Ruby
Buyer’s Guide

Colour

Colour is the most important value factor in ruby. The most desirable stones display a vivid, intense red with strong brightness. High-quality ruby typically shows:

• A vibrant red to slightly purplish-red hue
• Even colour distribution throughout the stone
• Minimal brown or grey undertones
• Strong saturation and brightness

The most prized rubies are often described as having “pigeon blood” colour — a rich, pure red with a subtle glow.

Clarity

Ruby typically contains natural inclusions, which are part of the gemstone’s formation. However, high-value stones should still show good transparency.

Premium rubies are generally:

• Eye-clean or with minor inclusions not easily visible
• Free from major fractures
• Transparent with strong colour brightness

Excessive inclusions, cloudiness or fractures can reduce brilliance and durability, lowering the stone’s value.

Cut

Cut plays a crucial role in how beautifully ruby reflects light and displays colour. A well-cut gemstone enhances brilliance, symmetry and overall appearance. Important cut considerations include:

• Precise facet alignment
• Good symmetry
• Proper depth (not too shallow or too deep)
• High-quality polishing across facets

Poor cutting can make even richly coloured ruby appear dull. Skilled cutting maximises the gemstone’s brilliance and colour intensity.

Carat Weight

Ruby value increases significantly with size because large, high-quality rubies are extremely rare. Stones over one carat with strong colour and clarity already command premium prices.

When comparing stones:

• A smaller ruby with exceptional colour may be worth more than a larger stone with weaker colour.
• Larger stones must maintain strong colour saturation to achieve top value.

Fine rubies above three to five carats are particularly rare and highly sought after by collectors.