Buying Guide for Ruby Gemstone

September 25, 2010- One of the most precious gemstones- the Ruby gemstone is also one of the rarest stone found on earth. Therefore, ruby prices are also higher than other gemstones so much so that sometimes a larger ruby can leave some diamonds behind when it comes to price and value! However, because ruby is so rare and not everyone can afford to buy natural rubies with sky touching prices, there are synthetic ruby gemstones too which are as beautiful as the natural ones. But then, you must know the difference between synthetic and imitation rubies because imitations do not have the effects that a ruby has- natural or synthetic!. And if you have decided to buy a natural ruby then also there are certain facts that you must keep in mind to get a true ruby gemstone with brilliance and true value- after all you are about to pay a considerable amount for it! So, here we are to help you by providing some ruby buying tips in this buying guide for ruby gemstones.

Know Difference Between Synthetic and Imitation Ruby Gemstones

First of all, you must know the difference between natural, synthetic and imitation rubies. Natural rubies are formed as mineral rocks with a specific chemical composition and structure. Synthetic rubies too have the same chemical composition, structure, refractive index and brilliance as the original rubies. Imitation rubies, on the other hand, lack the composition, structure, refractive index, and brilliance like original or synthetic rubies. They are not made in labs with similar chemicals but are made with some other materials that have similar appearance as natural rubies. For example, red glass can be converted into ruby and sold at same higher prices as original or synthetic ones. Sometimes, other semi precious stones having similar looks are sold with identical names too. For example, red garnet can be found in the market as Arizona rubies or Cape rubies. Garnet or Rose Quartz can be sold as American ruby. So when out for ruby buying, always guard yourself against such misleading terms.

Check Color and Clarity Before Buying Ruby Gemstones

Colors can tell a lot about a true ruby gemstone. Rubies, basically red, come in a variety of hues from pigeon-blood red to crimson red. Red rubies with a blue tint (pigeon blood red) are considered the best. However, their price is also more than all others. A ruby stone having an overtone of orange or pink too look saturated enough to appear as red. However, high value rubies are the ones with intense medium red. If different rubies are piled together, each of them draws color from the other. In such a case, lay them all on a white paper so that color of one ruby will not affect the others' color. Background color also affect the color of the stone. If a seller places the ruby on a yellow background, check it properly in daylight or at least by holding it in hand or on white background as low demand purple-red stone may appear more reddish on yellow background.

Check Clarity when Buying Ruby Gemstones

As far as impurities are concerned, a ruby that is eye clean ( without any visible inclusions) are the best but are also the rarest. Most of the ruby gemstones have inclusions which are not visible to naked eye. However, if a ruby has such inclusions, its value would not be reduced provided it has got the essential brilliance.

Consider the Cut while Buying Ruby Gemstones

After color and clarity, cut is the factor to be looked into while buying ruby. A symmetrically cut ruby gemstone without scratches can be called the best. faceted ruby gems are cut perfectly depending on the refractive index so that the light entering the top facet may be reflected by the bottom facet to show off the gem's brilliance. Such ideally rubies have their own inner glow . To examine the cut of ruby, look for dark patches at its center or notice if the ruby displays a washed out appearance. If you found both or any of them, avoid buying such rubies as they are not perfectly cut and will not sparkle on their own. When buying a star ruby, check quality by the sharpness of star, symmetrical rays and the color of the body. Star ruby is filled with needle-like rutile (silk) inclusions and may be cut in a 'domed' shape creating six - legged star. High quality star rubies come from India and Srilanka.

Get Information about Treatments given to Ruby Gemstones

Obtain all the details of the ruby stone that you wish to buy from the seller. Most of these stones are subjected to low heat treatment to increase the intensity of their color. Although such treatment do not affect the quality of rubies or their value, you as a buyer must know about all treatments given to the gems. Sometimes heat treatment in the presence of a flux cures fractures and openings. Other treatments like oiling or staining can affect the stability and therefore value of the stone. To avoid all such circumstances, its better to buy ruby with a certificate issued by reputed gems institution. Certified ruby gemstones have color, size and the treatments according to adopted standards. Many certification companies even offer inscriptions on the stone through laser micro-inscription, so check out whether your stone contains one or not.

Know Ruby Gemstone Value based on Carats

Rubies which are more than one carat in size are considered ideal and those with more than three carats are very hard to find. Fine quality rubies above 5 carats and without any treatments are the superior class.

Ruby price depends directly upon the quality, weight and rarity of the gemstone. Market factors too play an important role on ruby prices.