The Most Complete Guide For Natural Ruby

Natural Ruby, the deep, fiery red gemstone. The stone that has always and continues to fascinate humanity for centuries. A stone that symbolizes passion, true power, and endless beauty. Recognized as one of the world's most precious gemstones amongst the likes of  Diamonds, Sapphires, and Emeralds. Natural Ruby is born from the same mineral that gives birth to Sapphire's - Corundum. The only difference lies in their color. Basically, red corundum is a ruby, while every other color such as blue, pink, yellow, orange, and beyond is a sapphire.From the crowns of ancient kings in Burma to the red carpets of modern superstars. Natural Rubies have adorned some of the world's most precious jewelry. Telling stories of love, strength, and heritage. But let's be honest, what makes rubies so special? What is so extraordinary? Is it color? or history? or their fascinating journey from deep within the earth to our hands?In this in-depth article, we promise to cover every corner of history and secrets about this legendary gemstone. We will talk about origins, unique qualities, characteristics, treatments, fakes, and more. Whether you are a gemstone lover, jewelry lover, or just curious about this wonderful gemstone. We promise you to be prepared to be amazed by the timeless charm of Natural Rubies.

What are Rubies?

The ruby gem is among the world's most desired gemstones, period. They are distinguished as one of the four most precious gems in the world. Proudly standing along diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.

This status speaks to the unique qualities and the value of the ruby gem in the world of fine jewelry. These truly special gemstones, with their rich red color, are very hard to miss. This deep saturated red color has been loved by humans for thousands of years.Throughout history, natural rubies have beautified the crowns of kings and queens. They have also inspired many folktales and legends across cultures. Their use in fine and high jewelry comes not only from their beauty but also their durability. Rubies rank just below diamonds on the Mohs scale (9-Mohscale). This combination of durability and beauty has made it one of the most desirable gems to be ever found. In high-end jewelry from the past, it's obvious that these stones tell stories. Rubies can be found in designs that date back hundreds of years. This highlights Ruby's timeless and enduring appeal, cherished throughout history and today.The word “ruby“ comes from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red. The origin of the word explains its color but doesn’t go deep into its cultural importance. In ancient Sanskrit, rubies were called the “king of precious stones”. This is a title that reflects its strong authority in jewelry collections.

The Origin and Sources of Rubies

Like everything in nature, there is always a source. A beginning, a place where life and beauty begin or originate. Rubies come from specific areas across the world. These rare gems can be found in various places across various continents. Each location produces ruby gemstones with unique features that make them truly unique. These natural variations make each ruby a true one-of-a-kind treasure. The location of a ruby is very important. This helps explain their unique qualities and historical importance. It also helps us understand their journey from Earth to market. From discovery underneath to being mined, cut, and polished by skilled hands. The ruby will pass through many stages. This journey is filled with stories that make each ruby even more special.

So, Where Do We Find Rubies?

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar (located in Southeast Asia, bordering Thailand, China, and India)

1. Myanmar (Burma) 

Top-quality rubies can be found in Burma, Myanmar. Located in Southeast Asia, bordering Thailand, China, and India). This location has long produced some of the finest natural rubies to ever be available on the market. These include rubies from the Mogok Valley. These rubies are particularly known for their "Pigeon's Blood Red" color. This is a deep, saturated red with light purple undertones. This color sets the standard for ruby quality all around the world. This stunning color makes them look like they are glowing from within. Another location is the Mong Hsu region. Another very important mining area for rubies. Most rubies from this region are often heat-treated to enhance their color. We will talk about treatment below so don't worry.

2. Thailand (Chanthaburi Province)

Another major source is Thailand, particularly the Chanthaburi Province. Rubies from this region are often slightly darker in color, almost like garnets. But this doesn't reduce the value of these gemstones at all. Some stones might come out brownish or even with a purplish tint. This region is also a very popular area with a deep history of ruby cutting and trading. With Chanthaburi leading the line, there is another location, the Trat Province. Just alongside Chantaburi province and Cambodia. This is also an exclusive ruby region often known as the "Gemstone Capital of Thailand". Ruby gems from this region are quite similar to Chantaburi rubies in terms of color and clarity. This region is a key player in Thailand's gem trade industry. It plays a very crucial role in the mass supply chain of rubies in Thailand. Shockingly most rubies in Trat, are cut and polished and moved to be sold in Chantaburi's busy gem markets.

3. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is well known as the "Jewel Box of the Indian Ocean". A land known to be blessed with stunning gemstones. This place is also a very important area in the supply chain for Natural Rubies across the world. This South Asia country is an island located in the Indian Ocean. With a very long history of gemstone production and mining going back over 2000 years. Natural Rubies are often found in the Ratnapura region(meaning, "City of Gems"). Other very important regions include the Balangoda and Elahera regions. These two also produce fine ruby gemstones. Rubies from Sri Lanka mostly come in lighter shades. Much lighter compared to deep red rubes (Pigeon blood red) from Myanmar. Rubies from Sri Lanka often rather display a pinkish-red hue. Sometimes commonly called "Ceylon Rubies". This is a reference to Sri Lanka's former name, Ceylon". Rubies from Sri Lanka tend to often display a pinkish-red tone and do have very fine transparency. This makes them a favorite among a lot of gem collectors. 

4. Madagascar:

The main ruby deposits in Madagascar are in Andilamena and Vatomandry. They produce stones with unique purplish-red tones and great clarity. These deposits produce rubies with a range of qualities and distinctive color zoning.Weather conditions sometimes affect production. However, Madagascan rubies have a reputation in the gem market. This is for their good transparency and unique color features.

5. Mozambique:

Mozambique is now the world's largest ruby producer. Especially centered in the Montepuez region discovered in 2009. Mozambiquan rubies have more distinct crystal growth patterns. These patterns can be traced directly to the conditions of the formation. Madagascar rubies will tend to display interesting color zoning. This is due to the differing trace elements during crystallization. These deposits yield an impressive range of qualities. These range from commercial grade to fine gems that can rival Burmese stones in quality. The rubies contain more iron than Burmese stones. They still achieve impressive colors and clarity. These have helped establish Mozambique as a major player in the fine ruby market.

6. Tanzania: 

Tanzania is noted for its deposits in the Longido and Winza regions. These regions produce rubies with distinct features from other sources. Winza rubies are cherished for their deep, vivid colors.Longido rubies produce darker, even purplish stones on the other hand. Production volume is quite small compared to other countries. However, Tanzanian rubies have been recognized for their quality and uniqueness.

7. Kenya: 

Kenya is another member of the Mozambique orogenic belt. Kenya’s mining history only dates back to the 1970s. Like Madagascar, Kenya can produce basalt and marble-hosted rubies of gem quality. Notable deposits in the Tsavo region, particularly near the famous Tsavo National Park. These rubies display a more purplish-red color. They are often found alongside green garnets (tsavorites). The quality ranges from commercial to occasional fine specimens. However, production has been sporadic and less consistent than other East African sources.

The Famed Pigeon Blood Burmese Ruby

In discussing the world's finest rubies, the conversation always turns to Burmese rubies. We are referring to the finest quality in terms of color. These rubies display the perfect "pigeon blood red" color.

These stones are the top category of ruby quality. Commanding premium prices, these rubies captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike. Burmese rubies derive their qualities from geological conditions found in the Mogok Valley. Here, rubies form within white marble deposits. This results in rubies that have very low amounts of iron. This uniqueness creates rubies that also have superior fluorescence and clarity. The combination of all these factors including fewer inclusions creates superior rubies. The term "pigeon blood" refers to a specific color range. A color that describes the absolute best amongst ruby quality. This selection is reserved for rubies that display a deep vibrant red with light blue undertones. The term comes from the resemblance of color to the blood of a pigeon.

True pigeon blood rubies have perfect saturation. They are not too dark or too light, creating a balance that is perfect. This combination occurs in about 5% or all mined rubies. This tells us that genuine pigeon blood rubies are very rare. The impact of this color on a ruby's value is incredibly significant. Pigeon blood rubies often and always fetch record-creating prices at international auctions. Some even surpass the per-carat prices of diamonds of the same size!
For instance, in 2015, The Sunrise Ruby sold for $30.42 million. It set a world price record of about $ 1 million per carat. The influence of the color on the ruby is so important that a tiny deviation can reduce its worth by 50% or even more. This dramatic price sensitivity speaks to both the enduring status of the ruby.

The unique heritage of the ruby deposits in Myanmar, especially in the Mogok Valley and the recently discovered Mong Hsu area sets Burmese rubies apart in desirability and quality.

These rubies form within very old marble belts. These were created through processes for millions of years. Occurring during the collision of the Asian and Indian continental plates. This unique environment provides the perfect conditions for the formation of rubies. Not just any rubies. The kind with low iron content and high chromium. Producing the desired vivid coloration that amazes mankind.

Let’s now dive into traditional mining in Myanmar. This dates back over a thousand years. With techniques that range from traditional shaft mining to more modern operations. The Mogok stone Tract spans an estimated 400 square miles. To this day it remains the world’s top source for exceptional rubies. 

Miners work here in very challenging conditions. They sometimes need to go down hundreds of feet into narrow shafts to reach layers that bear rubies. The traditional mining methods involve carefully removing gemstones from the soft host rock. This process is particularly delicate, as it requires a lot of skill and patience. This technique is carefully executed to avoid damage to the precious crystals.

Rubies hold a lot of significance in Myanmar culture, way beyond their material value. Known as “padamya” in Burmese, rubies are believed to grant protection and power to their wearer.

The 4C’s of Rubies

When we evaluate a ruby's value, four main factors come into play. These are Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight. These categories are the main foundation of grading diamonds and colored gemstones. The order of importance is different for each gemstone type. Ruby is no exception to these grading criteria. They help determine the reason behind some natural rubies fetch incredibly high prices while others are much cheaper. But now let's understand what these factors are, why are they so important, why they influence a ruby's worth, and more. Let's explore the 4'C and in order of priority. Whether you are a jewelry or gemstone collector or a first-time buyer, this section is essential in understanding the foundation of ruby grading. 

Here we will learn about gradings in color, and what contributes to the color, we will understand terms such as hue, tone, and saturation. 

The range of ruby colors snaps from a light rosy pink to a deep crimson red, with each shade having its market value. The most sought-after rubies are those that display a pure, vibrant red color. That is a red with neither too light nor too dark a tone. This allows internal fire and exceptional light return. 

Its also important to note that regional variations have their characteristic colors too. Thai rubies tend to possess darker, almost garnet-like reds. Sri Lankan stones often show softer, lighter hues. Now let's dive into to color!

Color

The Color of Natural Rubies: Hue, Tone, and Saturation

The most defining feature of a Ruby is color. Under color, three main key components come together to determine the level or grade of color present in the stone. These are : 

• Hue: This mainly refers to the base color of the ruby gem. This can range from a sweet light rosy pink to a deep, rich red. The most expensive rubies show a pure, vibrant red hue. This often comes with a subtle bluish-to-purple undertone. 
• Tone: This term describes the level of brightness of the stone. This could be how dark or light the stone appears under light. The perfect ruby strikes a sweet balance between not being either too dark or too thin. This will allow the stone to exhibit stunning brilliance and fire. 
• Saturation: This measures the color intensity in the stone. A very highly saturated ruby will display an intense or vivid red. These are the most sought-after and command incredibly high prices. 

The finest quality rubies will display a perfect and pure vibrant red with a medium undertone and high saturation. These are termed the legendary "Pigeon's Blood Red". This incredible color is extremely rare and very sought after. As it combines the perfect amount of depth, brightness, and striking glow. 

The Pigeon Blood Red Category

As discussed earlier, the “Pigeon Blood Red” category represents the best ruby color. This is characterized by a pure, deep red with light blue or purple undertones. This specific color grade originated in Myanmar. It is said that traders, according to history, compared the finest rubies to the drop of blood from a pigeon’s beak.

Authentic pigeon blood rubies must meet precise criteria. The primary color must be red, with very few secondary colors. It must also display impeccable saturation and medium-dark tone. 

The stone must also showcase a vivid red fluorescence under ultraviolet light. This contributes to its inner glow. Leading gemological laboratories like GRS have established strict parameters for awarding this category. Only a few rubies qualify. This is why pigeon blood ruby prices are extraordinary.

Color Variations Based on Region

Natural Rubies from different regions mostly come with unique and distinct color characteristics. This adds to their uniqueness. 

• Burmese Natural Rubies: These are the most famous and sought-after rubies. These gems display a saturated red with a minimal bluish undertone. These rubies set the standard for the most sought-after rubies in the world. 
• Thai Rubies: Mostly loved for their slightly darker, garnet-looking red. Sometimes they also come with brownish or purplish undertones. 
• Sri Lankan Rubies: These mostly display a sweet, soft, and light hue. They are often found with a pinkish-red tone as well. 
• African Rubies: 
  • Mozambique: This region produces rubies that display a very deep, rich red that rivals that of the finest Burmese gems. These rubies are well known for their incredible transparency and vibrant color. 
  • Tanzania: Natural Rubies from this part of East Africa, display fine-colored rubies. Mostly exhibiting a rich red with a sweet slight purplish or bluish undertones. These rubies are mostly found in the Longidao and Winza regions.
    
  • Madagascar: Rubies from this Island country, laying off the southeastern coast of Africa. This incredible location is home to a wide range of colors. From pinkish-red to deeper reds, often with a unique purplish hue. 

Regardless of the color, whether it's the fine deep red Burmese Ruby, the sweet pinkish hue of the Sri Lankan ruby, or the ever-loving vibrant reds from Africa. Each natural ruby tells a story through its color. The most loved and sought-after rubies are fine, perfect, vibrant, and full of life. 

Comparing the Ruby to Other Red Gemstones

When comparing rubies to other red gemstones, a lot of key differences stand out.  Red spinels have often been mistaken for rubies throughout history. They display similar brilliance but don’t have the characteristic fluorescence. They also do not display dichroism. This is the ability to show different colors when viewed from different angles.

Another ruby substitute, garnets usually show deeper, more brownish reds. They do not possess the intense fluorescence that rubies do. 

Red tourmalines typically have orange or pink undertones and display weaker pleochroism. Through modern gem testing, these stones can be distinguished through refractive index measures. The visual differences are quite obvious with a bit of experience.

Rubies have an internal fire, fluorescence, and color saturation that sets them apart. Coupled with its durability, rubies command higher prices than these other red gemstones.

Clarity:

Inclusions and Transparency in Rubies

Rubies are gemstones that often tell a geological tale through their internal features. Diamonds are cherished for their almost perfect clarity. Rubies are yet prized for inclusions that speak to their authenticity and beauty. These inclusions can even enhance their beauty. The most celebrated type of inclusion is known as “silk.” These are delicate, needle-like rutile crystals. They create a luminous, soft effect within the gemstones. These look like they are suspending threads of light. Here is how clarity is graded in rubies. 

Clarity Grading 

The clarity grading for rubies is quite different from the standards for diamonds. Diamonds are evaluated using a strict scale that penalizes even minute inclusions. Ruby's assessment is a lot more nuanced. Gemologists understand that inclusions in rubies are not just unavoidable. They can be important indicators of their authenticity and origin.

Professional gemological labs like GIA and AIGS have developed specialized grading systems. They consider a lot of factors including:

• Inclusion Type: When it comes to inclusions, some are more acceptable than others. Silk-like inclusions are considered desirable. The fractures and huge dark crystals? Not so much. These can even affect the structural integrity of the gemstone.
  
• Impact on Transparency: With diamonds, clarity heavily affects value. Rubies, however, maintain their worth even with moderate inclusions. A ruby that has perfect clarity might be looked at with suspicion. Yes, because completely clean rubies are very rare.
  
• Visibility: You want to go for inclusions that don't affect the structure of the stone. Inclusions that also don't affect the transparency. These are usually deemed acceptable. In high-quality rubies, these internal features should not be visible to the naked eye.
  
• Origin Verification: Expert gemologists use some inclusion patterns to trace the ruby's origin. This adds a lot of value to the stone

Again, rubies are not expected to be 100% clean or free of impurities. Some inclusions like(Silk, and fine needle-like rutile crystals), can improve the overall beauty of the ruby. They create a soft, lighting effect. Below is a clarity on how ruby clarity can be categorized or graded: 

• Eye-Clean: No inclusions. When the stone is viewed from the eye distance, one will or can't notice any inclusion whatsoever. These rubies are genuinely rare and incredibly valuable. 
• Slightly Included: This grade of rubies shows minor inclusion when viewed under 10x magnification. But these inclusions can be seen with the naked eye. Rubies stone that fall in this category are still considered high-quality rubies. 
• Moderately Included: Rubies with moderate inclusion have impurities easily visible to the naked and may affect the stone's brilliance and durability. This also depends on where the inclusions are positioned in the stone. 
• Heavily Included: These stones show very easily visible inclusion and might affect the stone's transparency and structural form. These rubies are slightly less valuable. This also affects pricing. 

Cut:

The whole process of cutting rubies needs a lot of skill. This is required to balance light performance, weight retention, and color presentation. Cushion cuts and oval cuts have taken over the fine ruby market. However, oval cuts are loved because of their visual effect. They maximize carat weight and provide excellent brilliance and color. A 1-carat Oval Ruby will look much bigger compared to a round or cushion. This is due to its elongated form.

It's important to note that a perfectly cut Natural Ruby, will exhibit stunning brilliance and color. This gives the stone its overall beauty. They will also maximize light return and enhance their natural color. Below are common cuts for Natural Rubies.

• Oval: One of the most popular cuts amongst 70% mined rubies today. This cut maximizes carat weight and displays a ruby's color in a truly magical way.
  
• Cushion: A classic cut amongst natural rubies. This cut balances color saturation and brilliance. Cushion-cut rubies make timeless engagement rings cos of their sweet pillow-like edges.
  
• Round: A very rare cut among Natural Rubies. Most common amongst large-sized, ab-created, or synthetic rubies. This shape is more common in very small sizes amongst natural rubies. (We mean side stones, accent ruby stones)
  
• Cabochon: A timeless cut! A smooth, domed cut that is often used when cutting Start Rubies. These rubies display asterism when they come into contact with light. 

Carat:

Carat weight plays a crucial role in valuation in the world of rubies. Ruby prices increase exponentially with size. It's important to note that, Ruby prices will increase exponentially with size. Especially with any ruby over 1 carat. Large natural rubies with superb color and clarity are insanely rare and can go for incredibly high prices. 

Let's take an example, A 3-carat ruby of fine quality(pigeon blood red) will fetch a higher price per carat than a 1-carat stone of the same quality. Per carat price could triple, quadruple, or even more! This important price escalation shows the rarity of larger rubies. Especially those with fine qualities

Ruby Grades in the Market

• AAA(Heirloom Grade): This is reserved am mostly used and reserved for rubies with exceptional color, clarity, and cut. These rubies are very rare and often unheated.
  
• AA (Fine Quality Grade): These natural rubies show an excellent color with minor inclusions. These gemstones are still very valuable and suitable for fine jewelry.
  
• A(Good Grade): Rubies in this category show a good color and moderate inclusions. These stones are much more affordable and widely available on the market.
  
• Commercial Grade: These Rubies are often found with very noticeable inclusions and are far less desirable in color These rubies are often found in mass-produced market jewelry.  

Now that you have a full understanding of how Natural Rubies are graded, you might be thinking why do most natural rubies undergo treatment? Well, the answer lies right in Mother Nature. Natural Rubies are mostly formed with muted colors or with inclusions. This is where treatments step in to help. They aid in unlocking that hidden beauty these stones hold. Next, we’ll explore how these enhancements work and why SARATTI sets incredibly high standards in hand-selecting ruby for our jewelry.

Ruby Treatment & Enhancement

Think of treatments as the "Spa Days" for natural gemstones! Just like how we all might get facials or haircuts to look handsome or pretty! Natural gemstones often undergo treatments to enhance their natural beauty. These processes are mostly done to 

• Improve color: Make the gemstone look more vibrant. 
• Enhance Clarity: Reducing the amount of inclusions in the stone. 
• Increase durability: For example, filling out cracks in the gem. 

Gemstone treatment isn't any modern, they are as old as civilization. Mankind has been enhancing gemstones for over 4000 years. Natural Rubies are no exception to this practice. These techniques have been passed down through generations. Of course with the rapid growth of technology new treatment methods are being introduced like (beryllium diffusion). The core technique of heat treatment has remained unchanged since ancient times. 

Heat Treatment:

Heat treatments for rubies are almost like spa treatments for them. A very well-known and widely acceptable practice in the gem industry. This method of treatment is about a thousand years old. Dating back to the 18th century. The process involves heating rubies to about 800 and 1800°C. The entire heating process is carefully done in a controlled environment. This practice is very common in the gem markets of Myanmar(Burma), Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. What this treatment does is speed up the natural processes that occur during ruby formation. The main purpose is to improve the color of the ruby. The process also helps to reduce the amount of inclusions in the stone. By implementing this method of treatment, the stone will appear more flawless to the eye. This improves the overall beauty of the ruby.

This also increases the market value of the stone. It's safe to say, that about 90% of all Rubies in the market today have gone under some form of heat treatment. The practice is widely acceptable because it's permanent. This doesn’t affect the long-term durability and structure of the gemstone. The impact of heat treatment on a ruby’s value is due to a market hierarchy. Unheated rubies of fine quality always demand high prices. Sometimes even three or four times that of heated ones!

This is because they represent the purest form of natural beauty. However, heated rubies are regardless, also very valuable. Leading gem labs always disclose heat treatment on certificates. This means noting if a stone shows any evidence of heating without or with residue. Modern labs can also detect heat treatment through complex testing methods. These will examine internal features and chemical traces. Particularly those that show any history of treatment. This transparency has boosted market confidence while making fine rubies more accessible. It is also important to note that above 90% of rubies in the market have been heat-treated to some extent. This is why unheated rubies are particularly incredibly valuable and rare.

Glass Filling: 

This involves filling surface-reaching fissures with various substances. This can include oils, glass, or synthetic resins. These treatments can heavily improve a ruby's clarity. They are however considered less stable than heat treatment. This means rubies that are clarity-enhanced need special care during jewelry care.

Beryllium Treatment: 

A more controversial enhancement method in the ruby market is the beryllium treatment. This process involves diffusing beryllium into the crystal structure of the stone. This is done at very high temperatures, causing chemical changes. These changes can transform orangish rubies or light pink into redder stones. While it is effective at improving color, beryllium treatment heavily impacts value. Hence, they must be explicitly indicated on certificates.

The treatments can be identified with advanced lab testing. This is because they reveal chemical traces and color zoning. In the gem trade, beryllium-treated rubies are categorized separately from regular heated stones. These are much cheaper compared to heated Rubies. This treatment has sparked discussions about pricing. This has led to stricter laboratory testing and protocol regulations.

Ruby Treatment Summary:

We can boldly and easily summarize ruby treatment under three main categories.

• Unheated Rubies: These are the most valuable stones. Not touched by a human intervention. These stones are incredibly rare and only amount to only 1% of all Rubies mined.
• Heat-Treated Rubies: These rubies are widely accepted in the market, and have their color and clarity improved but are slightly less valuable than unheated stones. Heated Rubies are still incredibly stunning.
• Treated Rubies: These rubies have been significantly altered. This may include (glass-filled or beryllium-diffused). Rubies in this category are less valuable and must be disclosed to buyers. You need to inquire about treatment when purchasing a ruby of any sort.  

Identifying Treated Rubies

Certifications from credible labs like GIA/GRS/AIGS and more are very important in today's ruby market. These certificates provide crucial information about the ruby's treatments, origin, and quality characteristics.

A comprehensive certificate will mention if the stone is synthetic or natural. It will also specify if any treatments are applied. They also determine where the origin is in the case of natural rubies. This transparency helps protect consumers and keep confidence, especially for high-value rubies.

Unheated rubies of fine quality are at the peak of the market and are more expensive than heated ones. However, this premium applies to stones that have an exceptional natural beauty.

Heat treatment is the most traditional enhancement. It typically reduces a ruby's value by 20-40% compared to unheated rubies. It is important to note these treated stones still have value and market acceptance. There are more unconventional treatments like glass filling and beryllium diffusion. These tend to have a heavier impact on value, often reducing the prices by a lot more than 40%. Let's put the value differences aside for a moment. Treated rubies play a huge role by making beautiful stones more accessible. This allows customers to select based on their budget and preferences. The key lies in understanding and proper disclosure by gemstone dealers.

Why Transparency Matters

• Disclosure: It is a MUST that ethical sellers must disclose any form of treatment. This includes  "heat-treated" or "glass-filled" and more.
• Durability: Heat treatment as stated earlier is stable and permanent. While other processes such as glass-filling require delicate care.
• Investment: Unheated Natural Rubies appreciate over time, due to their incredible rarity. This makes them perfect for heirlooms.

At SARATTI, every ruby gemstone is certified by us or leading labs (e.g., GIA, AGL, GRS, AIGS, and more) to ensure true clarity on treatments and quality. We pour our hearts into quality and focus on only Grade AA, AAA, and Heirloom-Grade rubies—guaranteeing beauty, durability, and ethical integrity.

SARATTI RUBY GRADING STANDARDS

AT Saratti, we genuinely believe that every natural ruby should tell a true story of integrity and beauty. We’ve created a clear, three-tier grading system that leaves no room for ambiguity and leaves our customers with a clear understanding of their purchase. We uphold only the highest standards of ruby quality and authenticity. We categorize rubies exclusively into Grade AA, Grade AAA, and Heirloom-Grade—omitting commercial-grade rubies entirely.

Here’s why:

• No Commercial-Grade Rubies: We completely avoid rubies gemstones with heavy inclusions, dull colors, or unstable treatments (e.g., glass-filling). Our focus is on rubies that deliver lasting beauty and genuine value.
  
• Transparency: Every Saratti ruby gemstone whether loose gemstone or set in jewelry comes with a certification detailing information such as its grade information, treatment, origin, and more.
• Ethical Sourcing: We don't just source natural rubies, we genuinely pour our heart into rubies born from family-owned mines. Where fair labor safe practices and love for earth are non-negotiable. Every gemstone is a true promise: to honor the blessed hands that unearth their beauty.
  

By clinging to these levels, we guarantee that every single ruby in our collection—whether a Grade AA piece for everyday glamour or a rare Heirloom-Grade masterpiece, signifies true value and beauty.

 How we classify natural rubies:
1. Grade AA (Better) – Top 31%

• Color: Stones that display a fine medium pinkish-red hue.
• Clarity: Rubies display a moderate amount of inclusions to the naked eye.
• Light Performance: This grade allows a limited amount of light to pass through the stone.
• Treatments: Heat-treated to enhance color and clarity.
• Value: This grade offers quality comparable to leading independent jewelers, balancing beauty and affordability.
  

2. Grade AAA (Best) – Top 10%

• Color: Stones display a vibrant, medium to rich red with a slight hint of pink.
• Clarity: Gemstones will show off minor inclusions visible only under magnification.
• Light Performance: These rubies display exceptional brilliance under all light settings.
• Treatments: These natural rubies are all heat-treated to optimize their fine color and brilliance.
• Value: These rubies represent the finest heat-treated rubies, prized for their strong vivid color and near-perfect appearance.

3. Heirloom-Grade – Top 1%

• Color: Display a strong, deep, intense red with very fine and delicate pink undertones.- Rare
• Clarity: These stones are 100% eye-clean or nearly flawless. - Rare
• Light Performance: Displays a truly magical and incredible brilliance under natural and artificial light.- Rare
• Treatments: Unheated and completely natural.- Rare
• Value: The true pinnacle of ruby quality, reserved for rare, untreated stones with unmatched beauty. These are heirloom pieces fit for royalty.- Rare

Why Trust SARATTI’s Grades?

• Rarity: We guarantee that only 1% of mined rubies qualify as Heirloom-Grade.
• Science-Backed: Our grading aligns with gemological labs like GIA/GRS/AIGS and more.
• Customer Confidence: We believe in empowering buyers with clear, honest information—no hidden treatments or inflated claims.

Lab Grown Rubies

Lab-grown rubies are physically and chemically identical to their natural counterparts. They are created under controlled conditions that mimic the natural process.

These synthetic gems are created through many methods, including two main ones. These are the flame fusion(Verneuil process) and flux growth. The processes produce crystals with the same chemical composition as natural rubies.

Lab rubies share the same optical properties and hardness as natural rubies. However, lab rubies can be identified by their inclusions. These inclusions and growth patterns do differ from those formed in nature.

The appeal of lab rubies goes beyond their cost, which is usually between 20-40% of natural ruby prices. These gemstones have important ethical advantages, removing the need for mining operations. These tend to impact local communities and ecosystems. They provide guaranteed conflict-free origins and consistent quality. This is why they are very attractive to environmentally conscious customers.

The gemstone market insists on a clear distinction between synthetic and natural rubies. Natural rubies fetch higher prices due to their traditional value and rarity. Where lab-grown rubies come in is, providing more accessibility to ruby jewelry. It also offers a sustainable alternative to those who have ethical considerations. The tech continues to advance, producing high-quality stones that serve the jewelry markets.

Famous Ruby Gemstones and Their Stories

Elizabeth Taylor's Ruby Necklace

One of the most celebrated ruby pieces in history is Elizabeth Taylor's Ruby Necklace. Yes, that iconic Cartier piece. This is a resplendent necklace with eight cushions and oval-shaped faceted Burmese rubies. The only person to match its beauty is Taylor herself. She often said rubies had a life of their own, glowing even in dim light. The necklace sold at Christie's in 2011 for an astounding $3.7 million!

Sarah Ferguson's Engagement Ring 

The Duchess of York's engagement ring was one of the sparks that led to the surge of ruby engagement ring popularity. This was in the late 1980s. Natural Rubies with their sweet rich red hue, was now the symbol of pure love and strength. And today, the trend still goes on. The engagement ring is a true reflection of how rubies continue to melt hearts and offer a unique alternative to traditional diamond rings.
The charm of rubies has captivated celebrities and royalty alike. Sarah Ferguson's engagement ring featured a stunning Burmese ruby surrounded by 10 diamonds. These royal choices have influenced modern jewelry trends. This has made rubies increasingly popular in engagement rings. Not everyone floats the diamond boat, and this is distinctive and still traditional.

The Sunrise Ruby.

The Sunrise Ruby, another ruby ring, among the world's most remarkable rubies is the Sunrise Ruby. This 25.59-carat Burmese ruby sold for $30.42 million in 2015. Selling at the Sotheby's Auction, it set a world record price for a ruby.The Sunrise Ruby's sale showed the true value and appreciation of rubies at their finest. Displays a remarkable color, incredible size, and origin. The stone stole the hearts of collectors worldwide. It's a true reminder of how rubies remain one of the most collected and expensive gemstones. A true symbol of wealth, power, and beauty in the world of jewelry. 

The Liberty Bell Ruby

The Liberty Bell Ruby, displaying a lovely pigeon blood hue is another. It weighed 8.444 carats. All these amazing stones showcase the ruby's exceptional value and ability to captivate.

This stone is known for its perfect pigeon blood-red hue. Its intense color, combined with the perfect clarity made it one of the rarest and most valuable natural rubies in the world.Its sales broke records, making a bold stamp and reinforcing natural rubies as not only valuable gems but genuine pieces of history. One that carried deep cultural and monetary value. To date, this ruby gemstone continues to strike the hearts of gemstones and jewelry collectors.  

Choosing the Right Ruby Gemstone

When selecting a ruby, it's important to prioritize color. Color over everything. Don’t bother too much about clarity and the rest. If the color is right don’t think twice. You want a vivid red with light purple undertones. Avoid stones that appear too light or too dark. "Pigeon-blood" does represent the pinnacle, but any rich red color is okay if well-cut. 

Next, we will then look at clarity. Keep this in mind, and this is very important. Some inclusions are acceptable and even expected in natural rubies. Natural Rubies often come with inclusions or impurities. This is very normal, finding a good clarity or eye-clean natural ruby is incredibly hard. A ruby stone with perfect pigeon blood red and eye-clean clarity is a good stone. Please note a stone that falls in this category is already a superb top-quality ruby hence will fetch a premium.

After we have balanced out the color and clarity, we want to make sure the stone is cut well. A properly cut ruby will exhibit incredible brilliance and fire. Cut comprises two things, Symmetry and proportion. These two must fall in the good criteria. This amplifies the brilliance and the stone's color. If a ruby stone falls within the top category of the above criteria, Pigeon Blood Red, Eye Clean clarity, and good cut. It's safe to say you already looking at some of the rare kinds.

The last thing to do would be to confirm what treatment the stone has gone through. If the stone is Untreated or Unheated, you are looking for a gemstone that falls within less than 5-10% of all Rubies mined across the world. This gemstone is a premium stone with incredible value. If the stone is heated, that is a very good stone as well. A heated ruby will be much cheaper compared to an Unheated one by almost 30% or more. This price is still dependent on that specific stone's overall beauty. For budget considerations, consider stones with traditional heat treatment or are slightly included.

These can ensure maintaining beauty while offering great value. It's important to make sure your ruby is accompanied by a certificate or Lab Report to make sure you are purchasing a ruby of value and genuine. The market is flooded with a lot of fakes, glass-filed, and even fake rubies. 

Jewelry Applications

Different jewelry pieces will demand different ruby features. For rings, especially engagement rings, you need to prioritize durability. Look for rubies at least 0.5 carats for sufficient presence. But 

Also, select protective settings that guard against daily wear. Pendants and necklaces can cater to larger stones due to less impact.

Earrings work well with matched pairs of small rubies. Bracelets will often feature rubies in line or tennis bracelet designs. Pay attention to the mounting style. It should complement both the ruby and its purpose. Prong settings showcase the stone more, while bezel settings offer protection.

For engagement rings, rubies offer a compelling substitute for diamonds. They are durable, with romantic importance and unique beauty. When you are selecting an engagement ruby, look for stones between 1-2 carats. This gives you both a good presence without an overwhelming cost. 

Your setting should balance protection with light entry. Most modern designs often pair rubies with side stones or even diamond halos. These are combinations that honor traditions while expressing individuality.

The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Rubies

Throughout history, rubies have had profound symbolic meaning across many cultures. These crimson gems traditionally stand for courage, passion, love, and strength. Ancient societies believed rubies could grant strength in battle. Warriors in some cultures used to embed rubies under their skin for protection!

The stone's blood-red color has long been associated with force and power. In ancient Burmese and Indian cultures, rubies held sacred status. Sanskrit texts refer to rubies as protection from misfortune. Chinese aristocrats would embed rubies in their armor, considering them important for protection. Indian royals also thought rubies could bring prosperity and peace to their land.

As the birthstone of July, the ruby signifies the height of summer's warmth and passion. The association with July stems from old calendars. They connected red gems to the sun's powerful influence during the summer. Ruby is also the gemstone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries.

What Makes The Case For Buying A Ruby?

So many factors make the case for you to buy a ruby. Their incredible durability makes them perfect for daily wear. They rank a solid 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This remarkable toughness means ruby jewelry can be passed down through generations. What's better? It will maintain its structural integrity and beauty. Unlike softer gemstones like spinels, rubies resist scratching even with daily wear.

The investment potential of fine rubies has been proven in the gem market. Premium rubies, especially unheated Burmese stones, have been appreciated over decades. Auction results recently show exceptional rubies can achieve higher per-carat prices than diamonds. And we're talking diamonds of the same quality, here. This is what makes them very attractive to investors.

But even beyond investment value, rubies represent a choice that transcends trends. Their rich color complements both vintage and modern jewelry designs. They are just so versatile, perfect for any collection. In whatever setting, they maintain their allure.

Conclusion

Rubies are unmatched in their combination of value, beauty, and durability. They continue to captivate investors, enthusiasts, and collectors alike. And with their status in history to their positions as premium investment gems. Why not? Their hardness offers longevity. Their striking red hue and cultural importance make them very meaningful.

So, let’s say you are considering a ruby for its potential. Or you are considering it for its beauty and symbolism. These stunning gems grant value and appeal. The fun part? There is every ruby for any budget. 

For those looking to create your ruby legacy, SARATTI invites you to explore our curated ruby collection. This contains amazing ruby gems and ruby jewelry to choose from. Or better yet, work with our expert coordinators to design a custom piece. Something that perfectly captures your vision. Let us help you find the perfect ruby to tell your personal story.