Rubies

A Symbol of Passion, Power, and Timeless Rarity

Rubies have captivated civilizations for thousands of years, treasured as one of the most powerful and emotionally charged gemstones ever discovered. Known for their vivid red color and exceptional durability, rubies belong to the corundum family and have long been associated with vitality, courage, and prosperity. Their striking hue comes from trace amounts of chromium—an element that not only gives rubies their iconic color, but also contributes to their rarity.

Today, rubies remain one of the most sought-after colored gemstones in fine jewelry, investment collections, and bespoke designs. From unheated stones with pure natural color to highly saturated vivid reds, each ruby possesses its own unique personality and story.

How Rubies Are Formed

Rubies form deep within the Earth’s crust under extreme heat and pressure, developing inside aluminum-rich metamorphic rocks such as marble and gneiss. Their vivid red color comes from trace amounts of chromium replacing aluminum in the crystal structure of corundum (the mineral family that includes sapphires).

The presence of chromium is rare—which is why fine rubies are far less common than most gemstones. Too little chromium produces a weak red; too much can make the crystal brittle. When the balance is perfect, the result is the saturated, glowing red known as “pigeon’s blood” in the trade.

Over millions of years, tectonic movements and erosion bring ruby-bearing rocks closer to the surface, where they can be mined from both primary deposits (hard rock) and secondary deposits (riverbeds, alluvial gravels). Each geological environment influences the ruby’s final appearance, with stones from Myanmar, Mozambique, and Thailand displaying distinct color and clarity characteristics shaped by their unique formation conditions.

What Makes a Ruby Valuable?

Value is determined by several universal factors:

Color

The most important quality factor. The finest rubies display a rich, vibrant red often referred to as “pigeon’s blood”—intense yet balanced without being too dark or too pink. Secondary hues (such as purplish-red or orangey-red) can influence both value and appearance.
Clarity

Because rubies naturally form with inclusions, eye-clean stones are rare. Fine-quality rubies may show small internal features that do not affect overall beauty.
Cut

Rubies are commonly cut into ovals, cushions, and rounds to maximize color and brilliance. A well-cut ruby enhances light performance while preserving weight.
Carat Weight

Large rubies are exceptionally rare. Prices rise sharply as size increases—especially for stones above 1 carat with strong saturation.
Origin

Origin plays a major role in a ruby’s value, with stones from Myanmar, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka commanding the highest demand for their superior color and clarity.
Treatment

Heating is a standard, widely accepted enhancement used to improve clarity and color. Unheated rubies are significantly rarer and command premium prices.

Major Ruby Sources

Myanmar (Burma)

Historically the most celebrated source, known for highly saturated “pigeon’s blood” rubies.

Mozambique

One of the world’s most important modern sources, producing vivid red stones with excellent clarity and value.

Thailand

Long recognized as a global cutting and trading hub, with a rich history in ruby heating and gem craftsmanship.

Sri Lanka

Known for lighter reds and pinkish hues, often with excellent transparency.

Why Collectors Value Rubies

Exceptional rarity

Especially in fine quality

Rich symbolism

Tied to love, strength, and protection

Timeless desirability

Across cultures and luxury markets

Growing investment demand

Particularly for unheated stones

Durability

Ranking 9 on the Mohs scale

Understanding Pricing & Transparent Sourcing

At Sora Gems, we prioritize:

Accurate disclosure of treatments

Professional gemological verification

Transparency in pricing and origin

New Rubies

Shop new arrivals

2.14 ct Ruby – Oval Cut – Heated – Mozambique
2.14 ct Ruby – Oval Cut – Heated – Mozambique
Save 17%
2.14 ct Ruby – Oval Cut – Heated – Mozambique
80,812.00 ฿
80,812.00 ฿ 96,974.00 ฿