On the hunt for a unique engagement ring? Move past the cookie-cutter diamonds, and look to ruby rings. These red-hot gemstones are expected to be one of the biggest trends of 2022, and it’s easy to see why. Just like we’re seeing with lab diamonds, the current focus is on eco-friendly, conflict-free manmade options. But, when it comes to natural vs lab ruby options, how do the lab-grown rocks stack up?
Let’s dig into everything you need to know about lab-grown rubies, and how these unique conflict-free rings compare to mined rubies.
How to Buy a Ruby: The Basics
Did you know that rubies and sapphires are actually the same gemstones? They are both comprised of corundum. The difference between a ruby and a sapphire is just a question of colour. Sapphires can come in pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, colourless, and black. If the stone is red, it is called a ruby.
When it comes to natural vs lab ruby opinion, you are looking for exactly the same qualities. Lab-grown rubies and mined rubies come in the same range of quality, and you can find premium picks in either variety.
Like diamonds, the quality of a ruby is judged on the 4Cs; colour, clarity, cut, and carat. While cut and carat are a matter of preference and budget, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the basics of clarity and colour before you buy.
What Colour Ruby Is Most Valuable?
In the case of colour, experts look for a darker hue. Rich deep shades of red rubies sell for a premium while lighter shades are more common and inexpensive. The quality of the colour is also judged by its undertones. You will see rubies with tints of pink, purple, and orange. The more purple or orange that you can detect in the stone, the less valuable it is. Meanwhile, those deep blood red stones are highly prized.
One advantage of lab-grown rubies is that it’s easier to get the perfect ruby red tone. Finding a needle in a haystack is far simpler than tracking down that one perfect rock buried in the earth! Meanwhile, in a lab, scientists have a great deal of control over the process and can create ideal conditions for your dream crimson stone.
How Can You Tell the Quality of a Ruby: Clarity
All gemstones have inclusions. As they are developing in the earth or in a lab setting, it is possible for small gas bubbles, liquids, or other minerals to leave minuscule marks on the gemstone. Since these inclusions are invisible to the naked eye in rubies with a deep red tone, they tend to be less of an issue than they would be with diamonds.
Are Rubies More Expensive than Diamonds?
Sometimes. Like emeralds and sapphires, rubies are far rarer than diamonds. While finding certain blends of size, colour, and clarity in rubies can be nearly impossible, diamonds in most sizes and clarities are more common.
Ultimately, while we know that rubies are rarer, it is still like comparing apples and oranges. There are too many variables to be able to compare the exact same quality of diamond with the exact same quality of ruby.
Where Do the Best Rubies Come From?
While rubies have been found all over Europe, South America, and North America, the traditional sources of rubies have always been Afghanistan, Australia, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Present-day Myanmar, formerly Burma, was widely considered to have the best rubies in the world. Burmese rubies have been famous for generations (just look at some of these iconic rocks).
These days, with price tags often reaching into the millions and a questionable human rights history, jewellery lovers are moving away from Burmese rubies.
Mozambican rubies were discovered in 2009 and it changed everything. Giving the global market a boost in supply, these vibrant stones instantly became amongst the most desirable stones in the world. A dream blend of high quality and reasonable price, the Mozambican ruby is now widely considered the gold standard.
Natural vs Lab Ruby: What’s the Difference?
While rubies have been found all over Europe, South America, and North America, the traditional sources of rubies have always been Afghanistan, Australia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Present-day Myanmar, formerly Burma, was widely considered to have the best rubies in the world. Burmese rubies have been famous for generations (just look at some of these iconic rocks).
These days, with price tags often reaching into the millions and a questionable human rights history, jewellery lovers are moving away from Burmese rubies. Mozambican rubies were discovered in 2009 and it changed everything. Giving the global market a boost in supply, these vibrant stones instantly became amongst the most desirable stones in the world. A dream blend of high quality and reasonable price, the Mozambican ruby is now widely considered the gold standard.
Why Choose a Lab Ruby?
This is the decade of lab-grown gemstones! From lab diamonds to lab rubies, the world is in love with these high tech rocks and it’s easy to see why.
Conflict-free, eco-friendly rings are a win-win. When your local jewellery works with a scientist to create the perfect stone in a controlled environment, you get a higher quality product at a lower price. Poor working conditions and corrupt governments are removed from the picture. The disruption and damage caused by mining are eliminated. Whether you want to go green, shop ethically, or just save some cash, lab-grown stones are definitely worth considering.
Choosing the Right Ruby Ring
Are lab rubies or natural rubies better? As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Check out these gorgeous options and decide for yourself.
Featured Ruby Eternity
Are lab rubies or natural rubies better? As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Check out these gorgeous options and decide for yourself.
Want a vintage style engagement ring? An eight-claw solitaire like the Eight-Claw Solitaire Round Lab Ruby Silver Ring will give you that heirloom style in an affordable lab ruby ring. And, fun fact, rubies have been used for centuries as engagement rings — long before diamonds became in vogue!
After some serious bling? Meet the show-stopping Cat-Claw Halo Oval Lab Ruby Silver Ring with a Moissanite Band. This affordable lab-grown ruby ring will leave her breathless.
Featured Ruby Earrings
For the perfect anniversary, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day gift, it’s all about the Large Ruby Eternity Ring.
Looking for the perfect complement to that ruby ring? Or maybe a special little sometimes for her? Gold Ruby & Diamond Huggie Earrings or Gold Ruby Stud Earrings are instant winners.
Looking for more inspiration? Keep on reading at Unique Engagement Rings We Love: Red Hot Ruby Engagement Rings.
I have an oval Burmese Star Ruby 1 cm x 0.7 cm in size.
The star is centered and clear.
Can you please give me an indication of its value?
I would like to reset it, and hoped that you could assist?
kind Regards
Colleen