Advice please

[Biondi]

Hi there, I have a large rubi ring that my grandmother bought my grandfather as their wedding anniversary about 25 years ago, sadly they both passed away and now we don't know who is going to keep the ring between me and my 3 cousins, I was wondering if it was possible to get the rubi stone cut into smaller pieces and make individual rings or necklaces out of it? I'm aware that the rubi would loose its value but for us it would be more valuable if we all got a tiny piece each if that makes sense? Would I have to go to a jeweller's or somewhere else? Also how expensive would it be to get this done... If it is possible. Thank You

 

[Bron357]

Firstly you should have the stone examined by a proper gemologist to determine what it is exactly. A lot of older big stones are actually synthetics. They were very popular for their lovely colours, good durability and economical price point. That said, I don’t know if that would be possible or practicable. Mainly because cutting means part is turned “to dust” to achieve the new stone. For eg a 12 carat stone cut into 4 pieces won’t be 3 carats each, more like between 1 and 2 carat each. The cost of cutting could be expensive and that’s not what a jeweler can do, only a gem cutter can cut gems. The jeweler will be the one who then sets the gems into a pendant or ring. Each setting (aside from cutting costs) is likely to be a few hundred dollars each.
And if it is a natural ruby it would be almost sacrilegious to chop it into 4 tiny pieces. A big, good quality ruby could be worth tens of thousands of dollars. In that case it would make more sense to sell the ring and each buy or have made a new pendant or ring in her memory, choosing perhaps her birthstone and having it engraved.

 

[rockysalamander]

I agree with @Bron357 . Large "rubies" often are spinel or garnet, if natural stones at all.

 

[LuvTheGlitter]

I agree with Bron, please don’t cut apart a larger stone. It would be a shame (they’re rare) and a large loss of money for you.

 

[tyty333]

Double ditto Bron357...even if you can "chop" it up into 4 stones does not mean you should...these things are rare. The earth has only made so many
of these large rubies. If it is a ruby it would make more since to sell it and use the money to buy something new for the 4 of you to remember them by.
Perhaps you could each find your own smaller ruby that reminds you of the bigger stone.