Loose Natural Rubies
The ruby gemstone gets its name from the Latin word for red. Though ruby and sapphire gemstones are both forms of corundum, or aluminum oxide, and only a ruby is red. Loose rubies can be placed in many different types of jewelry settings, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
How do you know you are getting a quality ruby?Rubies are not judged as stringently as some other gemstones, like diamonds, which are judged by their color, carat weight, cut, and clarity. Instead, a ruby is mostly judged by the richness and depth of its natural red color. This color is due to a trace of chromium oxide. The most prized color of a ruby is pigeon blood red, which is a brilliant pinkish red. Also, a gemstone that has fewer flaws or inclusions will command a higher price as will a gem that is truly translucent, has an asterism or “star,” and has no hints of brown, purple, or orange.
What types of cuts do rubies come in?Ruby gems come in the same types of cuts as diamonds and other gemstones. These cuts include:
- Round
- Pear shaped
- Cushion
- Oval
- Emerald
- Marquise
- Square
- Beads
- Cabochons
- Roughs
Lab-created rubies are made by the Verneuil process, and they are almost indistinguishable from natural rubies. However, a gemologist or a person using a jeweler’s loupe may see bubbles or zones that give away the fact that the gem was lab created. Other rubies can be grown, and these gemstones are even harder to tell from natural stones. Rubies are also heated to enhance their color, and they may be amended by other minerals such as beryllium, resin, or glass to make them more colorful or improve their clarity. The person who is selling the ruby should let the buyer know if the stone is synthetic or has been treated in any way.
What is a carat?A carat is simply how much the stone weighs. It is 200 milligrams, so a 2-carat ruby gem would weigh 400 milligrams.
Where do natural ruby gems come from?While rubies can be found in many countries around the world, a large majority of these precious stones are mined in the following countries:
- India
- Scotland
- Colombia
- Brazil
- Japan
- Afghanistan
- Thaliand
- Australia
- Pakistan
- Namibia
- Myanmar
The red ruby traditionally symbolizes love and fiery passion. It is the birthstone of July and the symbol for the 40th wedding anniversary.
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