A ruby gemstone is one of the four precious gems and a variety of corundum. Sapphire is the other corundum variety, while “ruby” covers any red corundum.
Pure corundum is colorless, so ruby’s red coloring comes from traces of chromium. More chromium means stronger reds. Rubies for sale may have various undertones, including pink, purple, orange, or brown. Some rubies also have pleochroism, shifting from orangish-red to purplish-red under different angles.
Ruby is the traditional 40th wedding anniversary gemstone and July birthstone.
FAQs
What is special about a ruby?
Rubies are one of only four precious gemstones. Top-quality ruby gemstone material is quite rare. Unlike sapphires, rubies are only found in one color: red. But sapphires and rubies share an exceptional durability, ranking at 9 on the Mohs hardness scale.
How rare is it to find a ruby gemstone?
Ruby is a rare gemstone, much rarer than diamonds. But the rarer types are top-quality gems in large sizes, like Burmese rubies. You can find plenty of small, mid-quality rubies for sale starting at just $10 per carat.
Can rubies be used in engagement rings?
Definitely! Rubies are extremely scratch-resistant and unique engagement ring choices. Our tips for buying a ruby engagement ring:
> Remember they will be slightly smaller than a diamond of the same carat weight, as rubies are denser.
> Look for eye-clean clarity.
> Don’t get a ruby that’s been diffusion or lead glass fracture-filled.
> Always check for a lab report from a reputable organization like GIA or AGI.
> Consider synthetic (lab-created) rubies for sale if you’re on a tighter budget.
What does ruby symbolize?
Historically, rubies symbolized power, wisdom, rebirth, and invincibility in battle. Today, the ruby gemstone symbolizes passion, love, prosperity, courage, and protection.
What factors affect the price of a ruby gemstone?
Factors that influence ruby price are:
> Color: Color is most important to ruby price. The most valuable rubies for sale have vivid, pure red or somewhat purplish-red hues.
> Cut: The best cut is one that enhances the ruby’s color, pleochroism. Custom-cut ruby prices are higher than those of calibrated, “factory-cut” rubies.
> Clarity: Minor inclusions are expected, but obvious visible inclusions that affect the ruby’s brightness and transparency will lower value.
> Carat Weight: Mid-quality rubies come in many sizes, but high-quality rubies get much scarcer and more valuable over one carat.
What treatments are commonly applied to rubies?
Most rubies for sale have been heat-treated to improve their clarity and color, which doesn’t significantly lower the ruby’s price.
Treatments that do lower ruby price include diffusion and lead-glass or polymer fracture-filling.
Are synthetic rubies worth buying?
Though some swear by all-natural gems, synthetic ruby gemstones have the same chemical and physical properties — often with fewer inclusions and larger sizes — at a fraction of the cost. However, their resale and investment value is lower than that of natural rubies.
How can I tell if a ruby gemstone is natural or synthetic?
The biggest sign is being too flawless. It’s incredibly rare for a natural ruby gemstone to have no inclusions. The only way to be sure, however, is with a gemstone certificate from a reputable lab like GIA or AGI.
Is ruby an expensive stone?
Ruby gemstones are more expensive than similar-looking stones like spinel, but ruby prices range broadly. Heat-treated faceted rubies for sale of good quality start around $150 per carat whereas ruby cabochons start around $1 per carat. However, top-tier unheated Burmese ruby prices are around $500 to $180,000 per carat.
Where is the best place to get rubies for sale online?
Here at Gem Rock Auctions, we have hundreds of high-quality rubies for sale. You can find rubies to buy right away or place a bid on a ruby listing. Minimum bids on no-reserve ruby auctions are as low as $1.
Every seller has been thoroughly vetted through our Verified Sellers Program. We also offer ongoing quality control through our free third-party Gemstone Sheriff audits.
Further Reading
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