A Ruby’s Beauty Begins with Color

A ruby is appreciated and graded above all by its color. Among all the factors that determine a ruby’s value—such as clarity, cut, and carat weight—color remains paramount. It is the ruby’s vivid, saturated red hue that draws the eye and dictates its desirability in the market. A richly colored ruby, even if smaller, will often command a higher price than a larger ruby with a weaker or less appealing color. This is especially true because truly fine color is significantly rarer than size alone, making saturation the cornerstone of a ruby’s appeal.

The color range of rubies is relatively narrow compared to other colored gemstones, typically extending from pinkish-red to deep, blood-red. However, not all stones within this range are considered equally valuable. The most sought-after rubies exhibit a strong, vibrant red with excellent saturation and minimal traces of secondary hues like orange, brown, or purple. The ideal color is often referred to as pigeon’s blood red—a rich, pure red with a slight bluish undertone and glowing inner intensity. Stones that lean too far toward pink or purple may fall outside the ruby classification altogether and be categorized as pink sapphires, which generally have a lower market value despite their beauty.

The finest rubies strike a rare balance in color: they are neither too dark—where the red appears muddy or blackened—nor too light, which can diminish the visual impact. Instead, they possess an intense but well-modulated saturation that gives them an almost glowing quality. This phenomenon is largely due to the presence of chromium, the trace element responsible for the gem’s celebrated red hue. In optimal concentrations, chromium creates a luminous, fluorescent effect that seems to light the ruby from within, giving it a presence that captivates and endures.