Franklin Dean
Ruby wedding rings are a timeless and romantic choice, symbolising passion, love and courage. With their vibrant hues ranging from pinkish-red to blood-red, rubies make a bold statement. Ruby is the birthstone for July and has been cherished throughout history for its beauty and cultural significance. When it comes to ruby wedding rings, there are several factors that influence their price. The most desirable rubies are a brilliant blood-red colour with secondary purple flashes and consistent colour throughout the stone. Larger natural rubies are rare, so carat weight significantly impacts the price, with quality rubies over one carat costing anywhere from $3,000 to $250,000 per carat. Enhancements such as heat treatment or surface diffusion to improve colour and appearance can also affect the value, durability and required care of the gemstone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Passion, love, courage, inspiration, awareness, long-lasting affection, guidance, knowledge |
| Colour | Red, pinkish-red, blood-red |
| Durability | 9 on the Mohs scale |
| Enhancements | Heating, filling the surface with foreign material, surface diffusion |
| Price determinants | Carat, cut, brilliance, fire, clarity |
| Price range | $3,000 to $250,000 per carat |
| Metals | Platinum, palladium, 18k or 14k yellow and rose gold, white gold |
| Gemstone weight | Various total carat weights available |
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What You'll Learn
Ruby gemstone enhancements
Ruby gemstones are commonly enhanced to improve their colour and overall appearance. Heat treatment is a widely accepted practice in the gemstone industry, particularly for rubies, to enhance their clarity and colour. This process addresses specific colour and clarity issues, making the rubies more vibrant and desirable. For example, Thai rubies often have a brownish tint that detracts from their beauty, and heat treatment removes this brownish tone, resulting in a purer and more attractive red colour. Heat treatment can also alter the appearance of inclusions, such as silk inclusions, which can display rainbow-like colours that may fade when exposed to heat treatment. The key benefit of heat treatment is its stability and permanence, with the enhanced colour and clarity remaining even with regular wear or cleaning.
Another common enhancement method for rubies is diffusion treatment, which is used to alter or accentuate the appearance of pale or colourless gems. This process involves applying chemicals to the surface of the stone in combination with heat treatment, allowing the chemicals to travel into the crystal structure and introduce a new colour. Beryllium-diffused rubies are stable and don't require special care, although extreme re-heating may alter the colour achieved through diffusion. Rubies can also undergo a rare enhancement process known as surface diffusion to increase the red colour of the stone. This process has a good stability rating, but the rubies require special care, such as avoiding household chemicals and ultrasonic cleanings.
In addition to heat treatment and diffusion, rubies may also be filled with foreign materials, such as lead glass, to smooth the surface and reduce fractures. This type of enhancement has a stability rating of very good to fair and affects the value of the stone only slightly. However, some purists believe that filling gemstones with resin devalues the finished gem.
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Ruby colour and pricing
Rubies are a form of the mineral corundum, with the red variety classified as rubies and all other colours (except for pink-orange Padparadscha) considered sapphires. The finest rubies are a pure, vibrant red with slight purple undertones, often described as "pigeon's blood". The colour must be not too dark nor too light, as this affects the stone's brightness and can lead to it being considered a pink sapphire.
The colour is the most important factor in determining a ruby's value. The price per carat increases as the size increases, especially for better-quality stones. Rubies that are too light or too dark are undesirable. Larger rubies are quite rare, so carat size has a large effect on the overall price. A quality ruby of over one carat can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $250,000 per carat. Rubies with a quality cut and high brilliance and fire are also priced higher.
The origin of the ruby also affects its price. For example, African rubies of 1-2 carats are recommended as unheated stones, whereas heated Burmese rubies are more valuable. An unheated 1-carat African ruby can be valued at up to $7,000 per carat, while a heated African ruby of similar quality would cost around $4,000 per carat. A 2-carat heated Burmese ruby can cost around $12,000 per carat, while an unheated ruby of the same quality could cost up to $35,000 per carat.
Enhancements to rubies can also affect their value. Heating the stones to improve their colour and appearance is common and only slightly affects the value. Filling the surface of the ruby with foreign material to smooth the surface and reduce fractures is another common enhancement, which has a moderate effect on the stone's value and requires special care.
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Ruby quality and pricing
The quality and pricing of rubies are determined by a variety of factors, including colour, size, origin, and treatment history.
Colour
Colour is the most significant factor affecting a ruby's value. The finest rubies have a pure, vibrant red colour with brilliant secondary purple flashes, and this colour is consistent throughout the stone. Rubies with a pure red colour command the highest prices, while those with overtones of orange and purple are less valued. The colour should not be too dark or too light, as this will negatively affect the stone's brightness and may even cause it to be classified as a pink sapphire. Gemologists analyse the colour factor based on three properties: hue, tone, and saturation. Hue refers to the basic colour, tone refers to the depth of colour from light to dark, and saturation refers to the intensity of the colour.
Size
Size also significantly impacts ruby value, with larger stones commanding exponentially higher prices. Fine-quality rubies over one carat are very rare, and the per-carat price of ruby can increase dramatically as size increases, especially for better-quality stones.
Origin
The origin of a ruby also plays a role in its valuation. Rubies from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) are considered the best and typically fetch the highest prices. However, rubies are also found in other countries such as Australia, the United States, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Madagascar.
Treatment History
Treatment history affects ruby value substantially, with untreated rubies being worth significantly more than treated stones. The most common treatment for rubies is heat treatment to improve their colour and appearance, which can slightly lower their value. Another treatment is filling the surface of the ruby with foreign material to smooth it and reduce fractures, which can also affect the stone's value.
Overall, premium-quality ruby gems are among the world's most expensive gemstones, with record prices exceeding $1,000,000 per carat. The per-carat prices of fine-quality rubies have been rising consistently, and even modest-sized rubies command relatively high values. For example, a 1.52-carat ruby's price may start at $5,500 per carat, while a high-quality 2-carat heated Burmese ruby can cost around $12,000 per carat. An unheated ruby of the same quality could cost up to $35,000 per carat.
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Ruby ring financing
Ruby rings are a popular choice for those celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary, but they are also a great option for engagement rings, wedding bands, and birthday gifts. The ruby is the birthstone for July and is associated with courage, wealth, good fortune, love, passion, and commitment.
When it comes to financing a ruby ring, there are a few options available. Firstly, it is important to consider your budget and the characteristics of the ring that are most important to you. The price of a ruby ring can vary depending on several factors, including the carat weight, cut quality, colour, and the type of metal used for the band. Lab-grown rubies tend to be more affordable than natural rubies, with prices ranging from $579 to $7,659. However, natural rubies over one carat can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $250,000 per carat.
To finance your ruby ring purchase, you can consider the following options:
- Saving up: If you have time before your purchase, consider setting aside a portion of your income each month to save up for the ring. This option may take longer, but it can help you avoid debt and accumulate the necessary funds at your own pace.
- Layaway plans: Some retailers, like GemsNY, offer layaway options that allow you to make incremental payments over a set period without incurring interest charges. This can be a good option if you want to spread out the cost of the ring over a more extended period.
- Interest-free financing: GemsNY also provides interest-free financing options for up to 12 months. This means you can pay off your ruby ring purchase gradually without accruing additional costs in the form of interest.
- Installment plans: Some retailers, such as GemsNY, offer installment plans with varying terms. You can choose the number of installments that best suit your financial situation and budget. These plans may or may not include a credit check, depending on the retailer.
- Credit cards: If you have access to a credit card with a sufficient credit limit, you could consider using it to finance your ruby ring purchase. However, it is important to be mindful of the interest rates and fees associated with credit cards and ensure that you can make regular payments to avoid accumulating debt.
- Personal loans: Depending on your financial situation and creditworthiness, you could consider taking out a personal loan to finance your ruby ring purchase. Personal loans typically offer fixed interest rates and monthly payments, allowing you to finance a more substantial purchase and pay it off over a more extended period.
It is important to carefully consider your financial situation and choose a financing option that aligns with your budget and goals. Additionally, be sure to shop around and compare prices, financing options, and warranties from different retailers before making your final decision.
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Ruby ring maintenance
Rubies are highly durable and resistant to cracks, chips, and scratches from most substances, except diamonds. However, proper ruby ring maintenance is essential to preserving its vibrant hue and ensuring its longevity.
Firstly, it is important to understand the characteristics of rubies and their vulnerabilities. While rubies are resistant to scratches and abrasion, they can be scratched by diamonds or other rubies. Therefore, it is recommended to store ruby rings separately in cloth or silk-lined pouches to prevent scratches. Additionally, avoid exposing ruby rings to acids, extreme heat, or rapid temperature changes to prevent cracks or ruptures.
Regular maintenance of the ring's setting, prongs, and mountings is crucial for its longevity and the ruby's security. Prong settings, bezel settings, and channel settings each offer different levels of security and protection for the ruby. High prongs provide better security, but they can also be more prone to snagging, which can loosen the stone over time. Bezel settings offer excellent protection against impacts and scratches but may obscure more of the stone. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between visibility, protection, and style when selecting the ideal setting.
For cleaning and maintenance, it is recommended to have ruby rings professionally cleaned and inspected every six months to a year, depending on how often they are worn. Professional jewellers use specialised techniques and equipment, such as ultrasonic and steam cleaners, to achieve a thorough clean. At home, ruby rings can be soaked and gently scrubbed in warm water to remove any build-up and surface dirt, then patted dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid using abrasive or corrosive cleaners, such as baking soda, toothpaste, or lemon juice, as these can scratch or damage the setting.
Finally, some ruby enhancements may require special care. For example, rubies that have undergone surface diffusion to enhance their colour should avoid household chemicals and ultrasonic cleanings. Additionally, any ruby ring set in white gold will need to be periodically replated with rhodium, which can eventually lead to fractures or chipping in the ruby. Therefore, it is recommended to stick with platinum, palladium, or gold of various karats for ruby engagement and wedding rings.
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Frequently asked questions
Ruby wedding rings can be expensive, depending on the quality of the ruby and the type of metal used. Rubies are evaluated based on their colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight, also known as the "Four Cs". The most desirable rubies are a blood red colour with brilliant secondary purple flashes and a high degree of brilliance and fire. Larger rubies are quite rare, so a quality ruby of over one carat can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $250,000 per carat.
The type of metal used in the ring setting can affect the price. Platinum, palladium, 18k or 14k yellow and rose gold are recommended for ruby rings as they complement the gemstone's vibrant hue. White gold is also an option, but it requires periodic re-plating with rhodium, which can harm the ruby. The design of the ring can also affect the price, as intricate settings tend to be more expensive.
Yes, there are a few ways to make ruby wedding rings more affordable. Firstly, consider choosing a smaller ruby or a lower carat weight, as larger rubies are typically more expensive. Secondly, look for rubies with a lower clarity grade, as inclusions can reduce the price. Finally, some retailers offer flexible financing plans and layaway options, allowing you to pay for the ring in instalments over time.
Yes, ruby wedding rings can be suitable for everyday wear. Rubies are known for their excellent durability, scoring a 9 on the Mohs scale. They can resist daily wear and last for generations. However, it is important to note that some rubies undergo enhancements that may affect their durability. For example, rubies filled with foreign material like lead glass to reduce fractures may have decreased durability.
