Before You Buy a Ruby

When evaluating a ruby, consider these key questions to make an informed and confident purchase:

Color

Is the ruby’s red vivid and well-saturated? Ask whether it leans more toward pink, orange, or purple, as these secondary hues can affect value. The most prized rubies display a pure, intense red—often referred to as “pigeon blood red.”

Clarity

Are inclusions visible to the naked eye? Inquire whether they affect the stone’s transparency or structural integrity. Eye-clean rubies are rare and command a premium, though some inclusions are expected in natural stones.

Cut

Is the ruby well-proportioned and symmetrical? A high-quality cut enhances both brilliance and color, while minimizing visible inclusions and uneven color zoning.

Treatment

Has the ruby undergone heat treatment or glass-filling? Traditional heat treatment is standard and widely accepted, but rubies that have been lead glass-filled are significantly lower in value and durability. Always ask for full treatment disclosure.

Origin

Where is the ruby from? Burmese (Myanmar) rubies—especially those with pigeon blood color—are the most valued. Rubies from Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar may also offer excellent beauty and value.

Certification

Does the ruby come with a lab report? Always request documentation from a respected gemological lab such as GIA, SSEF, GRS, or AGL, which can confirm authenticity, treatment, and, in many cases, geographic origin.

Vendor Reputation

Are you buying from a trustworthy, transparent seller? Choose a vendor who specializes in fine gemstones, clearly discloses treatments, and provides lab certification. A reliable vendor will answer your questions openly and stand behind the quality of their rubies.