Ruby Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
💎 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 — from color and clarity to origin and treatments.
🔥 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)
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Tone: Medium to medium-dark (not too light or too dark)
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Saturation: Highly vivid, not dull or washed out
💎 The most desirable rubies are called “pigeon blood red” — 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:
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Fine needles (called "silk")
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Fingerprint-like patterns
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Tiny crystals
✅ Inclusions can confirm a ruby is natural, but too many can reduce sparkle and value.
✂️ 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:
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Oval – classic and enhances size
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Cushion – vintage and elegant
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Round – symmetrical and timeless
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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 |
Ask for a gem lab report that includes origin if you’re purchasing a high-value ruby.
💥 5. Ruby Treatments: What to Know
Most rubies on the market are heat-treated — a safe and accepted method to improve color and clarity.
❌ Avoid:
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Glass-filled rubies (cheaper, fragile, often undisclosed)
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Fracture-filled or dyed stones (not durable or valuable)
✅ Always ask if the ruby is natural, treated, or untreated,
💰 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+ |
💍 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:
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Solitaire for elegance
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Three-stone with diamonds
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Halo for added sparkle
Looking for the perfect ruby?
❤️ Explore our handpicked collection of natural ruby rings and loose gemstones — certified, ethically sourced, and ready to become a part of your love story.
🔗 Shop Natural Rubies at NashGems
💬 Have questions? Chat with our gemologist for personal buying tips.
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