How to Buy Ruby Jewelry: 5 Tips for Success

 

When it comes to purchasing a ruby or ruby jewelry, there are a few key factors to consider before making your purchase. Not only is the color and clarity important, but so are the cut and origins. Rubies are typically graded from AAA to B. An AA at one jeweler could be an A at another. As a result, it is critical to understand what to look for when purchasing rubies. Check out these 5 ruby buying tips.

1. Check the Clarity in Your Ruby

Inclusions are common in natural gemstones such as rubies. This means that when held up to the light, the stone will show fine lines or spots. A good quality ruby will be clear, and any inclusions, if present, will be minor or not visible to the naked eye. The presence of inclusions indicates that the stone may crack or chip; inclusions are flaws in the stone.

Always ask the jeweler to examine your ruby under a loupe or a microscope to look for inclusions. If the ruby has a cloudy appearance due to inclusions, do not purchase it. In addition, look for inclusions that reach the surface, as these weaken the ruby and cause it to split along the crack. This grading system is used by professionals to determine inclusions.

• VVS: minor inclusions; does not affect the appearance
• SI1: slight inclusions; little effect on the brilliance
• SI2: slight inclusions; slight effect on the brilliance
• I1: obvious inclusions
• I2: prominent inclusions
• I3: many prominent inclusions

2. Understand Size and Color of Rubies

The most valuable rubies are blood-red in color. According to the Gemological Institute of America, Inc., the stones can come in almost any shade of red, including pink. Generally, you want a vivid red ruby color, not orangish or purplish. The saturation of the red is also graded on a scale of 1-6, with 6 being the stone's optimal saturation.

The price you pay will be determined by the size, quality, and color of the ruby. Larger stones are more expensive, and clear rubies with few or no inclusions are more expensive than those with visible inclusions. A ruby without inclusions can cost twice as much as one that is much larger but contains some inclusions.

3. Know Your Cuts

There are various cuts of rubies. The GIA classifies rubies into round, oval, triangular, square, pear, and marquise shapes. Typically, the original stone's shape dictates the type of cut that is best for the stone you have. For example, the wrong cut on a stone can alter its appearance from red to orangish. As a result, you should buy your rubies from an experienced jeweler and check the color and saturation to ensure that the cut hasn't harmed the stone's quality.

Always examine your potential ruby purchase in proper lighting. Fluorescent lights are great for doing paperwork in the office, but they are "red deficient," making assessing colored gems a nightmare. Inquire about viewing the ruby under different lighting conditions, such as incandescent and daylight.

4. Check for Enhancements

Rubies frequently have some type of surface coating that is used to conceal surface fractures. Such coatings will eventually wear away. Always inquire with your jeweler if the ruby has been treated or coated in any way to improve its appearance. Heat treatments, glass filling, and flux healing are all examples of treatments.

5. Ask About the Rubies' Origins

Around the world, rubies are mined. However, certain locations are well-known for producing high-quality gemstones. As a result, knowing whether your ruby was mined in Myanmar or Pakistan can indicate the quality of the gemstone. Burmese rubies, for example, are rare and more expensive, and are found in Myanmar, whereas rubies mined in India are of lower quality.

Value of Rubies

According to the Gem Society, rubies are available at a variety of price points. Burma rubies can fetch more than a million dollars per carat. Paragon Gems Inc. also sells top-quality rubies for $700-1,500 per carat. Low-grade commercial rubies, on the other hand, can be found for $50-100 per carat.

Getting the Perfect Setting

Now that you've figured out how to find the perfect stone, it's time to learn about the setting. Rubies, due to their red color, pair best with yellow or white gold, as well as platinum. However, the beautiful color of the ruby can complement a variety of metals. As a result, the setting is subject to your personal preferences.