Rubies are one of the most popular gems for good reasons. As gem-quality examples of the mineralcorundum, they are exceptionally durable and one of the few gem species whose color reaches vivid saturation levels. Fine quality rubies are some of the most expensive gems, with record prices over $100,000 per carat. Accurately grading rubies requires knowing a great deal about them, and there is a great deal to know about them. Synthetic ruby can be created by several different methods, including flame fusion, the Czochralski process, flux, and hydrothermal. Rubies are also subjected to more treatments than almost any other gem.

Rubies are the most valuable members of the corundum family. Large gem-quality rubies can be more valuable than comparably sized diamonds and are certainly rarer. There is a relative abundance of smaller, 1-3 carat blue sapphires compared to the scarcity of even small gem-quality rubies. As a result, even these smaller stones are relatively high in value. Prices are dependent on origin, color, size, and clarity: from a low of $100 to $15,000/ct. Myanmar or Burmese stones in ½ to 1 carat sizes with slightly purplish red color and light inclusions range from $300 to $3,000/ct., for example. The price survey done by the International Gem Society reports that clean, top-color gems in the ½ to 1 carat size range are being sold at retail with a range of $1,000-$3,000/ct. The vast majority of rubies are “native cut” in their country of origin. High-value ruby rough is tightly controlled and rarely makes its way to custom cutters. Occasionally, such native stones are recut to custom proportions, albeit at a loss of weight and diameter. Custom cut and recut stones are usually more per carat.

  PICTURE IS ENLARGED 

 Gem type:RUBY

                      

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