Finding the perfect ruby ring for that special someone can be a complex task! One reason this is so is simply due to the vast different styles, cuts, metals and of course the stunning range of rubies that you can choose from. Do you choose a solitaire, or a diamond and ruby cluster….?
It does depend on a number of things, such as if the ruby ring is meant for a man or woman, or if it is an eternity, wedding or engagement ring. This website is dedicated to the glorious ruby. We are sure that if you read the information contained on this page you will have the knowledge at hand to make just the right choice.
What Is A Ruby Gemstone?
Ruby is a precious gemstone known as Corundum. Ruby and sapphire are both different types of corundum. Ruby is a very hard crystal, at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, only second to Diamond. It is a very durable and scratch resistant material which makes it ideal for jewelry, for both cutting and long term wearability. Ruby crystals can take three forms, that makes it a trigonal mineral. Crystals can be hexagonal, table or rhomboid in structure.
Where Is It Found?
Rubies are found all around the world; alphabetically in Afghanistan, Australia, Cambodia, India, Kenya, Myanmar (Burma), Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Tanzania, Thailand, U.S., Vietnam. The finest rubies tend to be Burmese and Thai. Found in igneous or metamorphic rock or as water worn alluvial deposits.
What Is The Best Ruby Ring Quality & Why?
Rubies are valued and price according to clarity, cut, color, size and proportions. Rubies need to be viewed in different lights to see the true color. A store with strong spotlighting can provide a hot intense color whilst natural white daylight will cool the color. Look at the stone in as many different lights as possible before you decide to buy your ruby ring. The origin of a ruby is very important. A fine Burmese ruby will be considerably more expensive. Ensure you have a receipt which states the country of origin and more importantly ask for the gem laboratory report or an authenticated report or jewelers certificate in order to authenticate it. It pays to be sure when you are making a large investment in jewelry. Since the 1960s heating and treating rubies has become commonplace. Nowadays, a natural untreated Burmese ruby ring, weighing, say 10 carats, will be on a par, in terms of cost, with a natural colored diamond. Your budget needs to be quite large if this type of ruby ring is your choice!
A Little About Colors, Hues and Inclusions
Ruby corundum ranges from purple-blue red to yellowish red. This is dependant on the chromium or iron content within the crystal. The finest ruby color is considered to be pure red with a tiny hint of blue. The Burmese pigeon blood rubies possess this color and are the most sought after, expensive rubies available. Mined in the Mogok mine since 1963, under very strict government control, gems are extracted and taken over the border to Thailand where there is an established open market for gem traders.
Whilst Vietnamese and Tanzanian rubies do sometimes possess the pure color most desired, the majority are hot violet or brownish colors and not so beautiful or valuable as a result. Thai rubies are now produced in larger quantities, and whereas once they were considered to be too dark and garnet-like in appearance, the gem quality rubies, which are purplish red are now highly regarded and actually more likely to be flawless than Burmese. they also tend to be more lustrous.
Rubies are often color zoned which occurs when the crystal grows its layers. Yellows, carmines, deep dark and raspberry colors can be seen as an optical effect when viewed from different angles. This is known as pleochroism. Corundum is naturally transparent or opaque, greasy or lustrous. When transparent it can often be described as a moderately brilliant gemstone.
Acceptable minor inclusions (imperfections) can include minerals, canals, needles, cavities and growth structures. Inclusions are often location specific and can point to the stones origin. Heat treatment can remove or improve some of the more undesirable inclusions.
Popular Gem Cuts for Your Ruby Ring
The ruby is often cut as a rectangular step, emerald, cabouchon, a cushion or brilliant mixed cut as a main stone or a solitaire.