Buying Rubies
Buying rubies can be a lot of fun. Rubies are a beautiful gemstone and have a sparkle all their own.
Rubies and sapphires are the same family of gemstone called toe corundum (aluminum oxide) The color is caused by chromium and the word ruby comes from the Latin ‘ruber’, meaning naturally enough, red. In fact the red ones are called rubies and the other colors, of which there can be many, are called sapphires. Rubies have a hardness on the moh hardness scale of 9, just below diamond which is 10, so they are quite hard and durable.
A good quality ruby should not be too dark, almost black, this would indicate too many flaws or inclusions in the stone. Too pale also is not very well liked. A deep rich color ruby is usually the most desired. Rubies come in a variety of shades of red, red purple, and red orange.
All rubies have imperfections, called inclusions, in them.. The value of a stone is judged by the amount of inclusions as well as the color and weight of the stone.
The best rubies are considered to come from Burma although Thailand (formerly Siam) is also a good source of the red ruby.
The price will vary according to the quality and color of the ruby. Also the brilliance and how well it has been cut. Large rubies are very expensive as well as being rare. In fact rarity, size and desire usually drive the price
Ruby jewellery should be cleaned using warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly afterwards and thoroughly dried. Enzyme and other chemical cleaners should be avoided as some chemicals may cause cracking of the gemstone as well as have an affect on the metal in which the stone is set.
Brushing with an old tooth brush to remove dirt and grease will also help. Cleaning agents containing chlorine may have a detrimental effect on low carat gold alloys, so should also be avoided.
Always check and feel the rubies yourself when considering a purchase. Browse several jewelers and check out a number of rubies. Get educated by reading all on this web site and buying rubies will not be the mystery it may have been in the past.