Last Updated on June 29, 2022
Rubies and diamonds are two of the most valuable and coveted gemstones in the world, but how do they stack up?
If you’re thinking about buying an exciting engagement ring, you should understand the various distinctions between the two sparkling stones. Both of these vintage-inspired beauties have a candlelit glamor that appeals to everyone.
On the one hand, the bright hue of rubies makes them attractive, gem-quality corundum (aluminum oxide). On the other hand, diamonds are so adored that they have been nicknamed girl’s best friend.
This will come in handy if you’re looking to buy a present for someone else or for yourself.
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Ruby Vs. Diamond: Understanding The Differences
Most of the time, transparent and colorless diamonds are used. Such diamonds will reflect passed light in all directions as you turn them, gleaming in innumerable ways and drawing your attention to you with each movement.
You’ve probably heard people refer to colored diamonds as “fancy diamonds,” which is a marketing gimmick that refers to colored diamonds. Such stones are dyed due to interstitial impurities and structural flaws, giving them their color.
Brown diamonds can be found in the market as well. They’re frequently marketed as ‘cognac diamonds’ or ‘coca-cola diamonds,’ implying gems with little commercial value before. Because they were previously used only as an abrasive, black diamonds fall into this category.
The color of a ruby is one of the most important aspects to consider when determining its value. When evaluating the color of a ruby, look at its hue, tone, and saturation.
The best rubies will have a deep, brilliant crimson color, known as pigeon blood red in the market. However, this does not imply that rubies with other hues – such as pink or orange – aren’t lovely.
Cut Size
The measurement of a gemstone’s cut is determined by its form, from overall dimensions to symmetry and everything in between.
Rubies are cut into a variety of shapes, unlike diamond the form of the cut is determined by the stone’s formation. It has nothing to do with enhancing brightness and fire.
When cutting rubies and sapphires, gem cutters seek to maximize light return, hue, carat weight, and inclusion. That implies a high-quality cut may help reveal the true radiance of a ruby.
Rubies are usually seen in non-round forms, such as oval, pear, cushion, and marquise cuts.
Average Cost
The natural ruby from Burma, which has a crimson color and a 1.5-carat weight, costs between $7000 and $7200. The red ruby is another costly choice that costs over $50,000. This one is also red with a 5.0-carat weight and has the same hue as the preceding one.
Round rubies created in a laboratory cost less than $1000 and are ideal for those on a budget. The majority of these rubies are still corundum, with a lovely pinky-red tint.
Most lab-created rubies are 6.5 mm in diameter, which is comparable to a 1.5 carat gem.
Natural and certified diamonds are generally more costly than lab-grown diamonds. A little diamond that is 2.88 mm in diameter, for example, will cost you $8000 or more. This is a less expensive choice with a pinky-red hue and an orange undercurrent.
A GIA-certified, color-enhanced, fancy red diamond with slightly over a carat may sell for more than $20,000. Another color-enhanced, GIA-certified natural marquise diamond with 5.0 carats will set you back up to $70,000.
Is a Ruby Harder Than a Diamond?
Rubies and diamonds are distinct in a variety of ways, but they have one thing in common: their exceptional hardness.
The Moh’s scale is a method of ranking the hardness of minerals. It establishes scratch resistance as the ability of a material to be scratched. Diamonds get a perfect 10, with rubies coming in at 9.
If you look up the Moh’s scale, you will not find a mineral called “Ruby” on it. Ruby comes from the mineral conundrum, which is also the source of sapphires. As a result, both gemstones have an equal hardness level, although diamonds are somewhat harder than both.
Despite their toughness, these stones are not completely unbreakable. Both can be chipped and scratched, and an impact at the correct angle may even shatter them.
If the stone is on a ring, it’s more likely to get hit inadvertently. As a result, it’s critical to follow proper jewelry care methods on a frequent basis, as well as having your precious gems examined by an expert once every few months or so.
