Opaque ruby

Types of opaque ruby

Rubies come in various types, depending on factors like origin, treatment, color, and clarity. Opaque rubies, valued for their deep colors and often bold, untransparent nature, are primarily found in the following types:

Natural Ruby: These are unheated or untreated rubies that maintain their natural state, leading to a more vivid and darker color in opaque specimens. Opaque natural rubies are rare and usually found in lower clarity stones but are highly sought after for their authenticity.

Star Ruby: Star rubies display asterism, a phenomenon that creates a star-like figure on the surface of the stone. This occurs in opaque rubies due to fine needle-like inclusions of rutile. The body of star ruby gemstones is often opaque, enhancing the stone’s striking and vivid red color.

Blood Rubies: Blood diamonds are deep red, monochrome stones that get their color from a high chromium content. The term “blood ruby” refers to the stone’s color rather than its clarity or transparency. These gems often exhibit a rich, dark hue that makes them appear opaque.

Rubellite Tourmaline Scraps: Rubellite is a variety of tourmaline that sometimes features a ruby-like red color. When these stones are cut in an opaque manner, they showcase bold colors. However, rubellites are less commonly referred to as opaque rubies, as the name predominantly relates to corundum crystals.

Diffusion Treated Ruby: In ruby diffusion treatment, elements like titanium and barium are introduced to enhance the stone’s color. While many treated rubies remain translucent, some can be cut in opaque forms, especially where deep color saturation is present.

Designs of opaque ruby

Opaque ruby rings and jewelry are highly valued for their vibrant colors and bold, untransparent characteristics. These are often fashioned into striking, ornamental pieces, including:

Opaque ruby rings are striking gemstones that offer a rich and deep hue, often resembling the color of blood or a sunset. Unlike clear rubies, which are transparent, opaque rubies are not see-through. Their stunning red color can be attributed to high levels of chromium within the stone.

A ruby ring typically consists of the ruby gemstone set in gold or silver, such as yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold. Ruby engagement rings symbolize passion and enduring love, making them an alternative choice for couples.

Ruby earrings showcase the stone’s rich color, enhancing the wearer’s face. Opaque ruby stud earrings offer a classic and elegant look, while drop earrings, like ruby hoops, feature the gemstones suspended from the earlobe.

Ruby necklaces, such as pendants and statement pieces, are often adorned with gold or silver. Ruby gemstone necklaces serve as standout accessories, perfect for special occasions.

Ruby bracelets and bangles incorporate multiple stones or a single pendant ruby, such as an emerald cut ruby, within a cohesive design. Ruby charms for bracelets add a personal touch, allowing customization.

Rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets can be found at various price points, catering to both luxury and more affordable markets. Ruby jewelry remains timeless, appealing to those who appreciate the allure of the opaque ruby’s vibrant color and rich, deep heritage.

How to choose an opaque ruby

Opaque ruby gemstones can range broadly in price, determined primarily by the stone’s size, color, and overall quality. However, the following factors contribute significantly to the gem's cost:

Clarity and Cut: In rubies, clarity often refers to the presence of inclusions. Opaque rubies can show internal characteristics, which may lower the price as clear stones. Star rubies, which exhibit inclusions like silk causing the star effect, may be more valuable despite being opaque.

Carat Weight: Size is a key determinant of cost, as larger stones are generally more expensive due to their rarity. A blood diamond weighing 3 carats or more will attract a much higher price than a smaller one, regardless of other qualities.

Origin: Burmese rubies are among the most prized because of their renowned deep red color and historical status. Other regions producing rubies include Thailand, Africa, and Australia, which may be less valuable than Burmese but still command significant prices.

Shape: The cutting style of ruby gemstones can impact their value. Standard cuts like rounds and ovals are often cheaper than rarer shapes or the star cut, which can increase the gemstone's cost because of its unique aesthetic.

Setting: Ruby jewelry, like onyx ruby rings or pendants, can increase the overall value of the stone. Gold and platinum settings tend to add more value than silver or other less expensive materials due to the precious nature of these metals.

How to save on an opaque ruby

Avoiding common mistakes and carefully assessing the stone's characteristics and background can lead to substantial savings. Here are key pointers to consider:

Avoid Asterism: One of the most common mistakes is overlooking inclusions that create a star effect on the ruby. While asterism is highly valued in other opaque gemstones, like star sapphires, it may not be ideal in rubies which are more frequently associated with opaque nature.

Don’t Ignore Treatment: Many rubies undergo heat treatment or chemical enhancements to improve their color and clarity. While treated stones are often more affordable, untreated or natural rubies hold a higher value. If one is considering a natural ruby, it’s critical to check for enhancements, as gems labeled “diffusion treated” can sometimes be misrepresented.

Research Origin: Burmese rubies are often more expensive due to their historical significance and coveted color. However, rubies from other regions, like Africa or Thailand, may offer comparable qualities at a fraction of the cost.

Scrutinize Color: The overlap in color ranges between rubies and garnets can lead to confusion, especially when shopping in less reputable markets like flea markets. Always ensure the stone is genuine ruby rather than a red garnet, which, although beautiful, is less valuable.

Focus on Quality Over Carat: Larger opaque rubies are immensely rare and can be exorbitantly priced. A stone that weighs between 1 and 3 carats will likely be more budget-friendly while still offering the beauty and allure of a ruby.

Maintenance and repair of opaque ruby

Rubies have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, ranking second only to diamonds, and are highly resistant to normal wear. Nonetheless, basic maintenance helps keep the stone’s appearance and integrity intact. Here are key ruby care and maintenance tips:

Cleaning Methods: Ruby stones can be easily cleaned using warm water, a mild detergent, and a soft brush. This routine cleaning can be done frequently, especially when the rubies are part of regularly worn jewelry. For deeper cleans, bubbles from soapy water can help remove stubborn grime.

Harsh Chemicals: It’s crucial to avoid chemicals like bleach, acids, or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the ruby or the setting, particularly in pieces made from gold or platinum. Opaque ruby jewelry may also attract oil and dirt and may need deep cleaning more often than transparent gems.

Ultra Sonics: Opaque rubies generally withstand ultrasonic cleaning. However, it’s ideal to assess whether chemicals that come in contact with other jewelry pieces might adversely affect the ruby.

Storage: To prevent scratches or damage to both the ruby and other pieces, opaque ruby jewelry should be stored separately in soft pouches or lined compartments within a jewelry box. This will minimize the risk of contact with harder stones, like diamonds, which can mar the ruby surface if they come in direct contact.

Inspection Routine: Regular inspections of opaque ruby jewelry should be onyx quartz to determine whether any stones are loose or have sustained damage. This will help ensure that the jewelry is always in good condition for wear.

Repairs: Opaque rubies rarely require extensive repairs due to their durability. However, if the pieces are frequently exposed to harsh environments, it’s best to seek professional advice on damage or loss to the setting.

Q&A

Q&A about opaque ruby

Q1: Is ruby a birthstone for someone born in July?

A1: Yes, rubies are the July birthstone and represent love, passion, and vitality. Burmese rubies are a favored choice for energizing and harmonizing the mind and body.

Q2: What are the significant characteristics of an opaque ruby?

A2: Opaque rubies are characterized by their rich red color and lack of transparency, which often showcases inclusions. This bold hue usually results from high chromium content within the stone.

Q3: Is the ruby stone treatment common?

A3: It’s estimated that about 90% of rubies undergo heat treatment to improve their color and clarity. One of the less frequently performed treatments on rubies, compared to sapphires, is diffusion.

Q4: Are synthetic rubies considered less valuable than natural ones?

A4: Natural untreated rubies are incredibly rare and valuable. Synthetic ruby gems, although identical chemically, are typically lower in cost and consider the purpose of more affordable jewelry or industrial applications.

Q5: What is the ideal way of storing ruby jewelry?

A5: Ruby jewelry can be protected and stored separately in pouches or a lined jewelry box. Ruby gemstones are the hardest after diamonds and are prone to scratches, so special care should be taken.