How to Pick a Ruby Birthstone
The ruby birthstone is kin to the sapphire, since both are classified as crystallized corundum. While this mineral exists in a multitude of colors, only a true red hue is considered a ruby, while all others are designated as sapphires. Unlike some gemstones, the size of rubies is restricted by the dense stone in which it is formed. A large, brilliant, rich red ruby would be very rare and expensive.
Things You'll Need:
Reputable dealer
Appraiser
Documentation of authenticity
Research Rubies Before Buying One
Step
1
View a variety of rubies before you pick one. Notice the qualities that appeal to you in stone cut, such as how shape affects brilliance.
Step
2
View loose (unset) rubies to learn the level of clarity for which you are looking. Like emeralds, rubies contain natural inclusions, some of which may benefit the cut and look of a stone.
Step
3
Examine individual rubies for color against your skin tone (for the wearer). True medium red is considered the most desirable color, but may not look the best on every person.
Step
4
Learn how color, cut and clarity affect cost, and pick a price range. Generally, the richer and larger rubies are more expensive. However, certain cuts, such as princess or pear, may cost more than round or square stones.
Buy a Beautiful, High-Quality Ruby Birthstone
Step
1
Pick a reputable gem or jewelry dealer through your local gem and mineral club, or through the website of the American Gem Society (see Resources below).
Step
2
Ask the dealer about the history of any ruby that interests you. Find out where the stone was mined. Find out if it has been heat treated or enhanced to hide or expose inclusions.
Step
3
Learn about your dealer's return policy and compare it with others. A genuine, well-crafted gemstone will not need policy riders that might keep you from appraising or returning it.
Step
4
Get the ruby appraised by an outside source immediately to verify authenticity or any undisclosed history.
Tips & Warnings
Ruby is the birthstone of July and is used to celebrate fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.
A "lapidary" is a person who cuts gems.
Gemologists no longer divide gems into "precious" and "semiprecious" categories. With widespread mining and modern techniques, the availability or rarity of a stone, coupled with its visual aspect, determines its worth. Good rubies are among the most expensive gems.
When buying rubies, guard against fakes, poor-quality cutting or price gouging by selecting a respected jeweler or loose gem dealer.
Most consumers cannot distinguish authentic from synthetic rubies, and even documentation can be faked. Only a certified jewelry or gem appraiser can tell for sure.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2095319_pick-ruby-birthstone.html
The ruby birthstone is kin to the sapphire, since both are classified as crystallized corundum. While this mineral exists in a multitude of colors, only a true red hue is considered a ruby, while all others are designated as sapphires. Unlike some gemstones, the size of rubies is restricted by the dense stone in which it is formed. A large, brilliant, rich red ruby would be very rare and expensive.
Things You'll Need:
Reputable dealer
Appraiser
Documentation of authenticity
Research Rubies Before Buying One
Step
1
View a variety of rubies before you pick one. Notice the qualities that appeal to you in stone cut, such as how shape affects brilliance.
Step
2
View loose (unset) rubies to learn the level of clarity for which you are looking. Like emeralds, rubies contain natural inclusions, some of which may benefit the cut and look of a stone.
Step
3
Examine individual rubies for color against your skin tone (for the wearer). True medium red is considered the most desirable color, but may not look the best on every person.
Step
4
Learn how color, cut and clarity affect cost, and pick a price range. Generally, the richer and larger rubies are more expensive. However, certain cuts, such as princess or pear, may cost more than round or square stones.
Buy a Beautiful, High-Quality Ruby Birthstone
Step
1
Pick a reputable gem or jewelry dealer through your local gem and mineral club, or through the website of the American Gem Society (see Resources below).
Step
2
Ask the dealer about the history of any ruby that interests you. Find out where the stone was mined. Find out if it has been heat treated or enhanced to hide or expose inclusions.
Step
3
Learn about your dealer's return policy and compare it with others. A genuine, well-crafted gemstone will not need policy riders that might keep you from appraising or returning it.
Step
4
Get the ruby appraised by an outside source immediately to verify authenticity or any undisclosed history.
Tips & Warnings
Ruby is the birthstone of July and is used to celebrate fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.
A "lapidary" is a person who cuts gems.
Gemologists no longer divide gems into "precious" and "semiprecious" categories. With widespread mining and modern techniques, the availability or rarity of a stone, coupled with its visual aspect, determines its worth. Good rubies are among the most expensive gems.
When buying rubies, guard against fakes, poor-quality cutting or price gouging by selecting a respected jeweler or loose gem dealer.
Most consumers cannot distinguish authentic from synthetic rubies, and even documentation can be faked. Only a certified jewelry or gem appraiser can tell for sure.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2095319_pick-ruby-birthstone.html
