How to buy Ruby - Ruby Guide

RUBY

The quality and value of a ruby is dependant on a combination of the following criteria:

CARAT

A ruby weight is measured in carats. 5 carats = 1 gram.
All other criteria being equal, the greater the carat weight, the rarer the ruby and therefore greater it’s value. Illustrated below is the approximate appearance of a well cut oval shaped ruby for a given carat weight.


CARAT
CARAT	0.25	0.50	0.75	1.00	1.50	2.00	2.50	3.00	5.00	10.00

SHAPE AND CUT

To optimize the natural rough, rubies are cut into a wide variety of shapes such as those illustrated below.


CUT
	Oval	Cushion	Octagon	Pear	Heart	Square	Round	Marquise	Trilliant	Cabochon

PROFILE

Cut refers to the accuracy of the angles, proportions, symmetry and polish of the ruby . It greatly affects how light travels within the ruby, and how it exits in the form of brilliance.

Proportional

Deep

Shallow

Asymetric


	Colour is a matter of personal preference. Rubies vary in colour depending mainly upon their chromium and iron content. Therefore rubies from different countries* and mines have different predominant colours. Primarily red, rubies range from brownish and purplish shades to orangish and pinkish ones. But, a natural colour will always have a greater value than an equivalent colour obtained by heating or other processes.
COLOUR
	*Main countries where rubies are mined: Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand (Siam), Vietnam Inks and paper are subject to aging and differences in printing techniques. Therefore these colurs shall not be used for colour references.

INCLUSIONS

The clarity of a ruby is determined by the number, size and location of inclusions which are natural materials present in the stone. They reflect it’s fascinating geological aspects. Internally and externally too, there may be the presence of fissures, fractures and cavities which affect clarity.

Eye Clean Slightly Included Included

CLARITY

Insignificant

Minor

Moderate

Significant

Vary Significant

TRANSPARENCY

Transparency refer to the ability of a ruby to transmit light. It is affected by the quantity or absence of opacity and brilliance present in the stone.


Transparent		Translucent		Opaque

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING RUBY MODIFICATION, SYNTHETICS AND IMITATIONS RERER TO THE BACK.

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