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Our Ruby Collection
Explore our exquisite Gemstone Collection, featuring a spectacular array of vibrant colors, diverse sizes, and unique shapes. Each stone is calibrated and certified to ensure the finest quality.
Know More About Ruby
Ruby, a stunning red gemstone, is a variety of corundum mineral. Its rich red color results from traces of chromium. Known as the “King of Gems,” rubies symbolize love and vitality. Found mainly in Myanmar(Burma), rubies are prized for their hardness and rarity in fine jewelry.
Properties of Ruby
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Colors | Deep red to purplish red |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.770 |
| Birefringence | 0.008 – 0.010 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.97 – 4.05 |
| Melting Point | ~2040°C (3704°F) |
| Heat Resistance | Very high; stable at high temperatures |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 |
Ruby Value
Rubies are among the most prized gemstones, celebrated for their vivid red hues and timeless appeal. When it comes to determining a ruby’s worth, color is the leading factor. The most valuable rubies display a deep, vibrant red, often referred to as “pigeon blood” red. This tone strikes the perfect balance, not too dark, not too light, with a glowing intensity that seems to come from within. Rubies with flat or overly dark colors tend to be less desirable and often command lower prices.
Origin also plays a key role. Rubies from Myanmar are considered the most valuable. These rare gems often have a natural glow and are found in limited quantities, making them more exclusive. Other origins like Mozambique and Thailand also produce high-quality rubies, but Burmese rubies often carry a premium.
Rubies are also valued for their durability, ranking just below diamonds and sapphires in hardness. This makes them ideal for everyday jewelry like rings, as they resist scratching and wear over time.
Clarity affects ruby value, though most rubies have natural inclusions formed during growth. Common types include needle-like silk, rutile crystals, feathers, and twinning lines. While too many inclusions can lower value, fine silk can enhance a ruby’s glow.
Rubies has a star-like effect on the surface when cut as cabochons are valued based on the sharpness and symmetry of the star, along with the overall body color and transparency. Prices can start around $150 per carat, but top-tier star rubies, especially those with a strong six-rayed star and vibrant color, can fetch over $1,000 per carat, particularly when they are large and well-formed.
Ruby Origins
Rubies are found in several parts of the world, but only a few locations are known for producing high-quality stones. These gemstones form naturally under the earth over millions of years and are mined in countries across Asia and Africa.
The most well-known sources include Burma (Myanmar), Mozambique, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Tanzania. Each origin gives rubies a unique appearance based on the region’s geological makeup.
Among these, Burma and Mozambique are two of the most important and widely recognized sources in the global ruby market.
Burma (Myanmar)
Burma has a long history of ruby mining, especially in the Mogok region. Rubies from Burma are famous for their rich, glowing red color, often referred to as “pigeon blood” red. The country has been a leading source of rubies for centuries and is known for producing some of the world’s most valuable stones.
Mozambique
Mozambique is a newer source, with major ruby deposits discovered in the early 2000s, mainly around Montepuez. In a short time, the country has become one of the largest ruby producers. Mozambique rubies are appreciated for their deep color, variety, and large sizes, and they now make up a big part of the ruby supply in the market.
Ruby Colors
Rubies are best known for their rich red color, but did you know they come in a variety of shades? All rubies are a type of corundum mineral, and what makes them red is the presence of chromium. But the amount of chromium and other trace elements can slightly change the way they look.
Here are the main types of ruby colors:
Pigeon Blood Red
This is the most prized ruby color. It’s a deep, vivid red with a hint of blue. Found mostly in Myanmar, this shade is extremely valuable. The name comes from the color of a freshly killed pigeon’s blood.
Vivid Red
This shade is intense and bright, but slightly lighter than pigeon blood. It’s still highly prized and gives off a glowing, lively appearance, especially under natural light.
Pinkish Red
Some rubies lean a bit toward pink. These are still considered rubies if the red is dominant, but too much pink pushes them into the sapphire category. These are often found in parts of Africa and Madagascar.
Purplish Red
In some rubies, you might notice a soft purple tone mixed with red. This gives the stone a royal and luxurious look. Purplish-red rubies can appear darker, especially in low light.
GreenOrangey Red
Rubies with a slight orange tint often come from Thailand or Mozambique. They may look a bit warmer and brighter but are usually less valuable than pure reds.
Dark Red / Brownish Red
These rubies have deeper, more muted tones. Sometimes the color appears too dark, which can make the stone less brilliant. These are typically more affordable.
Ruby Cuts
The way a ruby is cut has a major impact on its beauty and value. Unlike diamonds, which follow strict cutting standards, rubies are often cut to preserve as much weight as possible from the original crystal. The goal is to enhance color, minimize visible flaws, and maximize sparkle. A well-cut ruby reflects light evenly across its surface, bringing out its natural brilliance and vivid red glow.
Here's a quick look at the most recognized ruby cuts:
Ruby Clarity
Ruby clarity refers to how clean or included a ruby is when viewed under magnification. Unlike diamonds, rubies are almost never flawless, inclusions are expected and can even be helpful in identifying whether a ruby is natural or synthetic. Also inclusions in rubies are even prized when they create star-like patterns (asterism).
One common type of inclusion in rubies is called "silk", a tiny needle-like rutile crystals that can create a soft, glowing effect inside the stone. In Burmese rubies, this silky texture is often seen as a positive trait, adding to the gem's appeal.
High clarity rubies are rare. Most rubies have visible inclusions and the fewer or less noticeable they are, the more valuable the stone. However, clarity is considered less important than color and transparency when judging a ruby's quality.
In some cases, rubies are heat-treated to reduce visible inclusions and improve clarity. This treatment is widely accepted in the gemstone market, but untreated rubies with good clarity are significantly more valuable.
Ruby Price Per Carat
Ruby prices don’t rise gradually with size. They can jump sharply from one carat to the next. A fine 1-carat ruby might cost around $5,000, while a similar 2-carat stone could go beyond $20,000. That’s because high-quality rubies become much rarer as they get larger.
Color plays the biggest role, especially the rich red known as pigeon’s blood. Untreated stones are even more valuable. In recent years, Mozambique rubies have quickly gained popularity and value. So when it comes to ruby pricing, it’s not just about size. The color, clarity, origin, and treatment all matter.
| Type | Treatment | Quality | Price per Carat (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burmese Ruby | Untreated | Top Gem | $12,000 – $150,000+ |
| Medium to High | $5,000 – $11,000 | ||
| Treated | Commercial Grade | $800 – $4,000 | |
| Mozambique Ruby | Untreated | Top Gem | $4,000 – $20,000 |
| Medium to High | $1,200 – $3,800 | ||
| Treated | Commercial Grade | $300 – $1,100 |
Ruby Care
Rubies are durable, but proper care keeps their brilliance alive for generations. Clean your ruby gently using warm soapy water and a soft brush, especially around the setting where dirt builds up. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, especially if the ruby is fracture-filled or treated. Store it separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches.
Rubies may be tough, but they can still damage softer gems. Always take off your ruby jewelry when doing heavy chores or intense physical activities. With mindful care, your ruby will keep glowing beautifully for years to come.