Planning to buy ruby gemstone to surprise your life partner on your wedding? But before proceeding ahead to shop for ruby stone, you should understand a few important aspects related to this stone.
Rubies are spotted in various qualities and shapes. These cuts and quality parameters of this stone determine its price.
However, in the lack of awareness and hurry to buy it people neglect these vital aspects which altogether ruin their purpose of buying this stone.
As we know that ruby gemstone is known to instill love and understanding in marital relations and keep away, all negativity which may pose a threat to your relationship and to justify the money you spent on purchasing a ruby gemstone; you must pay special attention to the quality factors of this stone.
This gemstone is qualified in four parts as far as quality is concerned and the quality of a ruby stone is primarily dependent upon the number of inclusions that resides in the internal composition of the stone.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of ruby grading, shedding light on the factors that determine the quality and value of these captivating gems.
What are inclusions in Ruby Gemstones?
Now, you must be pondering that, what do additions mean in gemstones? So, inclusions are nothing but foreign elements or particles which stay inside the stone’s chemical composition and responsible for enhancing or degrading the overall worth of the stone. Some inclusions intensify the value of a gemstone.
Since all rubies have some form of inclusions enduring within the stone. In fact, a natural ruby gemstone also contains few inclusions.
Therefore, you must be prepared for accepting that the stone which you are going to buy will have some inclusions.
However, it does not matter whether stone preserves inclusion or not, but what exactly matters is the quantity of those additions.
If a stone possesses few inclusions, then it is acceptable, whereas, if it contains a large number of compositions then it should not be purchased.
Understanding Ruby Grading:
Ruby grading encompasses a range of factors, each of which contributes to the overall quality and desirability of the gemstone. These factors include color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, commonly known as the “Four Cs” of gemstone grading. Let’s explore each of these elements in detail:
Color:
The color of a ruby is perhaps its most defining characteristic. Rubies derive their distinctive red hue from the presence of chromium within the crystal structure. The most sought-after color is a vivid, intense red, often described as “pigeon’s blood” or “blood red.” This hue is characterized by a deep, rich red with hints of blue or purple, creating a mesmerizing play of light within the gemstone. Rubies with a lighter or orangish hue are generally considered less valuable.
Grading systems for ruby color vary, but they often involve descriptors such as hue, tone, and saturation. The hue refers to the dominant color of the ruby, whether it leans more towards red, pink, or purple. Tone refers to the lightness or darkness of the color, with darker tones typically being more desirable. Saturation relates to the intensity or purity of the color, with highly saturated rubies commanding higher prices.
Clarity:
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions or imperfections within the ruby. While most natural rubies contain some degree of imperfections, such as mineral crystals or needle-like rutile inclusions known as “silk,” the presence of these flaws can impact the gemstone’s clarity and transparency. Generally, rubies with fewer inclusions and greater transparency are considered more valuable.
Grading systems for ruby clarity typically range from “eye-clean” for stones with no visible inclusions to various levels of inclusion visibility, such as “lightly included,” “moderately included,” and “heavily included.” Gemological laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI), use magnification and standardized criteria to assess the clarity of rubies and assign appropriate grades.
Cut:
The cut of a ruby plays a crucial role in maximizing its brilliance, fire, and overall beauty. A well-cut ruby will exhibit optimal light reflection and refraction, enhancing its color and sparkle. The cut of a ruby is evaluated based on various factors, including proportions, symmetry, and polish.
Ideal ruby cuts are designed to maximize the gemstone’s color intensity while minimizing the loss of light through proper facet arrangement and angles. Common ruby cuts include round, oval, cushion, and emerald cuts, among others. However, the choice of cut can vary depending on the shape and proportions of the rough ruby crystal, as well as the desired outcome of the final gemstone.
Carat Weight:
Carat weight refers to the mass of the ruby and is often a significant factor in determining its value. Larger rubies are generally rarer and more valuable than smaller ones, assuming other quality factors remain constant. However, it’s essential to note that carat weight alone does not dictate a ruby’s quality or beauty. A smaller ruby with exceptional color, clarity, and cut may command a higher price than a larger stone with inferior characteristics.
Grading Systems and Certifications:
To provide consumers with confidence and assurance regarding the quality and authenticity of ruby gemstones, various grading systems and certifications have been established. These systems, often implemented by reputable gemological laboratories, aim to standardize the grading process and provide unbiased evaluations of gemstone quality.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is one of the most renowned gemological laboratories globally, known for its rigorous grading standards and scientific approach to gemstone analysis. The GIA assesses rubies based on the Four Cs criteria, providing detailed reports that include information on color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, along with additional observations and gemstone characteristics.
Other reputable gemological laboratories, such as the International Gemological Institute (IGI), the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), and the Gemological Institute of Thailand (GIT), also offer ruby grading services and certifications. These certifications provide valuable documentation for consumers and industry professionals alike, facilitating informed decision-making and ensuring transparency in the gemstone trade.
Factors Affecting Ruby Value:
While the Four Cs provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating ruby quality, several additional factors can influence the value and desirability of these precious gemstones:
Origin:
The geographic origin of a ruby can significantly impact its value, as certain regions are renowned for producing exceptional quality stones. For example, rubies from Burma (now Myanmar) are highly coveted for their rich, saturated color and fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Other notable ruby-producing regions include Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Treatment:
Many rubies undergo treatment processes to enhance their color and clarity or to improve their overall appearance. Common treatments include heat treatment to improve color and remove inclusions, as well as fracture filling to mask surface-reaching fractures and improve clarity. While these treatments are widely accepted within the gemstone industry, disclosure of treatment is essential for transparency and consumer confidence.
Rarity:
Ultimately, the rarity of a ruby plays a fundamental role in determining its value. Natural rubies of exceptional quality and size are incredibly rare, commanding premium prices in the market. As with any natural resource, factors such as mining output, supply chain dynamics, and consumer demand can influence the availability and pricing of rubies.
Understanding ruby grading standards is essential for anyone interested in purchasing or investing in these captivating gemstones. By familiarizing oneself with the Four Cs of ruby grading—color, clarity, cut, and carat weight—and considering additional factors such as origin, treatment, and rarity, consumers can make informed decisions and confidently navigate the world of ruby gemstones. Whether adorning a piece of jewelry or cherished as a collector’s item, rubies continue to captivate and inspire with their timeless beauty and allure.