Red ruby. What colour ruby is most valuable? Sapphires over 5 carats, clean and with good blue color, are similarly rare and also valuable. Ruby value can depend on how visible the inclusions are. Depending on a ruby’s color, the value of it can be from poor to premium. An excellent color can make the difference between an amazing ruby and an average ruby. The Sunrise ruby is not only the most expensive ruby, but also the most expensive non-diamond gemstone in the world. Having graduated university with a BA in English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing Bethany then joined the AC Silver team as a content creator. This colouring is also natural, rather than being achieved through applying heat treatments on the gemstone. To accommodate these crystal shapes, the most common shapes of fashioned rubies are ovals and cushions, with brilliant-cut crowns of kite-shaped and triangular facets, and step-cut pavilions with concentric rows of rectangular or square facets. Burmese rubies are far and away the most expensive, most valued rubies. All other gems were referred to as semi-precious. A very eye-catching and beautiful species of precious stones, they come in different colors starting from pink to a darker red. The ruby, along with the sapphire, is in the corundum group. Some rubies are more valuable than others – or at least more expensive. The color of a ruby is assessed based on three attributes: hue, saturation, and tone. Terms of Service apply. Bethany spends her days writing content for the AC Silver blog and other luxury goods/antique blogs. The most valuable among its different variations of colors would be the so-called ‘blood-red’ or ‘pigeon blood’, which characterizes the brightness of its color. Though India is typically seen as the origin of the finest ruby crystals, there are deposits throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It’s hard to say what might make a ruby ‘perfect’ as so much is subjective. While some areas produce consistently high quality gemstones, not all gemstones have the same importance of heritage as rubies. But these shapes are rare in larger sizes and higher qualities. By closing this banner or using this site you agree to our revised Privacy Notice, Terms of Service and Cookie Policy. The precious categorization was a reference to value: a really fine ruby, emerald, or sapphire can be priced higher per-carat than a diamond, which most people consider the ultimate gemstone. Raw gemstone carved into the shape of the Liberty Bell, and adorned with 50 diamonds, the Liberty Bell Ruby would certainly be counted amongst the most valuable rubies in the world. Rubies are somewhat unique in the gem world as their origin also plays a huge part in discerning their value. Beside for its bright color, it is a most desirable gem due to its hardness, durability, luster, and rarity.Transparent rubies of large sizes are even rarer than Diamonds. Photo: Robert Weldon/GIA. It set a record as the most expensive colored gemstone ever sold at a US jewelry auction. Over time and years of experience trade terms can conjure up perceptions of certain colors and qualities that are associated with a stone’s source. These rubies were all mined in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). The name ruby comes from the Latin "Rubrum," meaning red. Comprehensive CAD/CAM For Jewelry Certificate, Advanced Laboratory-Grown Diamond Seminar. It is significant because of its size as a deposit of raw ruby. Fine-quality rubies over one carat are very rare, but commercial-quality rubies are commonly available in a wide range of sizes. All rights reserved. At a November 2014 auction held by Christie’s in Hong Kong, an incredible signed Cartier platinum, diamond, and Burmese… People in the trade expect rubies to have at least some inclusions because inclusion-free rubies are practically nonexistent. The ‘best’ place a ruby can originate from is Burma. It’s still possible that lower-temperature heat treatment might have occurred. These rubies are the most prized and valuable of all rubies. Lighter shades are classified as pink sapphires. Well there are two explanations for this. The following are … Intersecting needles of the mineral rutile create a common ruby inclusion called silk. However, a highly valuable, expensive ruby would be opaque, with high saturation, a red hue, and a tone that creates a rich, but very obviously red colour. Red Gems. Similar to color diamonds, color is the most important determining factor in regards to its value. Some gem dealers debate the borderline between ruby and pink sapphire. The world’s largest mined ruby, the Liberty Bell Ruby, was discovered in the … The more the ruby’s color is strictly red, the more valuable it is. If large and prominent inclusions are located under the table facet, they greatly diminish the transparency, brilliance, and value of the stone. At auction, especially rare and valuable rubies have sold for millions of pounds. Privacy Policy and Explore ruby history, research, quality factors, and more in the GIA Gem Encyclopedia. red, pink etc. Burma Ruby is the rarest and most valuable member of the corundum family. The color must be neither too dark nor too light to be considered finest quality. The faceted stone weighs 11.55 carats and the rough stones weigh between 16.65 carats and 278.50 carats. Andrew Campbell started trading in antiques during the 1970s. The mines in Myanmar (formerly Burma) have the perfect combination and balance of minerals to create rubies precisely how we like them. they are not so dark as to appear almost black. Tone is connected to the brightness of the gemstone. This example weighs 950 carats and also exists in its raw form, not having been processed into gems. The primary color is red, and the secondary color is usually orange, purple or pink. They are: colour, cut, clarity, and carat. The result of this is that depth is created within the stone, as facets are visible draw the eye inwards, creating a suggestion of a never-ending gem. – Photo: Robert Weldon/GIA. In the case of rubies, light tones result in pink/orange gems, while dark tones create deep red, almost black colours within the stone. E: [email protected] Whether you consider rubies an ominous stone, suited to witches and sorcery, or if you think of luxury, sophistication, and splendour when considering the stone – everyone has at one point coveted it. Pidgeon blood rubies contain spots of blue or purple in them, making your find incredibly valuable. Ruby is gem-quality red corundum. So, perhaps emeralds aren’t all that after all. Sapphires over 5 carats, clean and with good blue color, are similarly rare and also valuable. Weighing 25.59 carats, the Sunrise ruby is comparatively quite modest. © 2002 - document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Gemological Institute of America Inc. GIA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Most red gems are orangey-red (spinel), pink-red (spinel, garnet) or purplish-red (rubellite tourmaline). Historically, the term “pigeon’s blood” described the red to slightly purplish or pinkish red color of rubies with a soft, glowing, red fluorescence. We have several items that feature Burmese rubies, such as antique ruby rings and more. If the color is too dark, it has a negative effect on the stone’s brightness. Ruby is a dark red or reddish pink that is inspired by the color of ruby gemstones. Inclusions can also limit a ruby’s durability. Dark and violet red rubies come principally from Thailand. The ‘silk’ of a ruby is – believe it or not – a collection of inclusions in the stone that allow light to hit areas it otherwise would not. Not too light to scatter across facets that might otherwise be too dark it... 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