# Ruby Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy **By rimzan nawasdeen** Β· 2025-07-14 ### πŸ’Ž Introduction Whether you’re shopping for a **ruby engagement ring**, a **July birthstone gift**, or simply love the bold red glow of this precious gem, rubies are a symbol of **passion, power, and love**. In this **ruby buying guide**, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before investing in a ruby β€” from color and clarity to origin and treatments. ### πŸ”₯ 1. Ruby Color: The Most Important Factor Color is the **#1 value factor** in rubies. Look for: - **Hue**: Rich, vibrant red (sometimes with pink or purple undertones) - **Tone**: Medium to medium-dark (not too light or too dark) - **Saturation**: Highly vivid, not dull or washed out πŸ’Ž The most desirable rubies are called **β€œpigeon blood red”** β€” intense, pure red with slight blue undertones. ### ✨ 2. Ruby Clarity: Eye-Clean is Ideal Most rubies have **natural inclusions**, but the best ones are **eye-clean**, meaning no inclusions visible to the naked eye. Types of inclusions may include: - Fine needles (called "silk") - Fingerprint-like patterns - Tiny crystals βœ… Inclusions can confirm a ruby is **natural**, but too many can reduce sparkle and value. ### βœ‚οΈ 3. Ruby Cut: Enhance Beauty & Color Unlike diamonds, rubies are **cut for color, not brilliance**. Precision cutting helps maximize their rich red hue. Common cuts include: - **Oval** – classic and enhances size - **Cushion** – vintage and elegant - **Round** – symmetrical and timeless - **Emerald or Radiant** – modern look with bold lines ### 🌍 4. Ruby Origin: Does It Matter? Yes. Origin can affect **both price and prestige**. Origin Notes **Burma (Myanmar)** **Produces the finest rubies (pigeon blood red)** **Mozambique** **Vibrant color, affordable alternative** **Thailand** **Deep red tones, widely available** **Sri Lanka** **Lighter pinkish-red rubies** ### Β **Ask for a gem lab report that includes origin if you’re purchasing a high-value ruby.** ### πŸ’₯ 5. Ruby Treatments: What to Know Most rubies on the market are **heat-treated** β€” a safe and accepted method to improve color and clarity. ❌ **Avoid**: - Glass-filled rubies (cheaper, fragile, often undisclosed) - Fracture-filled or dyed stones (not durable or valuable) βœ… Always ask if the ruby is **natural**, **treated**, or **untreated**, **πŸ’° 6. Ruby Price Guide** Ruby prices vary widely based on quality, origin, and size. Type Price per Carat (Approx.) Low-grade, treated $100 – $500 Mid-grade natural, heated $800 – $2,500 High-grade Burmese ruby $5,000 – $20,000+ ### πŸ’ 7. Choosing the Right Ruby Ring Setting Pair your ruby with metals that complement its intensity: Metal Best For **Yellow Gold** Warm vintage contrast **White Gold / Platinum** Modern, bold contrast **Rose Gold** Romantic and soft pairing Popular settings: - **Solitaire** for elegance - **Three-stone** with diamonds - **Halo** for added sparkle Looking for the perfect ruby? ❀️ Explore our handpicked collection of [**natural ruby rings and loose gemstones**](https://www.nashgems.com/collections/ruby-gemstones) β€” certified, ethically sourced, and ready to become a part of your love story. πŸ”— Shop Natural Rubies at [NashGems](https://www.nashgems.com/) πŸ’¬ Have questions? 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