Rubies are beautiful and precious gemstones that are highly sought after for their stunning red hue, hardness, durability, and rarity. In order to determine the quality of a ruby, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to its value. In this blog post, we will explore the key aspects to look for when evaluating a ruby, including color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
1. Color
The color of a ruby is its most important attribute and has the greatest impact on its value. A good ruby should exhibit a rich and vibrant red hue, which can range from a pure, deep red to a more purplish or orangish-red. The most valuable rubies are those with a strong, vivid, and uniform color saturation, known as “pigeon’s blood” red.
2. Clarity
Although it is rare to find a completely flawless ruby, a good quality ruby should be relatively free of inclusions or blemishes. Inclusions are minute imperfections within the stone, such as tiny crystals or gas bubbles, while blemishes are surface imperfections, such as scratches or nicks. A ruby’s clarity is graded on a scale from “eye-clean” (no inclusions visible to the naked eye) to “heavily included” (numerous visible inclusions). Generally, the fewer the inclusions and blemishes, the more valuable the ruby.
3. Cut
The cut of a ruby refers to the way the gemstone has been shaped and faceted. A well-cut ruby will maximize its color, brilliance, and overall beauty. Good cutting proportions allow light to enter the stone, reflect off the internal facets, and exit through the top of the stone, creating a lively and vibrant appearance. Common ruby cuts include oval, cushion, round, and emerald cuts, although other fancy shapes are also available.
To examine the cut of a ruby, pay attention to the following factors:
- Proportions: The stone should be well-proportioned, with no overly thick or thin areas.
- Symmetry: The facets should be evenly sized and aligned, with no noticeable misshapen areas.
- Polish: The surface of the stone should be smooth and free of visible scratches or polishing marks.
4. Carat Weight
Carat weight is the standard unit of measurement for gemstones and is equal to 0.2 grams. Larger rubies are rarer and generally more valuable than smaller ones, assuming all other factors are equal. However, it is important to consider the overall quality of the stone, as a smaller ruby with exceptional color and clarity may be more valuable than a larger ruby with less desirable attributes.
In conclusion, when assessing the quality of a ruby, it is essential to examine its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a stunning and valuable ruby gemstone.