Red, red, ruby red

There is a certain color that is associated with love, vivacity, power and passion; this color is red and has been associated with the above characteristics for many years. The color red radiates warmth as well as a strong sense of vitality. In the world of gemstones the ruby is the undisputed ruler with its deep red color. The ruby has been considered one of the most valuable gemstones on earth and has all the qualities of a good gemstone; magnificent color, outstanding brilliance and excellent hardness. The ruby is an extremely rare gemstone especially in its finer qualities.

The composition of a ruby

A ruby consists of the substance corundum which is one of the hardest substances in earth and of which sapphire is also a variety. Pure corundum is a colorless substance and traces of substances such as chrome, iron, titanium or vanadium are responsible for the color in the stones. The ruby and the sapphire which are a variety of the substance corundum have excellent hardness and are only second to diamonds. Only corundums that are red in color are truly entitled to be called a ruby; all other colors are classified as sapphires. The close relationship that exists between a ruby and a sapphire has only been known since the 19th century. Before that time red garnets and spinels were also known as a ruby.

Any natural ruby has imperfections within the gemstone; which includes color impurities as well as rutile needles which are known as “silk”. The needles that are found in a ruby are used by gemologists to distinguish natural rubies from the synthetic rubies. Usually the rough stone of a ruby is heated before cutting and almost all the ruby stones are treated in some way. A ruby that is untreated and still of excellent quality commands a large premium. The following types of improvements can occur on a ruby; color alteration, improving transparency by dissolving rutile inclusions; healing of fractures or cracks or completely filling the cracks or fractures.

How to buy ruby?

The most important thing to remember about buying a ruby is that you should decide on a price range before the stone is before you to tempt and tease you. When you are viewing a possible ruby that you would like to buy make sure that you view the stone in proper light. All though fluorescent lights are great for office work they are “red deficient” and therefore make assessing a ruby a nightmare; ensure that you ask the jeweller to view the ruby in various lights such as incandescent as well as daylight. For an accurate assessment of the color of the ruby ensure that it is placed on a white background as this will give a true reflection of the color.

If you are purchasing a parcel of rubies, ensure that the rubies are not piled on top of one another as this will make it seem as if the parcel is of better quality than it actually is. Take your hand and spread out the stones on a white cloth; in this way you will ensure that you can see the true color of the ruby without being affected by the color of the other stones. The heat treatment of a ruby has been going on for many thousands of years and is for the improvement of the stone; to remove the blue or to remove rutile silk. However if the ruby has been treated it should be disclosed as this can affect the value of the ruby if the fractures or cracks have been healed or filled.

Where to buy a ruby?

If you are looking for a quality ruby as well as professional and honest advice it is of the utmost importance that you visit a respectable jeweller such as Barnes Jewellers. Barnes Jewellers takes the time to ensure that every customer is explained all the aspects of a ruby and what makes the particular ruby the perfect selection. At Barnes Jewellers you are assured that the staff are there purely for your interest and to ensure that you get the best ruby available. Contact Barnes jeweller to organize an appointment to find out more about the perfect ruby for you.