How to Choose High-Quality Rubies

By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

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Legend says that when God created precious stones, the ruby was the most valuable among them. These days, rubies are both rare and extremely expensive, and range in color from pinkish to blood red.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Jewelry Pouches
Jewelry Boxes
Ruby Bracelets
Ruby Earrings
Ruby Necklaces
Ruby Rings
Jewelry Insurance
Jewlery Appraisals

Step1

Look for the best rubies at a trusted and well-respected jewelry store. Be sure the store stocks a good variety of rubies and that the staff is knowledgeable about gemstones in general and rubies in particular.

Step2

Ask if the stone has been treated in any way. Some common treatments to enhance gems include irradiation, heat treatment, dyeing and coating. Not all of these treatments will devalue the stone, but always ask so you know what you're getting.

Step3

Examine the color of the ruby. The best stones are pure red with a fiery intensity. You will see no inclusions in a perfect, transparent ruby.

Step4

Study the cut of the ruby. Hold the stone face up, and be sure the light reflects evenly from the surface. The center of the stone should not appear dark, and there should be no scratches on the surface. Look at the stone from several different angles to be sure.

Step5

Keep in mind that because large rubies are so scarce, you may not be able to find a stone larger than five carats. Larger rubies generally cost more per carat than smaller rubies.

Step6

Compare several rubies side by side. Look at the color and the cut of each, and decide on your favorite.

Tips & Warnings

Rubies and sapphires are closely related and are formed from the same substance, corundum.
Star rubies (like star sapphires) are cabochon cut and show a six-legged star in the dome. Be sure the star stands out clearly and each leg is equally prominent.
Most rubies are mined in Southeast Asia, in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Thailand and Vietnam.
Rubies are the birthstone for July.
If you're shopping online, investigate the site's return policy, and make sure you buy from a reputable online jeweler.
If you find rubies offered for an extraordinarily inexpensive price, they are probably not real.