Ruby Gemstone Guide: Quality, Color, Price & Treatments Explained

Rubies are among the most sought-after gemstones in the world, prized for their intense red color and rarity. But not all rubies are created equal. If you’re planning to buy a ruby or simply want to understand their value, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from quality factors and pricing to treatments and ethical sourcing.

What Determines Ruby Quality?

Like all gemstones, ruby quality is evaluated based on three key factors:

Color
Clarity
Cut

These characteristics directly influence the beauty and price of a ruby.

Ruby Color: The Most Important Factor

Color is the most critical aspect of a ruby’s value.

What is “Pigeon Blood” Ruby?

“Pigeon Blood” is a well-known trade term used to describe the finest ruby color. Contrary to popular belief:

It is not purple or pink
It is a pure, vivid red with a slight orangey tone
The name comes from the color of a pigeon’s eye, not its blood

This color is considered the gold standard in the market.

Ruby Color Variations

Rubies can display a wide range of shades, including:

Pinkish red
Purplish red
Brownish red
Orangey red

However:

If the stone becomes too pink, it may be classified as a pink sapphire
The difference between ruby and sapphire depends on chromium content
- More chromium = deeper red (ruby)
- Less chromium = lighter tones (sapphire)

Ideal Ruby Color

The best rubies are:

Bright, vivid red
Not too dark (blackish)
Not too light (pinkish)
Evenly saturated

Why Are Rubies So Rare?

Rubies belong to the corundum family, the same as sapphires. However, red corundum is much rarer.

Nature produces fewer red stones compared to other colors
High-quality rubies are especially difficult to find
Large rubies are extremely rare

This rarity is one of the main reasons rubies are often more valuable than sapphires.

Ruby Clarity: What to Look For

Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions (internal features).

Ideal Clarity

Eye-clean (no visible inclusions)
Minimal inclusions under magnification

Why Inclusions Matter

Interestingly, inclusions are not always bad:

They help confirm the ruby is natural
They can indicate origin

⚠️ A completely flawless ruby should raise suspicion—it could be synthetic or treated.

Ruby Cut: Avoid the “Window Effect”

Cut affects how light interacts with the gemstone.

What is a Window?

A “window” occurs when:

The ruby is cut too shallow
You can see through the stone (even your finger behind it)

This reduces:

Color intensity
Overall brilliance

Pleochroism in Rubies

Rubies also exhibit pleochroism, meaning:

Their color changes depending on the viewing angle
Skilled cutters orient the stone to maximize its best color

Ruby Price Guide (Per Carat)

Ruby prices vary dramatically based on quality. Here’s a general breakdown for 1-carat rubies:

Quality Level	Description	Price per Carat
Commercial	Poor color, many inclusions, плох cut	~$50
Low Quality	Dark, opaque, poorly cut	~$100
Mid Quality	Better brightness, fewer inclusions	~$600
Good Quality	Well-cut, more brilliance	~$1,400
Very Good	Strong red, minimal inclusions	~$2,400
Top Quality (Pigeon Blood)	Vivid red, clean, well-cut	~$4,000+

Price Increases with Size

2 carats: ~$5,000–$6,000 per carat
3+ carats: ~$6,000–$7,000+ per carat
Exceptional stones (e.g., 10 carats): Can reach $1,000,000 per carat

Ruby Treatments: What You Must Know

Most rubies on the market are treated. Understanding treatments is crucial before buying.

1. Heat Treatment (Accepted)

Used in ~90% of rubies
Enhances color and clarity
Stable and widely accepted

✔ Safe to buy
✔ Standard in the industry

2. Fracture Filling (Not Recommended)

Cracks are filled with glass or resin
Makes the stone look clearer than it is
Significantly lowers value

❌ A ruby worth $2,000 per carat could drop to $50

How to Spot It

Blue flashes inside the stone
Requires magnification (loupe or microscope)

Natural vs Untreated Rubies

Untreated rubies are extremely rare and valuable.

No heat treatment
Natural color and clarity
Significantly higher price

💎 Always request certification when buying high-value rubies.

Ethical Rubies: A Growing Trend

Ethical sourcing is becoming increasingly important.

Greenland Rubies

Fully traceable and ethically mined
Often cut in the same country
Typically come with certification

While they may not match the finest Burmese rubies in color or clarity, they offer:

Transparency in sourcing
Comparable pricing (often only ~10% higher)

Tips for Buying a Ruby

Before purchasing a ruby, keep these tips in mind:

✔ Focus on color first, then clarity and cut
✔ Avoid stones that are too dark or too light
✔ Be cautious of “perfect” stones at low prices
✔ Always ask about treatments
✔ Buy from reputable dealers
✔ Request a gemological report

Final Thoughts

Rubies are timeless gemstones that combine beauty, rarity, and value. Understanding their quality factors, pricing, and treatments can help you make a smart and confident purchase.

Whether you’re investing in a high-end “Pigeon Blood” ruby or exploring ethical alternatives, knowledge is your most valuable tool.