Known as the ‘king of gems’, ruby is the most coveted red stone of the present time. Along with the sapphire and emerald, it is part of the ‘Big Three’ of colored gemstones – a title that further elevates its popularity.
If you have a bold red ruby on your mind, then this guide will help you understand why the gemstone cut matters and how to choose the best one for your jewelry.
Let’s Begin With Familiarizing Ourselves With This Gem
Rubies Are Rare
It may seem simple, but this particular gem can only be formed when corundum comes into contact with trace amounts of the element chromium. Even if silicon or iron enters the mix, the ruby may not be born. Furthermore, the geological conditions also need to be favorable. This is why rubies are only mined in certain locations throughout the world and high-quality stones are extremely scarce.
Known Thy Corundum
Interestingly, both sapphires and rubies are born from the same mineral known as the corundum. But here’s the catch – corundum in blue, pink, yellow, or any other color is classified as a sapphire. Only the variety that has red as its primary color has the privilege of being called a ruby.
Unsurprisingly, color is the most important attribute of this gem. Stones with a vivid red hue accompanied with a slight tinge of purple and eye-catching brilliance command the highest prices.
Expect The Inclusions
Nearly all rubies are flawed and have thin mineral inclusions. They can appear in the form of small fibers, crystals, needles, cracks or feathers, and can sometimes even resemble fingerprints. The higher the number of inclusions, the more it affects the gem’s clarity and brings down the overall value. Large inclusions can also limit the ruby’s durability, so it’s advisable to opt for stones with minimal inclusions.
Why Does the Cut Matter?
Essentially, the cut refers to how a ruby is faceted. This will determine its dimensions and overall symmetry. The cut is important because of the following reasons…
- Its proportions determine how pleasing the stone will look visually. Additionally, it also affects how the gem reflects light to create brilliance.
- When the cut is well-executed, the appearance of inclusions in a gem can be minimized, and its weight and durability can be maximized. Another advantage of buying an exceptionally cut ruby is, even a smaller jewel can display an appeal that rivals the stone of a bigger size. Thus, when buying a ruby ring, choose a small-size jewel chiseled with the best cut instead of a larger ruby that sparkles less.
- This resplendent stone can also exhibit pleochroism. This means that the ruby can appear orangey-red when viewed from one angle, and red to purplish-red when seen from another. This attractive feature can only be achieved with the help of a good-quality cut, which will also ensure uniformity in hue and eliminate less desirable color tones.
Finally, Which Is the Best Cut for This Gem?
A hybrid of the brilliant and step-cut!
In this particular style, the crown of the gem is typically brilliant-cut with 58 facets to enliven its sparkle, and the pavilion is step-cut. This brings out the depth of color and allows the gem to shine bright, while reducing the rough wastage.
In terms of shapes, oval, round and cushion rubies are sought-after as they effortlessly draw focus to the beauty of the gem.
Also Read: Which Is the Best Cut for the Fire Opal?
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