Rubies are considered to be extremely valuable gemstones in many cultures. They are believed to bring happiness, good luck and health to the wearer. Rubies are also the favorite high-end gemstones of many queens and nobles in history. Rubies are still very popular in modern times and are made into high-end jewelry such as ruby wedding rings. Do you know how much are rubies worth?
Table of Contents
What is ruby?
Ruby is a type of corundum. It is one of the three major colored gemstones, along with sapphire and emerald. Ruby is also the birthstone of July, symbolizing love, passion and vitality, and bringing good luck. Pure ruby gemstone is known for its red color, ranging from light red to dark red. The most common shade is light pigeon blood, which is generally considered the most valuable. Ruby is also one of the hardest gemstones in the world, with a Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamond. This is why ruby is used in many high-end jewelry pieces.
Key Factors Influencing Ruby Value - The 4 Cs of Rubies
Like diamonds, the price for rubies is also affected by four key factors. That is the 4C theory proposed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to evaluate the quality of gemstones. These four factors together determine the price and appearance of rubies.
- Color: The color of a ruby is the most significant factor in determining its price. Pigeon’s Blood Ruby is considered to be the most valuable ruby because of its pure, bright, fluorescent red color (close to the color of pigeon blood) and rarity. It is also a treasure in the high-end collector’s market.
- Clarity: The presence of inclusions can affect the value of a ruby. However, some inclusions can actually enhance the ruby’s uniqueness and value. In certain cases, these inclusions may even contribute to the ruby’s overall appeal and desirability.
- Cut:The cut of a ruby plays a crucial role in determining its value. A well-cut ruby enhances its brilliance and overall appearance. Poor cutting, on the other hand, can reduce the stone’s visual appeal and lower its value.
- Carat Weight: Carat weight is an important factor in determining a ruby’s value. Generally, larger rubies are rarer and more valuable. However, a higher carat weight alone does not guarantee a higher value if other factors, such as color and clarity, are not equally high.
How much are rubies worth based on quality?
High-Quality Rubies
High-quality rubies usually have deep and vivid red color, few inclusions, and perfect cutting. Take pigeon blood rubies as an example. A one-carat pigeon blood ruby with deep and pure color, perfect cutting, and few inclusions can cost between $10,000 and $25,000.
Mid-Range Rubies
A 1-carat mid-range ruby with good color, a decent cut, and minimal inclusions typically costs between $5,000 and $10,000. The ruby precious stone price can vary based on factors such as market demand, origin, and overall quality. Rubies from reputable sources may still command a higher price within this range.
Lower-Quality Rubies
A 1-carat lower-quality ruby with duller color, an average cut, and noticeable inclusions usually ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. Its price is influenced by factors like clarity, color quality, and cut. Rubies with visible imperfections or from less renowned sources tend to be priced on the lower end.
How much are rubies worth based on Market and Location?
Certification from reputable gemological labs, like GIA or AGS, can significantly impact a ruby’s price by verifying its quality and authenticity. The ruby’s origin also plays a key role in its value, with rubies from regions like Myanmar often being more valuable than those from other sources, such as Africa.
Ruby Price in Myanmar
The Burmese ruby worth is generally higher due to the country’s reputation for producing some of the world’s best rubies. The ruby price in Myanmar can range from $3,000 to $30,000 per carat, depending on quality. High-quality rubies with deep color and few inclusions are typically priced higher, while those with lower color and clarity may be more affordable. The overall price also depends on the size and origin.
Ruby Price in Thailand
Similar to Myanmar, Thailand is known for producing rubies, but its prices are often lower due to differences in quality and supply. The ruby price per carat in Thailand generally range from $2,000 to $15,000. The price depends on the quality of ruby gemstones.
Ruby Price in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known for producing sapphires and small amounts of rubies, but its rubies are generally priced lower compared to those from Myanmar or Thailand. The price of ruby per carat in Sri Lanka usually range from $1,500 to $10,000.
Ruby Price in Mozambique
Mozambique has become a significant source of rubies, with prices often being lower than those from Myanmar or Thailand. A 1 carat ruby price in Mozambique typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on color, clarity, and size.
Lab created ruby vs natural ruby, how much are rubies worth?
When comparing lab-created rubies to natural rubies, the price difference is significant. Natural rubies, especially high-quality ones, can be much more expensive due to their rarity and the cost of mining. A natural ruby’s price can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per carat, depending on quality. On the other hand, lab-created rubies are typically priced much lower, often ranging from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars per carat, as they are created in controlled environments and are more abundant. Despite the price difference, lab-created rubies share similar appearance and physical properties to natural rubies. So actually the cost of ruby stone can be relatively low. If you have a limited budget but still want to buy ruby jewelry, lab-created ruby is an affordable and cost-effective choice.
How Much are Rubies Worth - Ruby vs Diamond Cost
The cost of rubies is generally lower than diamonds, although high-quality rubies can still be quite expensive. A 1-carat ruby can range from $1,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on its quality. In comparison, diamonds typically cost more, with prices for a 1-carat diamond ranging from $3,000 to $25,000 or higher, depending on factors like cut, clarity, and color. While rubies are rare, diamonds are often priced higher due to their market demand.
How Much are Rubies Worth - Famous Rubies Jewelry of Celebrities
The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton): She wore a pair of ruby and diamond earrings, a gift from Queen Elizabeth. These earrings are estimated to be worth around $100,000.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Ruby Necklace: This iconic necklace, featuring a large Burmese ruby surrounded by diamonds, was sold at auction for $6.5 million in 2011, making it one of the most expensive ruby pieces ever.
Blake Lively’s Ruby Ring: At the 2016 Met Gala, Blake Lively wore a 12-carat ruby ring by Lorraine Schwartz, valued at $2 million due to its size and the quality of the ruby.
How to identify original natural ruby stone?
- Inspect Inclusions: Use a magnifying glass (10x magnification) to check for small inclusions. Natural rubies usually have visible flaws, while synthetic ones are often clean.
- UV Light Test: Shine a UV light on the ruby. Natural rubies typically show red fluorescence, while synthetic rubies don’
- Water Test: Place the ruby in water. If it sinks quickly, it’s likely natural, as synthetic rubies may float or sink slower.
- Hardness Test: Gently scratch the ruby with a steel blade. Genuine rubies are hard (9 on the Mohs scale) and shouldn’t scratch easily.
- Consult a Professional: Take the ruby to a gemologist for accurate testing with specialized tools like a refractometer.
How to clean a ruby stone?
To clean a ruby stone, gently wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils and dust. For deeper cleaning, use a steam cleaner, but avoid direct contact with the ruby. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush with mild soap and warm water to scrub away dirt. It’s best to avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as they may damage rubies with inclusions or fractures.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you already know how much are rubies worth depending on the quality of the ruby. Natural, high-quality rubies can cost tens of thousands of dollars per carat. If you want to buy affordable ruby jewelry, lab-created rubies are your ideal choice. Explore the jewelry collection of Amanda, a jeweler specializing in all kinds of environmentally friendly lab-grown gemstone rings.
FAQs About How Much are Rubies Worth
Is ruby a semi precious stone? How much are rubies worth per gram?
Ruby is a precious stone, not semi-precious. The ruby stone worth typically ranges from $1,000 to $30,000 per carat, which is about $200 to $6,000 per gram, depending on quality.
How valuable are rubies? How much is a raw ruby worth?
Rubies are highly valuable, with the ruby worth per carat ranging from $1,000 to $30,000 depending on quality, color, and clarity. A raw ruby can be worth less, typically between $200 and $2,000 per carat, as it requires cutting and polishing to reach its full value.
How much is a small ruby worth?
A small ruby, like a 2-carat ruby, can range in price from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on its quality, color, and clarity. Higher-quality rubies with deep color and few inclusions can be valued at the upper end of this range.
Are rubies rare? How expensive are rubies?
Yes, rubies are considered rare, especially high-quality ones. The ruby value can vary greatly, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $30,000 per carat.
