Ruby Stone Value: Factors That Determine the Price of Rubies

Rubies are one of the most precious gemstones in the world, known for their stunning red color and timeless beauty. But have you ever wondered why some rubies are more expensive than others? The value of a ruby depends on several factors, and understanding these can help you know what to look for when buying a ruby. In this blog, we’ll explore the key factors that determine ruby stone value, and we’ll make it simple and easy to understand.

Let’s dive into the exciting world of rubies and learn what makes them so valuable!

What Makes a Ruby Valuable?

Rubies are part of the corundum mineral family, and their red color comes from the presence of chromium. While all rubies are beautiful, not all rubies are equally valuable. The price of a ruby can vary greatly depending on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Additionally, where the ruby is from can also play a role in determining its value.

Here are the most important factors that affect ruby stone value:

1. Color: The Most Important Factor

The color of a ruby is the most significant factor that affects its value. Rubies come in different shades of red, from bright pinkish-red to deep, dark red. The most valuable rubies are those with a deep, rich red color, often referred to as pigeon blood red. This color is highly prized and makes the ruby much more expensive.

What is Pigeon Blood Red?

Pigeon blood red is a term used to describe the most sought-after color in rubies. It’s a bright, deep red with a hint of blue, similar to the color of the first drop of blood from a pigeon. Rubies with this color are considered the most valuable and rare.

Rubies that are too light or too dark may still be beautiful but are not as valuable as those with the perfect deep red color.

2. Clarity: The Fewer Inclusions, the Better

Clarity refers to how clear the ruby is. Like other gemstones, rubies can have inclusions, which are tiny imperfections inside the stone. Inclusions can look like small dots, lines, or clouds, and they can affect the stone's appearance.

Types of Inclusions in Rubies

Inclusions are natural, and all rubies have some. However, the fewer and less noticeable the inclusions, the more valuable the ruby will be. Rubies that are eye clean (meaning no inclusions are visible to the naked eye) are highly valued.

Some inclusions are accepted in rubies, especially because they are more common in rubies than in other gems like diamonds. Still, a ruby with fewer inclusions will fetch a higher price.

3. Cut: How the Ruby is Shaped

The cut of a ruby refers to how it has been shaped and faceted. A well-cut ruby will reflect light beautifully, making it sparkle and shine. The cut can affect both the appearance and the value of the ruby.

Rubies are typically cut into different shapes, like oval, round, cushion, or emerald cut. A well-cut ruby maximizes its color and brilliance. If a ruby is poorly cut, it may look dull, and its value will decrease.

Why Cut is Important for Value

A ruby with an excellent cut will show off its best features, such as its color and clarity. Even if a ruby has a good color, a poor cut can make it less attractive, which will lower its value. Always look for rubies that are well-cut, as they will be the most beautiful and valuable.

4. Carat Weight: Bigger Rubies are More Expensive

Carat weight refers to the size of the ruby. Like most gemstones, larger rubies are much more valuable than smaller ones. However, it’s not just the size that matters—bigger rubies with excellent color and clarity are extremely rare and can be very expensive.

The Price Jumps with Size

As the carat weight of a ruby increases, the price per carat also increases. For example, a 1-carat ruby might cost a few thousand dollars, while a ruby that weighs 3 or 4 carats could cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially if it has excellent color and clarity.

5. Origin: Where the Ruby Comes From

The place where a ruby is mined can also affect its value. Rubies from certain locations are known for their high quality, and these rubies are more valuable. For example, Burmese rubies from Myanmar (formerly Burma) are considered some of the finest in the world, particularly those with the famous pigeon blood red color.

Famous Ruby Origins

• Myanmar (Burma): Known for producing some of the best rubies in the world, especially those with deep, rich red colors.
• Thailand: Rubies from Thailand tend to have a darker, more brownish-red color.
• Sri Lanka: Rubies from Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon rubies, are often lighter in color.
• Madagascar: Recently, Madagascar has become known for producing high-quality rubies.

Rubies from Myanmar are the most sought after and are often more expensive because of their excellent color and quality.

6. Treatments: Untreated Rubies are More Valuable

Many rubies on the market have been treated to improve their color or clarity. Heat treatment is the most common method used to enhance a ruby’s appearance. While treated rubies can still be valuable, untreated rubies are considered more rare and, therefore, more valuable.

Types of Ruby Treatments

• Heat Treatment: This is used to improve the color and clarity of rubies. Most rubies are heated, and this treatment is generally accepted in the gemstone market.
• Fracture Filling: Some rubies have tiny cracks that are filled with glass or other materials to make them look clearer. Rubies that have been fracture-filled are less valuable than those that haven’t been treated this way.

If you are looking for a high-value ruby, try to find one that has not been treated, or at least make sure the seller is honest about any treatments the ruby has undergone.

7. The Star Effect: Star Rubies

Some rubies have a unique feature called asterism, which creates a star-shaped pattern on the surface of the stone when light hits it. These rubies are known as star rubies and are highly prized for their rarity and beauty.

Star rubies are cut into cabochons (a smooth, rounded shape) to best show off the star effect. The clearer and more visible the star, the more valuable the ruby will be.

Conclusion: Understanding Ruby Stone Value

When it comes to ruby stone value, several important factors come into play. The most valuable rubies are those with deep red color, excellent clarity, a good cut, and high carat weight. The origin of the ruby and whether it has been treated can also affect its price. Burmese rubies, in particular, are some of the most sought-after in the world.

By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision when buying a ruby. Whether you’re purchasing a small ruby for everyday wear or a large, high-quality ruby for a special occasion, knowing what makes a ruby valuable will help you find the perfect gem.

Remember, every ruby is unique, and each one has its own story to tell!