Antique Synthetic Ruby

[LondonRuby]

Hi everyone,

I hope you can give me some advice as you all seem very knowledgeable. I am after a ruby ring but prefer a larger stone, and an antique stall had a solitaire ruby in 18ct gold before the lockdown. It is most probably synthetic or verneuil ( but recognised as a ruby by the presidium tester ) of 3 carats for £800 (equivalent to $950, I would think). It had a lovely colour. I took the seller's business card and am pondering it, even though I would never usually consider a man-made stone. But in this case, I prefer a statement ring to the smaller natural rubies I could afford.

But I have a feeling it is way overpriced - they said there is a market for antique synthetic rubies, which are sought after by collectors. But what I would really be buying would be a 18ct god shank with a man-made stone which probably isn't worth much.

What do you think?

Thank you.

 

[Bron357]

Synthetic rubies are chemically the same as natural rubies so they test the same on a Presidum gem tester.
There is no “money” in synthetic gems as such and it’s not really possible to tell if one is 80 years old or made yesterday.
The value will be in the gold weight and the fact it’s a ring.
Certainly beautifully made antique rings are worth a good price for the workmanship but unless you are totally in love with the ring because it’s unique and antique I’d say pass.The price is way too high for a man made gem simply set in a gold mount.
There are plenty of lab gemstones sold on Etsy and eBay for well under $100, plenty of vendors also sell ring settings and a Jeweller can easily set your gem.

 

[LondonRuby]

Thank you so much, Bron357, that's really great to know. I did fall in love with the ring but in these times, it's not a good reason to spend money I can't afford! So I will pass on it and will save to buy a natural ruby at some time in the future.