Ruby is one of the most iconic gemstones in fine jewellery. Known for its rich red colour, durability and timeless appeal, a beautiful ruby can become a meaningful piece to wear for years to come.
But buying a ruby is very different from buying a diamond. Two rubies of the same carat weight can look completely different — and their prices can vary significantly.
So, what should you look for when choosing a ruby?
Here are the key factors to consider before buying a natural ruby.
1. Colour Is the Most Important Factor
When it comes to ruby, colour is everything.
The finest rubies typically display a vivid, pure red to slightly purplish-red colour with strong saturation. A ruby that is too dark can appear less lively, while one that is too light may have less of the intense red colour associated with fine ruby.
You may also hear the term “Pigeon Blood Ruby” when shopping for high-quality stones. It is a traditional trade term used to describe a particularly desirable red colour, but the name alone does not determine the quality or value of a ruby.
When choosing your stone, look for a ruby that has:
- Vivid and attractive red colour
- Good brightness
- Strong but balanced saturation
- Even colour distribution
- Good transparency
Ultimately, the most important thing is how the ruby looks to you.
2. Should a Ruby Be Completely Clear?
Not necessarily.
Unlike diamonds, natural rubies commonly contain inclusions. Completely inclusion-free natural rubies are extremely rare.
Small inclusions can be completely acceptable and are often part of the natural character of a ruby. What matters is whether the inclusions significantly affect the stone's transparency, brightness or durability.
This is why ruby should not be judged by clarity alone.
A slightly included ruby with exceptional colour can be much more beautiful than a very clear ruby with weak colour.
3. Natural vs Lab-Grown Ruby
If you are purchasing a ruby for a fine jewellery collection, it is important to understand whether the stone is natural or laboratory-grown.
A natural ruby has formed naturally in the earth, while a laboratory-grown ruby is created in a controlled environment.
Both can have similar chemical and physical properties, but they are different categories of gemstone and can have very different market values.
If you specifically want a natural ruby, ask your jeweller for clear information about the stone's origin and whether it has been independently tested.
For valuable ruby purchases, an independent gemological report can provide additional confidence by confirming whether the ruby is natural or laboratory-grown and identifying detectable treatments.
4. Heated vs Unheated Ruby
One of the most important questions to ask when buying a ruby is:
Has it been heat treated?
Heat treatment is extremely common in rubies and is widely used to improve colour, transparency and overall appearance. In fact, buyers should generally expect that many rubies have undergone heat treatment.
This does not mean that a heated ruby is a poor-quality ruby.
A beautiful heated ruby can still be an excellent choice, particularly for someone who wants a vivid, attractive gemstone at a more accessible price.
Unheated rubies with excellent colour and quality are much rarer and can command a significant premium.
The important thing is to understand the treatment history before you buy.
5. Does Ruby Origin Matter?
You may come across ruby descriptions such as:
Myanmar (Burma), Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Madagascar or Tanzania.
Some origins have become particularly famous for producing exceptional rubies. Myanmar, for example, has a long history of producing highly prized stones.
However, origin does not automatically equal quality.
Every ruby-producing region can produce stones across a wide range of qualities. A ruby from a famous origin is not necessarily better than a beautiful ruby from another source.
For important or high-value rubies, an independent laboratory may also be able to provide an opinion on geographic origin.
6. Does Carat Weight Matter?
Of course — but size is only one part of the story.
Fine-quality rubies above one carat are relatively rare, and prices can increase significantly as size and quality increase.
However, bigger does not always mean better.
A smaller ruby with exceptional colour and brightness can be far more impressive than a larger stone with weak colour.
Instead of choosing a ruby based only on carat weight, consider the complete picture:
Colour + Clarity + Cut + Carat + Treatment + Origin
7. Is Ruby Suitable for an Engagement Ring?
Absolutely.
Ruby belongs to the corundum family and has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it one of the more durable gemstones for everyday jewellery.
This makes ruby an excellent choice for:
- Engagement rings
- Statement rings
- Pendants
- Earrings
- Special occasion jewellery
A ruby engagement ring can also be a beautiful alternative to a traditional diamond ring — especially for someone who wants a gemstone with strong colour and individuality.
8. How to Choose the Right Ruby
When you are comparing rubies, don't focus on just one specification.
Instead, look at several stones side by side and ask yourself:
Which colour do I love most?
Does the stone look bright and lively?
Are the inclusions acceptable to me?
Do I understand whether the ruby has been treated?
Is the ruby natural or laboratory-grown?
Does the overall beauty of the stone justify the price?
The best ruby is not necessarily the biggest or the most expensive.
It is the stone that gives you the combination of colour, beauty, rarity and character that you personally love.
Discover Ruby Jewellery at TayaM Jewellery
At TayaM Jewellery, we believe choosing a coloured gemstone should be a personal experience.
From ruby rings and ruby pendants to bespoke gemstone jewellery, we help our clients understand the characteristics of each stone and choose a piece that suits their style and occasion.
Whether you are looking for a ruby engagement ring or a unique piece of fine jewellery, we invite you to visit our Sydney showroom and explore our coloured gemstone collection.
TayaM Jewellery — Sydney
Private consultations are available for clients looking for natural ruby, sapphire, emerald and other coloured gemstones.
