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Featured Gem RUBY
The fiery ruby, July’s birthstone, is the most valuable member of the corundum mineral family. The best rubies may even fetch higher prices than diamonds. For a long time, rubies were the most prized gem among royal families across the world. Thanks to their red coloring, they (like garnets) were once associated with health and longevity. Nowadays, they have come to symbolize passion.
BIRTHSTONE: JULY
overview
It is chromium that lends that beautifully rich red color to the ruby. Out of all the gemstones that have color, it is the ruby that receives the highest dollar per carat. Of course, it is the natural ruby that commands those high prices. Its man-made, laboratory grown twin does not fetch the higher prices.
ratnaraj
“The king of gems” is ratnaraj, what the ruby is named in Sanskrit.
$32.4 million
A new ruby record was set on May 12, 2015, when a 25.59 carat ruby ring sold for $32,400,000 at auction.
valley of rubies
Myanmar´s legendary valley of rubies; the source of many of the world´s most fabulous gems.
QUALITY FACTORS
The value is placed on a ruby after careful evaluation of these factors.
color
A vibrant red that is pure is the most valuable of rubies, but they range from pure red to a purplish red.
clarity
Like diamonds, those rubies with the least inclusions and best brilliance bring the highest value.
cut
Mixed cuts are quite fashionable with rubies which give brilliant-cut crowns and step-cut pavilions.
carat weight
In the rare circumstance where a ruby is over one-carat in weight, the price is significantly higher.