Scribd
Upload
655 views

Ruby Guide

The quality and value of a ruby depends on its carat weight, shape and cut, colour, clarity, and transparency. Heavier carat weight, well-cut symmetrical shape, vivid red colour, few inclusions, and high transparency will result in a higher quality and more valuable ruby. Rubies are commonly modified by heating or other processes to improve their colour and clarity, and customers should be informed of any such modifications.

Uploaded by

celia m c corrigliano
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
655 views

Ruby Guide

The quality and value of a ruby depends on its carat weight, shape and cut, colour, clarity, and transparency. Heavier carat weight, well-cut symmetrical shape, vivid red colour, few inclusions, and high transparency will result in a higher quality and more valuable ruby. Rubies are commonly modified by heating or other processes to improve their colour and clarity, and customers should be informed of any such modifications.

Uploaded by

celia m c corrigliano
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Ruby

The quality and value of a ruby is dependant on a combination of the following criteria:

A ruby’s weight is measured in carats. 5 carats = 1 gram.


All other criteria being equal, the greater the carat weight, the rarer the ruby and therefore greater its value.
Illustrated below is the approximate appearance of a well cut oval shaped ruby for a given carat weight.

CARAT

SHAPE AND CUT

To optimize the natural rough, rubies are cut into a wide variety of shapes such as those illustrated below.

CUT

PROFILE

Cut refers to the accuracy of the angles, proportions, symmetry


and polish of the ruby. It greatly affects how light travels within
the ruby, and how it exits in the form of brilliance.

Colour is a matter of personal preference. Rubies vary in colour depending mainly upon their chromium
and iron content. Therefore rubies from different countries* and mines have different predominant colours.
Primarily red, rubies range from brownish and purplish shades to orangish and pinkish ones. But, a natural
colour will always have a greater value than an equivalent colour obtained by heating or other processes.

COLOUR

* Main countries where rubies are mined: Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma),
Pakistan, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand (Siam), Vietnam
Inks and paper are subject to aging and differences in printing techniques. Therefore these colours shall not be used for colour references.

The clarity of a ruby is determined by the number, size and location of inclusions which
are natural materials present in the stone. They reflect its fascinating geological aspects.
INCLUSIONS Internally and externally too, there may be the presence of fissures, fractures and cavities
which affect clarity.
Eye Clean Slightly Included Included

CLARITY

Transparency refers to the ability of a ruby to transmit light. It is affected by the


TRANSPARENCY
quantity or absence of opacity and brilliance present in the stone.

Transparent Translucent Opaque

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING RUBY MODIFICATIONS, SYNTHETICS AND IMITATIONS REFER TO THE BACK.
Gemstone Modification

Besides cutting and polishing, rubies are commonly modified to improve their colour and clarity.

It is required that customers be informed about such modifications.


Ask for a written confirmation.

The correct nomenclature of modified gemstones can be found in the CIBJO Gemstone Book.

Value of a gemstone
In addition to the information on the front, the value of a gemstone is also defined by the
combination of relative beauty, rarity and durability.

Synthetic and imitation stones can be produced in industrial plants in any quantity and are
therefore not rare and not considered precious. As a result, they cost much less than their natural
counterparts of equal characteristics.

For additional information and knowledge, please refer to the CIBJO Gemstone Book available at:

The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO)


Piazzale Carlo Magno, 1
20149 Milano, Italy

Phone: +39 02 4997 7098 / 7097


Fax: +39 02 4997 7059
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.cibjo.org

All rights reserved. No part of this Guide may be reproduced, republished, amended, translated or changed without the
express written permission of CIBJO or its authorized agents. Permission to republish, reproduce and/or translate of this
Guide is limited to CIBJO member organizations only, and is subject to written agreements between CIBJO and/or its
agents and the CIBJO membership organization.

You might also like