Rubies are one of the most precious gemstones, known for their stunning red color and brilliant sparkle. When
shopping for a ruby, it’s important to be able to determine its quality to ensure you’re getting a valuable
and beautiful gem. In this blog post, we’ll go over the key factors to consider when assessing the quality
of a ruby, including color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
1. Color
The color of a ruby is the most important factor in determining its quality. The finest rubies have a
vibrant, deep red color with a hint of blue, often referred to as pigeon’s blood red. When
evaluating the color of a ruby, consider the following aspects:
- Hue – The primary color of the ruby. Look for a pure red hue without any brown or gray
overtones. - Saturation – The intensity of the color. High-quality rubies will have a deep, vivid
color saturation. - Tone – The lightness or darkness of the color. Optimal tone should be medium to medium
dark but not too dark, as it can affect the ruby’s sparkle.
2. Clarity
Clarity refers to the absence of internal flaws, or inclusions, in a gemstone. While it’s rare for a ruby to
be completely free of inclusions, high-quality rubies will have minimal visible inclusions that don’t
detract from the stone’s overall beauty. Some inclusions, like silk (fine, needle-like
rutile), can even enhance the value of a ruby if they create a desirable visual effect, such as a
star-like pattern known as asterism.
3. Cut
The cut of a ruby refers to the way the gemstone has been shaped and faceted. A well-cut ruby will reflect
light evenly across its surface, maximizing its brilliance and color. When evaluating a ruby’s cut, consider
the following aspects:
- Proportions – The angles and relationships between a ruby’s facets. Good proportions
help maximize light return and enhance the stone’s overall appearance. - Symmetry – The balance and alignment of a ruby’s facets. A symmetrical cut ensures
even light reflection and contributes to the stone’s beauty. - Finish – The quality of a ruby’s polish and facet junctions. A high-quality finish
indicates care and precision in the cutting process.
4. Carat Weight
Carat weight is a measure of a gemstone’s size and can affect a ruby’s value. Larger rubies are generally
more valuable, as they are rarer and more difficult to source. However, it’s important to remember that
carat weight should not be considered in isolation – a larger ruby with poor color and clarity may be less
valuable than a smaller ruby with exceptional quality.
Conclusion
When assessing the quality of a ruby, remember to consider its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. By
understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a ruby and ensure you’re
getting a high-quality gemstone. Happy shopping!