The rubies as the name suggests have been valued for centuries due to the red color which has been regarded as rich in traditions. Rubies are among the four gems known as ‘precious gems’ which includes diamonds, sapphires and emeralds, and it is exclusive to have them incorporated in jewelry pieces. However, the question may arise: what does ruby gemstone price? But, what really gives such a price in its market? In this article I will inform you of some of the factors that determine the value of a ruby and therefore its cost of this magnificent gemstone.
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Factors that Influence Ruby Gemstone Price
In general one can find ruby gemstone prices varying from one level to another depending on several factors. Here are the most crucial determinants of a ruby’s value:
Color
Surprisingly color can be the most predominant factor in the pricing of a ruby between the various gemstones. Natural rubies have many red tones, yet there are few which are in high demand and these are referred to as ‘pigeon blood red’. If a ruby is of this color then it can also go for a very high price due to its rarity and the high demand for such a stone. However, the lighter or the darker shade of the ruby color will cost less while still being quite valuable.
Clarity
Clarity therefore is a term that relates to inclusions which are internal flaws that affect a gemstone. It is normal to find inclusions in most rubies but those with fewer and minute inclusions are more costly. A ruby with high grade of clarity will not have any inclusions that one is able to see with the naked eye; this makes it cost a little more than the others.
Cut
The cut makes a ruby to be either bright or dark due to the reflection of light that occurs on the stone. Lite ought to fall on the surfaces of a well cut ruby in an even manner to bring out the usual beautiful tinge. However, it is hard to cut rubies because of their hardness and their internal features which in turn influences the prices.
Carat Weight
Like most if not all the gemstones, it is well understood that the bigger the ruby, the higher its cost will be. But the price that is charged per carat may rise very sharply with size, especially if the gem is of a superior quality. It is also important to know that a 5 carat ruby of superior quality may be more valuable than a 1-carat ruby of the same quality.
Origin
The source of a ruby can also help to define just how costly it is going to be. There are particular areas which are considered to emit higher quality rubies and they are sold with an extra price tag.
Popular ruby sources:
- Myanmar (Burma): Renowned to be the supplier of the finest quality ‘pigeon blood’ rubies.
- Mozambique: A fresh source of fine quality ruby with affordable price in the market.
- Thailand: Frequently yields stones darker than the medium-toned range.
- Sri Lanka: Famous for pinkish kind of ruby.
Ruby Treatment and Its Impact on Price
Most of the rubies require treatment in order to make them more eye appealing and this largely determines the ruby gemstone price. Such treatments should be known by the buyers so that they can understand the importance of the treatments on value.
Heat Treatment
Heating is the most popular procedure that is applied to enhance the color and clarity of a ruby gemstone. Heat-treated rubies may also be regarded as falling into this class of gemstone since they fetch a lower price than the ‘regular’ untreated ruby. But this process is recognized in the international market of gemstones and the majority of rubies which are sold currently have been treated like this.
Fracture Filling
Some emeralds have fissures or cracks which are by a glass like material to enhance the clarity. These rubies are less valuable than the untreated or heat treated stones and they are available in the market at a very lesser price.
Ruby Gemstone Prices: Examples and Market Trends
To give you a clearer idea of ruby prices, here are some examples of how much rubies can cost depending on their quality and size:
- High-quality Burmese ruby (1-2 carats): Floors prices for zinc range from $ 5,000 -$ 15,000 per carat.
- Mozambique ruby (1-2 carats): The prices vary from $1,500 to $5,000 for every carat.
- Heat-treated ruby (1-2 carats): The cost of the stones vary between $500 and $2,000 for every carat.
- Fracture-filled ruby: This makes its prices to range from as low as ten dollars per carat to one hundred dollars per carat.
Market trends: Consumption of ruby has been steadily rising in the recent past mainly due to high demand on luxury items. The prices for stones of A-grade, particularly from Burma have risen drastically. With the beginning of such sources like Mozambique, there are even more offers on cheap rubies so they are accessible to everybody.
Conclusion
The ruby gemstone price depends on color, clarity, cut, carat weight, origin and whether the gemstone has been treated or not. Knowledge of these aspects will enable you to make the right decision when purchasing a ruby, if it is for a collector’s item or for a cheaper and easily acquired material. If you make yourself acquainted with the context and try to think about it, you can be able to purchase a ruby that you like and in your price range
