The ruby gemstone has been considered a favorite and dream gemstone of gemstone lovers and jewelry consumers in centuries. It grows on a volcanic plateau, and is reddish in color, and is associated with bloody love, passion and power. In this article when buying a ruby one of the key things that we would like to know is the price. For the ruby gemstone, there are the various factors that may affect its price in order and they include the color, clarity, size and origin as well as treatment. In this article, we shall be discussing these factors and also give a comprehensive guide on the cost of ruby gemstones to ensure that you do not fall victim to a con-man.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Ruby Gemstone
Color
Colour is the biggest determinant of the cost of ruby gemstone and this is because red rubies are rare with medium dark tone having the highest probability of being bought. Within the red range, the clearest and most valuable shade is pigeon’s blood red which has a slight tinge of blue in it. The cost of these rubies is extremely high as compared to other shades of red colored rubies or rubies with deeper red tones are slightly cheaper. The saturation and hue of the ruby also contribute toward the price with more saturated colors commanding high prices.
Price Range Based on Color:Price Range Based on Color:
- Pigeon’s Blood Ruby: between $10 000 and $100 000 per carat.
- Medium Red Ruby: $5000 – $20000 for each carat
- Pinkish Red Ruby: Between $2 000 $8 000 for each carat
Clarity
Clarity simply means the possibility of clear inclusions and other sorts of defects in the gemstone. The quality of rubies with the least number of inclusions is regarded as better clarity and hence they are priced highly. But while defects in diamonds are severely penalized, slight imperfections in rubies are allowable and may in fact add to their appeal.
Price Impact of Clarity:
- Flawless Ruby: The caps are as follows; up to $30,000 for each carat of diamond.
- Slightly Included Ruby: $5000 to $15000 by a carat
- Heavily Included Ruby: Retailing at less than $2,000 for each carat of the stone.
Origin
This is the reason why gemstone origin plays an enormous role in determining the worth of a ruby. Earlier, rubies from certain areas were preferred as gems because of their better color and transparency. Singers like these, such as Burmese rubies, are the most sought after and costly especially where they emit the pigeon blood color. There are other rubies from other countries for instance from Mozambique and Thailand these rubies are also sought after but are cheaper than the Burmese rubies.
Price Based on Origin:
- Burmese Ruby: This leads to a price range of $20 000 to $ 100000 for each carat.
- Mozambique Ruby: To $5000 and $25000 within one carat
- Thai Ruby: From $1 500 to $10 000 for each carat
Treatment
Most of the rubies with market availability are usually treated to improve on their color and clarity. Such treatments can make a ruby gemstone relatively cheap compared with their natural counterparts in the market. The most common form of treatment is thermal treatment through which the color of the ruby is enhanced at the cost of its grading making it smaller in value than untreated rubies.
Price Impact of Treatment:
- Untreated Ruby: which varies between $ 10000 and $ 50000 per carat
- Heat-Treated Ruby: In most cases, it goes for $1,500 and up to $15 000 for every carat of the diamond.
- Fracture-Filled Ruby: It varies between $ 300 and $ 1,500 for each carat.
How to Find Out the Ruby’s Value for Money
few tips for ensuring you get the best value for your money:
Prioritize Color Over Size
This fact can best be illustrated by rubies where it is clear that color will always be preferred over size. This is as a result of a small ruby with a good color being more valuable when compared to a large ruby with a poor color. This way if you are restricted on price, then it would be better to go for a slightly smaller stone but which has better color quality.
Consider Heat-Treated Rubies
If you wish to get a fine ruby at a relatively lower cost, then the best option available is heat treated ruby. These stones still possess gorgeous tones of color but they cost a lot cheaper than those that are in their raw form. Do not forget to request the certificate of authenticity to make sure about the treatment type received.
Get a Certification
Holding a certification from a reputable gemological lab is not only proof that the ruby is real but it also includes other information about it including its origin, treatment, and quality. This can help to avoid the situation where one over pays for the gemstone hence the need to be very keen.
Conclusion
There are numerous factors that determine the cost of ruby gemstone and they include color, clarity, size, origin and treatment. In this way, using this knowledge, you will be in a better position to make the right decision when choosing the right ruby. Earlier it was understood whether you were searching for a small intense red ruby for a pendant or a larger Burmese ruby for an engagement ring, you understand what to look for, will assist you in choosing an appealing gemstone within your range of budget.