Raw ruby ruby prices

Types of Ruby Gemstones

Rubies are revered for their rich, red color, brilliance, and rarity. These variegated precious stones, a derivative of corundum, have shaped the voguish jewelry market for many years. Still, all rubies are not alike. They come in different types, each with distinct characteristics, shades, and inclusiveness.

• Naturally Untreated Rubies

  Among the variegated ruby prices, natural unrefined rubies are some of the most expensive. This is due to their color and clarity, resulting from the refraction of light through a raw ruby crystal structure. Normally, these rubies are mined from the earth and are barely subjected to any treatment to improve their color or clarity. The vendors, however, use heat treatment to enhance their color and clarity. Untreated rubies are preferred because of their purity and natural capacity. Normally, these stones are found in Burma, Thailand, and parts of Africa.

• Heat-Treated Rubies

  As mentioned earlier, the majority of rubies are heat-treated to improve their color and clarity. Heat treatment is a well-accepted practice in the gemstone industry. It has been used for centuries to enhance the color of rubies by removing impurities within the ruby crystal structure. Heat-treated rubies are more affordable than unrefined rubies, yet they still hold considerable value, especially when they are of high quality. Normally, they are available in vibrant shades of red to purplish red.

• Synthetic Rubies

  Synthetic rubies are man-made stones that possess the characteristics of natural rubies. While they are not generally as expensive as natural rubies, high-quality synthetic rubies can be a cost-effective alternative for jewelry. They are often used by those who want the look of a ruby without the high price tag. These rubies, however, lack the natural inclusions found in real stones. This makes it relatively easy to identify them in the market.

• Burmese Rubies

  These are the most famous rubies in the world. They originated from Myanmar. Their known prestige is attributed to their pure, vibrant red hue often referred to as "pigeon's blood." Burmese rubies are revered for their exceptional quality and color. This makes them command a higher price in the market compared to rubies from other regions, like Thailand.

• Star Rubies

  Star rubies are a unique type of ruby that displays a star-shaped Asterism when viewed under certain lighting conditions. This effect is caused by the uneven distribution of the mineral rutile within the stone. When cut in a cabochon shape, star rubies can be found in a variety of colors, ranging from rose to deep red. Their price primarily depends on the quality of the asterism and the intensity of the ruby color. The brighter the star and more vivid the color, the higher the price.

Designs of Ruby Jewelry

• Solitaire Ruby Jewelry

  Solitaire ruby jewelry features a single ruby as the centerpiece, allowing the stone's vivid red color and brilliance to take center stage. This type of jewelry is often set in gold or platinum, which contrasts beautifully with the ruby. Whether in rings, pendants, or earrings, solitaire designs embody elegance and minimalism.

• Ruby Halo Settings

  Ruby halo settings are a favored choice among millennials due to their defining nature. In this design, a central ruby is surrounded by a "halo" of smaller diamonds or gemstones. This setting enhances the visual appeal and makes the ruby appear larger. This design is commonly used in engagement rings, necklaces, and earrings.

• Vintage-Inspired Ruby Jewelry

  Only antique ruby jewelry is famous for its elaborate settings and intricate detailing. Normally, these pieces are inspired by jewelry styles from the Victorian or Edwardian eras. They lace filigree work, milgrain detailing, and old-cut diamonds surrounding or integrating with rubies. These designs are known to mix allure with historical significance. This makes vintage ruby jewelry highly coveted among enthusiasts and voguish customers alike.

• Ruby Tennis Bracelets

  Ruby tennis bracelets offer a sophisticated and fashionable way to incorporate rubies into wrist jewelry. These bracelets consist of a continuous line of rubies, often alternating with diamonds or other precious stones. The elongated tennis bracelet style allows for graceful movement and is ideal for voguish drop occasion. Ruby tennis bracelets are popularly known for their beauty and elegance.

• Art Deco Ruby Jewelry

  Ruby Art Deco jewelry is popular among lovers and collectors of rubies. Normally, these designs focus on geometric shapes and are often made of platinum or white gold to create a contrast against the red of the rubies. Additional materials like onyx or diamond accents are sometimes incorporated, giving these pieces a sleek, modern look with historical charm. Lastly, the combination of high-quality rubies with distinctive design elements makes Art Deco ruby jewelry a favored choice for people looking for something unique and luxurious.

How to Choose Ruby Stone Prices

• Color Quality

  The primary factor that affects ruby stone prices is color quality. Normally, vivid red rubies with purple undertones are the most preferred by buyers. These are mostly found in reputable mines like those in Myanmar. Pale, dark, or overly purplish stones tend to be cheaper since they lack the desired color saturation. Rubies that come with color zoning are also less expensive because they come with visible inclusions. A ruby that appears red even in fluorescent light is highly valued, especially if it's pigeon blood-red.

• Carat Weight

  Similar to other gemstones, larger rubies tend to cost more than smaller ones. This is because it is harder to find a clear, high-quality ruby in larger sizes. For instance, a 3-carat ruby with good clarity and color will be significantly more expensive than a 1-carat ruby with the same quality characteristics. Occasionally, ruby jewelry makers set stones over 2 carats in large pendant necklaces or dress earrings. Buyers can opt for such pendants with a long chain as it allows adjustment in length.

• Clarity Matters

  High-quality rubies are moderately included. In this case, inclusions should be microscopic and barely visible to the naked eye. Rubies with exceptional clarity (no visible inclusions) are highly valued in the jewelry market. When assessing clarity, buyers should consider how inclusions affect the overall appearance of the stone. In most scenarios, jewelers use magnification to examine rubies and determine their clarity grade. Normally, they prefer stones with natural needle-like inclusions of rutile. This is because these inclusions are acceptable among customers who are buying raw ruby stones.

• Origin

  The origin also affects rubies' prices and market value. For instance, rubies from Myanmar, especially those labeled "pigeon blood," are considered the finest, hence more expensive. Other regions, like Thailand and Africa also produce quality rubies, but they tend to be more affordable than Burmese rubies, provided they lack the coveted color intensity. In cases where buyers have budget constraints, they can go for stones from affordable regions. Such options offer good quality at a lower price.

How to Maintain Ruby Jewelry

• Clean Ruby Jewelry Safely

  Cleaning ruby jewelry safely is critical to ensuring its longevity. Rubies are durable stones. This means they can withstand some wear. Nevertheless, harsh chemicals in cleaning agents can be detrimental to the metal settings or any other gemstone accents. To clean rubies, jewelry owners are advised to use a soft cloth or a toothbrush with mild soapy water. It helps avoid damage to the stones by not utilizing any abrasive materials during the cleaning process.

• Store Ruby Jewelry Properly

  Proper storage of ruby jewelry helps avoid scratches or other damages to the pieces. Most of the time, jewelers are known to store rubies separately in soft pouches or lined boxes. If a certain jewelry piece has a ruby alongside other colored gemstones, then it would be appropriate to have separate compartments for each item. This is normally because other gemstones can scratch or damage the rubies. Additionally, keeping the jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is crucial. This helps in avoiding any possible setting deterioration.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals

  Rubies, though hard gemstones, require care and precaution to maintain their radiance. Chemically, drugs like chlorine, bleach, ammonia, and other abrasive products can damage the gold or silver settings of ruby jewelry. In some cases, these chemicals can cause deteriorating effects on the ruby's surface. Therefore, for people who like swimming pools or cleaning areas in their homes using chemical agents, they should remove ruby jewelry before engaging in such activities.

• Regular Inspections

  Frequent inspections help identify any wear and tear early. This helps in timely repairs and avoids further damage. Normal inspections also help identify loose stones. In cases where there are loose stones or any other issues in the jewelry, it's advisable to take the pieces to a professional jeweler for repair. Repairs done in time always help in preserving the integrity and beauty of the ruby jewelry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Raw Ruby Prices

Q1:What makes rubies more expensive than other gemstones?

A1:Rubies are more expensive than other gemstones due to their color and clarity. Also, the price and value of a ruby are affected by its carat weight and geographical origin. For instance, stones from Myanmar are more highly valued, especially those with pigeon blood red color.

Q2: How do rubies compare in hardness to other gemstones?

A2:Rubies rate 9 on the Mohs scale for mineral hardness. Consequently, they are the hardest after diamonds. Corundums also come in different colors. For instance, sapphires are blue while greens are brown.

Q3:What brings about the red color of rubies?

A3:The red color of rubies is caused by chromium element in corundum. When chromium atoms are present in the aluminum oxide structure, they occasionally replace aluminum atoms. This process is called substitutional doping.

Q4: How can one tell if a ruby is natural or synthetic?

A4:Natural rubies have small inclusions called rutile needles. On the other hand, Synthetic stones have perfect inclusions that an expert can see through a jeweler's loupe. The former can also be evaluated using sophisticated equipment that reveals the ruby's growth lines.

Q5:Are synthetic rubies valuable?

A5:Though not as valuable as natural rubies, high-quality synthetic rubies can be a cost-effective alternative for jewelry. Still, they are less valuable due to their origin. Usually, they are made in laboratories using methods that mimic the natural processes that form rubies.