How to Appraise a Ruby

Rubies are clear red precious gemstones that are often used in jewelry such as rings, pendants or earrings. Appraising the worth of a ruby requires evaluating it based on several aspects. While all rubies are beautiful, some are worth considerably more than others.

Instructions

1

Find out where the ruby came from. Those from Burma are the most precious. Fewer of these rubies require heat treatment, which makes them worth more than those from Thailand and Cambodia, which nearly always do. Heat treatment permanently enhances the color of the ruby. While this process is acceptable, a ruby that doesn't require it is more valuable.

2

Access the ruby's color. The most desirable is a vivid, clear red with a faint hint of blue. Other colors range from a deep almost purple red to a paler yellow-red. The purer the ruby's red color, the more the stone is worth. The clearest red rubies are from Burma, while darker, almost purple rubies come from Thailand.

3

Evaluate the ruby for clarity. If the ruby has lots of inclusions which affect the ability of light to shine through it, this reduces the worth of the gem. The clearer the stone, the more it is worth. Look for a ruby that has no flaws that affect its clarity.

4

Weigh the stone. Rubies are measured in carats, a weight measurement. The heavier the stone, the more its worth. Rubies are also measured in millimeters for length, width and diameter. The larger a stone, the more valuable as well.