and instill feelings of love while giving its wearer vitality and health. Ruby is an iconic gemstone known for its fiery color. Our rubies are both strong and graceful while offering the highest qualities of the splendor only a ruby can offer.
As with many gemstones, rubies are often a substantial financial investment. Because of this, it is important to know how to distinguish a high-quality stone prior to selecting one for purchase. Upon choosing a ruby ring, consider “The Four Cs of Gemstones” to help you find the perfect gem:
Color: Color is definitely the most important factor to consider when purchasing a ruby. The brightest and most valuable color of red is called “blood red,” or “pigeon’s blood,” which is varies from a vibrant red to a slightly purplish red, and is priced at a much higher premium than others of similar quality. Though, if the color has too much orange or purple in it, it is considered much less valuable.
Clarity: It is almost expected that any ruby you encounter will have inclusions in it, as many inclusion-free stones are quite rare. Obvious inclusions that affect the stone’s transparency or brightness, however, can lower its value.
Cut: There are multiple factors that affect the cut and proportion of ruby gemstones on the market today. A stone’s shape controls whether or not it can be suitable for specific styles of cuts. While most ruby crystals have a flat, tubular-hexagonal shape, some are more elongated and have more flexibility for different shapes. The most common styles of cut for fashioned gems are oval, cushion, with brilliant-cut crowns of kite-shaped and triangular facets, as well as step-cut pavilions with concentric rows of rectangular or square facets. Round, triangular, emerald-cut, pear and marquise styles are also available, but usually at a much higher price point.
Carat: The finest rubies of more than one carat are very rare, but commercial-quality rubies are readily available in a wide range of sizes. The per-carat cost of ruby gemstones can raise dramatically with increased stone size, particularly for better-quality stones.
