Gemological Information | Enhancement and Other Information

RUBY

Mineral Species
Corundum

Color Hue
Orangey red, red, slightly purplish red, strongly purplish red.

Clarity Designation
Type II - usually eye clean with some inclusion under 10x magnification.

Cut
All grades available, normally well cut in medium qualities.

Gemological Data
R.I.: 1.762-1.770
Hardness: 9
S.G.: 4.00 + .10, -.05

Typical Enhancement(s)
Heat, flux healing, sometimes filled with a foreign matter such as glass.

Enhancement Stability
Excellent

Birthstone
July

BACKGROUND

Ruby is the red variety of corundum and is one of the most prized gemstones in the world. Ruby derives it’s name from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red. Many red gemstones were mistakenly misidentified as rubies because of their red color hue.

THE LORE

Rubies, throughout history, have been known as the “Lord of the Gems”. Rubies have captured the hearts and fancies of Kings, Queens, and rulers from around the world. Many rulers believed rubies would ward off the so-called “evil eye”. Many ancients used ruby amulets to protect them in battles, and others used rubies as medicine. The history of ruby lore is inherently fascinating.

METHOD OF ENHANCEMENT

Rubies are traditionally enhanced with a heating process to remove the purplish overtones and melt the fine rutile needles (“silk”) to improve transparency. Some rubies have numerous voids of minute fissures and alchemists use a “healing” process to fill the fissures with another ruby or glass filler.

Jewels & Diamonds™ only stocks colored gemstones with standard enhancement methods. Some gemstones may, in fact, not be enhanced with any method other then heat. Unless otherwise noted, all consumers must assume standard enhancements have been utilized to improve appearance.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Today’s graduate gemologist not only has to content with rubies eighty-four (84) hues and saturations (G.I.A. Gemset), but also has to determine values which are problematic of the numerous enhancement methods. Each enhancement performed effects value and must be considered in totality. Vivid color is the most important factor in rubies along with the color hue purity. Most graduate gemologists assign 60% - 65% of value for color alone. The rest of the “Four C’s” make up the difference.

Technology now presents yet another problem for gemologists. Sophisticated (lab-created) synthetic rubies are the most difficult stones to separate from their natural counterpart. It is important to note that not all lab-created rubies are created equally when it comes to value. Some synthetic rubies cost hundreds of dollars more per carat more than other synthetics. Some are mirror images of natural rubies.

Aside from all these aspects of rubies value complication is the origin of value factor. At this point, it must be noted that many in the trade allege that their rubies are from certain origins, ex: (Burmese rubies, Sri Lanka rubies), to inflate the price. Most retailers can’t guarantee from where the ruby source originated. The F.T.C. (Federal Trade Commission) mandates disclosure of foreign origin and prohibits misrepresentation of county of origin in gemstones. Section 23.3 )a) and (b).

Lastly, it must be noted that some dealers use unfair trade names to inflate prices. The so-called pigeon-blood red color has no legal interpretation and can actually encompass numerous red hues determined by one’s own perceptions.

“DR. GEM’S® ADVICE

Rubies are popular in all red color hues. As a general rule, the richer and purer the red, the greater the value. Rubies are a Type II gemstone which permits some tradeoffs in clarity. Transparency is also important. However, rich pure red transparent rubies are quite expensive and can command thousands of dollars per carat.

Buy what you like and tolerate minor clarity issues. Connoisseurs will pay dearly for their ultra rare beauty.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Jewels & Diamonds™ inventories tens of thousands of jewelry, gifts, collectables, and gemstones. Our new website catalog only features a tiny fraction of our store inventory at lower price points. Website consumers will see our selection expand exponentially. Consumers wishing to purchase items beyond our website’s credit card limit MUST make other financial arrangements outside of credit card sales. Jewels & Diamonds™ sells quality jewelry in all price points and beyond reality. Call “Dr. Gem”® today at 352-621-4653 and he’ll assist you personally.

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