The Royal Ruby

July 26, 2013

Royal Ruby
Ruby specimen gift of William F. Larson. Cut rubies courtesy of Edward Boehm.
Ancient Indians called it “the king of precious stones.” Burmese warriors thought it made them invulnerable in battle. Medieval Europeans believed it cured hemorrhages and inflammatory diseases.
The ruby has been prized since ancient times. And we still cherish it today.
Rubies have remained popular for millennia because they are beautiful stones that evoke love, romance, and power. Here’s vivid proof of our fondness for them: rubies can still command the highest per-carat price of all colored stones.
Nina Switzer-Spano, instructor of gemology at GIA, Carlsbad

Ruby belongs to a species of gemstones called corundum. The presence of the element chromium causes the naturally colorless corundum to turn red.

Myanmar’s Mogok Valley and Mong Hsu are important sources for high-quality rubies. Rubies are also mined in Madagascar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and other countries.

Color is one of the most important factors in determining a ruby’s value. Rubies range from an orangy red to a purplish red. Historically, the name “pigeon’s blood” has been used to describe vivid red rubies; however it is best to avoid using this trade term as it can be misinterpreted.
 

Ruby Necklace

Gift of Inta Gems.

Almost all rubies are heat-treated to improve their color. For example, rubies lose their brownish color; rubies mined in Sri Lanka become a more intense red when heat-treated; and rubies from Mong Hsu, Myanmar lose their dark color-zoned centers.

Rubies that are not treated command far higher prices than their enhanced counterparts. Assume a ruby is heat-treated unless an identification report says otherwise. Glass filling is another common and much less durable treatment.

Also be aware that synthetic rubies are popular in the marketplace. Manufactured since the late 1880s, synthetic rubies offer consumers a more affordable option than natural ones. Their place in the display case is perfectly legitimate. If a treatment or a country of origin is known, it must be disclosed. Disclosure is essential to building customer confidence and trust.

Tips on Rubies

  • Rubies are rich in lore and romance. Be sure to share this with consumers.
  • If all factors are equal, rubies mined in Burma are usually more desirable than rubies from other places. You may want to submit a ruby to GIA to identify if it’s natural or synthetic, or treated or untreated. Additional testing is available to determine country of origin. A GIA report with this information can let you purchase and/or sell these gems with confidence.
  • Rubies are extremely hard and durable. Let customers know that they can wear them every day, but should make sure that the ruby does not rub against other gemstones, as they can damage softer ones like emerald and topaz.

To learn more about rubies, visit the GIA Gem Encyclopedia Ruby Page