The 5 Things You Must Know Before Buying a Ruby

The allure of the ruby is timeless. Its deep, fiery red hue has captivated hearts for centuries, symbolizing passion, prosperity, and power. But with its immense value, the market is flooded with imitations. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer looking to buy ruby for a special occasion, knowing how to distinguish a natural ruby from a fake is a crucial skill.

This guide provides expert tips to help you navigate the world of gemstones, ensuring you make a confident and secure purchase.

1. Look for Inclusions:

One of the most reliable ways to spot a fake is by examining the stone's clarity. A natural, earth-mined ruby is rarely, if ever, flawless. Its formation over millions of years leaves behind tiny "imperfections" known as inclusions. These can appear as small lines, crystal formations, or even the famous "silk" of fine rutile needles.

Real Ruby will almost always have some form of inclusion. You might need a jeweler's loupe (10x magnification) to see them, but they are the unique fingerprint of a natural stone.

Fake Ruby often looks "too perfect." Imitations like glass or synthetic rubies (lab-created) are often completely flawless and clear, lacking the internal character of a genuine gemstone. A key giveaway in synthetic stones can be curved growth lines or gas bubbles.

2. The Color Test

The color of a ruby is its most defining characteristic. While a perfect, vibrant red is highly prized, there are nuances to look for.

Natural Ruby: A real ruby's color will have a depth and richness that is hard to replicate. When held under light, especially UV light, many natural rubies will exhibit a strong red or pink fluorescence, almost appearing to glow from within. The color might not be perfectly uniform, showing slight variations in tone.

Fake Ruby: If the stone looks unnaturally bright, almost "neon," it could be a sign of a fake or a heavily treated stone. A "color-streaking" test (rubbing the stone on a hard, unglazed surface) can also reveal if a dye is present—a natural ruby will not leave a red streak.

3. The Hardness Test: 

Rubies are among the hardest minerals on Earth, second only to diamonds. They rank a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes them incredibly durable and scratch-resistant.

Real Ruby: A genuine ruby will not scratch easily. You can try a gentle scratch test on a piece of glass. A real ruby will scratch the glass, but the ruby itself will remain unharmed.

Fake Ruby: Imitations made from softer materials like glass or quartz will scratch much more easily. If the stone shows any damage after a gentle test, it is very likely a fake.

4. Professional Certification is Your Best Friend

When you buy ruby online or from a new jeweler, the most foolproof method to guarantee authenticity is to ask for a professional gemological report. Reputable institutions like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) can provide a detailed analysis of a stone's origin, treatment history, and natural characteristics.

A Natural Ruby with a Certificate: A certified ruby gives you peace of mind. The report will confirm that you are purchasing a natural ruby and not a synthetic or treated imitation. This is especially important for high-value stones.

Avoid Uncertified Stones: Be wary of sellers who cannot or will not provide a certificate from a trusted lab. A lack of certification is a major red flag, especially for a significant purchase.

5. Finding the Right Source to Buy Ruby Online

The digital age has made it easier than ever to expand your ruby collection. However, it also requires extra diligence. When you buy natural ruby over the internet, follow these tips:

Read Reviews: Look for sellers with excellent customer reviews and a long-standing reputation.

Check Policies: Ensure the seller has a clear return policy and offers a money-back guarantee on authenticity.

Ask for Details: Request high-resolution images and videos of the actual stone, not just a stock photo. Inquire about the stone's origin and any treatments it may have undergone.

By following these expert tips, you can confidently buy ruby and be sure that you are acquiring a genuine, beautiful, and valuable natural ruby for your stunning ruby collection.