By Chelsea Reed
Next to the diamond, few rare gems are as famous as the ruby. From royalty to Hollywood, people have donned themselves with the crimson splendor for millennia. Unfortunately, shady figures have also tricked innocent shoppers into buying counterfeits and inferior substitutes. The good news is, you don’t need to test a ruby on a wicked witch to figure out which ones are authentic. Here’s what you need to know when you’re ruby shopping.
Inclusions are microscopic bumps and abrasions in gemstones. It’s almost impossible to find gemstones without inclusions in the wild, so their presence is a good sign it’s an authentic ruby from a dealer. Depending on where they are, inclusions can significantly make a ruby more affordable to buy. Obvious inclusions can hamper the stone’s clarity and lower its value, however, so think carefully before you plan to buy one.
The way a ruby is cut can also affect its value on the market. A rough ruby’s natural shape from the mine often dictates what kind of a cut it will be carved into. The most common rough shape is flat hexagonal, but sometimes elongated gems occasionally surface. Oval and cushion shapes are popular cuts, followed by a sugar loaf. A very skilled jeweler’s cuts can skyrocket its value alone. The famous Sunrise Ruby is one example.
Believe it or not, one of the most important things to remember about shopping for a ruby is also one of the easiest – its color! Rubies come in many shades of red, from blood red to deep maroon and everywhere in between. The value of each color wildly fluctuates. The most valuable colors tend to be deep vibrant reds followed by slightly purplish hues. Too much purple or orange can dramatically lower the price, but if you prefer your rubies that way you can score significant savings on your prized treasures.
Last but not least, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle if you research the gemstone dealers themselves. What is their reputation? What kind of licensing do they have? Check to see if their merchandise is certified for their authenticity. All of Seaside Art Gallery’s estate jewelry is third-party appraised.
Whether you desire to treat yourself or gift a loved one with ruby treasure, you can trust Seaside Art Gallery, an authentic dealer of fine estate ruby jewelry. Check out the Estate Jewelry Collection right here online, or stop by the Gallery to witness the crimson beauties for yourself! Each piece is one of a kind.
Chelsea Reed is a copywriter who writes winning content, articles, blogs, and websites from her base in North Carolina. She might not be building sandcastles or swashbuckling with pirates these days, but the Outer Banks beaches continue to keep her young at heart.
