Does this stone have a large window?

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm seriously considering getting a red spinal instead - with my budget I don't think I'm going to be able to find a nice ruby.

This stone is outside of my budget, but is this what I should be looking for in terms of clarity and transparency? I'm not sure about the colour - does it have a hint of pink?

storage.googleapis.com/vskstorage/i/v/2MZUH01501.mp4

that link doesn't work

 

[Avondale]

that link doesn't work

That should make it easier for everyone:

https://storage.googleapis.com/vskstorage/i/v/2MZUH01501.mp4

(I believe new accounts have their posts held for approval if they contain links now.)

 

[Avondale]

This stone is outside of my budget, but is this what I should be looking for in terms of clarity and transparency? I'm not sure about the colour - does it have a hint of pink?

Look, if you try to abide by what everyone here says, you won't be able to find a reasonably priced stone anytime soon. PSers can have very exacting standards and express their opinions very decisively but that doesn't mean a stone which is silky (for example) is necessarily a bad purchase.

When you're shopping on a budget, you'll need to make certain compromises. You'll have to decide which attributes of the stone matter most to you and where you can afford to be more lenient. Just because a certain gem has flaws doesn't mean it's not a good purchase for you.

In that sense, don't think of critical feedback as meaning not to buy a stone. Take it as people pointing out the flaws that your eye may not be experienced enough to spot by photo alone, so that you know of their existence and can make an informed decision.

For example, the stone in the video appears to have very crystalline body (good) but a very shallow cut, hence a window (bad). The crystalline body makes the gem more lively as light can freely bounce around inside it unobstructed. But on the other hand the window hinders that process because it means the light is passing straight through without being reflected, thus you lose out on a lot of sparkle.

Does that mean that this is a bad stone? No. It's just balance of merits and flaws.

For the record, on my screen it seems to lean just a bit orange. Colour perception is one more thing you have to take with a grain of salt. Different screens, different eyes.

 

[toomuchB]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm seriously considering getting a red spinal instead - with my budget I don't think I'm going to be able to find a nice ruby.

This stone is outside of my budget, but is this what I should be looking for in terms of clarity and transparency? I'm not sure about the colour - does it have a hint of pink?

storage.googleapis.com/vskstorage/i/v/2MZUH01501.mp4

Looks windowed to me. The color is nice imo if it usually looks like that and doesn't darken up (I'd want an image in less flattering light) and I don't see pink on my monitor.


This one has potential, 11k and they do 15-20% off sales sometimes. But I'd ask what that inclusion is at the bottom, might be a crack.

Special 2.06 Cart Hot Red Spinel Gem, Mahenge Material, Cushion Cut, 8.59 x 6.75 x 4.31 mm with GIA Report

Seller of high quality loose gemstones, diamonds, jewelry, findings and mountings

www.africagems.com

 

[lucyc]

What sort of pictures should I be requesting? The stones look completely different depending on the lighting and whether it is between tweezers or on the hand. If I want to see how dark a stone gets would it need to be photographed in low lighting?

I’m considering a stone that’s already set but for the life of me I cannot make out anything regarding the clarity of the stone. I’ve requested clearer pictures but to determine the real colour of a stone are outdoor or indoor photos more accurate?

 

[Avondale]

The stones look completely different depending on the lighting and whether it is between tweezers or on the hand.

Exactly.

If I want to see how dark a stone gets would it need to be photographed in low lighting?

Yep.

to determine the real colour of a stone are outdoor or indoor photos more accurate?

You need both.

What sort of pictures should I be requesting?

All of them.


Are you properly confused yet?


The simple, factual reality is that most stones will look different depending on the light they're viewed in. They'll look one way under the sun, a different way in the shade, and might even become unrecognisable under soft incandescent light in the evening.

When buying online, getting multiple images that show how the stone looks under different conditions is going to be very helpful and will allow you to build a more complete mental image of the actual stone you'll expect to receive. And even with all that, it's always going to be a little bit different because cameras and screens cannot compensate for what only the eyes can see in person.

I’m considering a stone that’s already set but for the life of me I cannot make out anything regarding the clarity of the stone.

That comes with experience. Browse around PS, look at the different stones here. Also browse IG, Etsy, try to look at as many stones as you can. When you're not certain what you're seeing - ask here, people will gladly assist. In time you'll learn to spot the signs and interpret the images.

 

[lucyc]

Will this ruby darken significantly once set? The certificate says deep red - I usually find deep red stones too dark but I don’t mind the colour in this one. It has a Bellerophon certificate - are their colour gradings more consistent than GRS?

 

[VividRed]

Will this ruby darken significantly once set? The certificate says deep red - I usually find deep red stones too dark but I don’t mind the colour in this one. It has a Bellerophon certificate - are their colour gradings more consistent than GRS?

I would say yes, it will look dark(er) once set. And it will certainly not look like it does on this picture when looked at in natural daylight. This is a tweezer picture with ideal (incandescent) light. Ask for pictures in natural daylight, it won’t get close to what you see now.

 

[lovedogs]

Will this ruby darken significantly once set? The certificate says deep red - I usually find deep red stones too dark but I don’t mind the colour in this one. It has a Bellerophon certificate - are their colour gradings more consistent than GRS?

I think this will be very dark once set

 

[lucyc]

Does this look like a ruby or a pink sapphire? The GRS certificate says pinkish red ruby but it looks more pink than red to me.

 

[VividRed]

Does this look like a ruby or a pink sapphire? The GRS certificate says pinkish red ruby but it looks more pink than red to me.

Definitely a ruby in my book I would say 60% red, which some might call magenta.

It does have a rather noticeable window though…

 

[Avondale]

Second that, this is undoubtedly a ruby. It would need to be a good deal lighter to reach the area where the pink sapphire overlap begins.

 

[toomuchB]

Agreed, it reminds me of this, AGL pink-red (ruby):

Jogani

Discover the world’s rarest gemstones and diamonds, crafted by Anup Jogani, @theraregemdealer, into extraordinary jewels for the elite collector seeking true investable rarity.

jogani.com

Compared to a AGL purplish reddish pink (not ruby):

Jogani

Discover the world’s rarest gemstones and diamonds, crafted by Anup Jogani, @theraregemdealer, into extraordinary jewels for the elite collector seeking true investable rarity.

jogani.com

 

[toomuchB]

OP, maybe this site's catalogue will help you understand what you are seeing better because there is a range of quality and prices and they all have the same photography method with videos in the listings.
You can compare the 'look' of the silky 2ct pears at 13k vs the crisper 2.14ct pear for 28k vs the several cleaner 1cts for 7-10k, and they even have a small pinkish one.
I think it would be exponentially more difficult to 'see' various qualities like silk when presented with totally different lighting situations and photography across multiple sellers.

Natural Loose Rubies For Sale | Fine Rare Ruby Gemstones

GIA gemologist selected fine loose Mozambique Ruby gemstones for sale. Looking for a fine untreated Ruby? Heat and No Heat, unheated fully certified rubies at The Rare Gemstone Company.

www.theraregemstonecompany.com

 

[toomuchB]

OP, another potential lead... but maybe not that good.
I believe (double check!) that there are positive reviews on this board for this dealer for their diamonds: https://www.instagram.com/fancycolor_diamonds/

They have fairly accessibly priced no heat rubies/other CS from time to time. Usually smaller less expensive stones.

They recently posted this one, which is 1.75ct 6.3k unheated GRS. I think its a bit dark outside of the daylight (?) videos and has a moderate window. A bit of a garnet vibe. Hence the price. I don't recommend it to you.

But, since they seem to occasionally deal with rubies at more affordable prices they may be worth contacting with budget/preferences. Your budget is much higher than 6.3k, you never know, maybe they can pull something really nice out with minor flaws that are acceptable to you, to keep the stone in-budget.

Note - their site says they DO NOT accept returns and leave the potential for exchange ambiguous (when you click on 'Returns & Exchanges' there is no reference to exchanges - only that they don't do returns), which is a problem if you can't see it in person before buying - and they are located in Hong Kong, so.... But many of the stones you've posted and asked about here seem like they come from random sellers on IG who probably don't have a great return policy anyway (just a hunch, maybe I am wrong).

 

[lucyc]

I think I may have found something that I want to buy. It’s completely crystal and eye clean and I like how it looks on the hand, but should I expect this to darken significantly once set? I plan on putting a halo of diamonds around it. Does it look slightly orange?

 

[Autumn in New England]

I think I may have found something that I want to buy. It’s completely crystal and eye clean and I like how it looks on the hand, but should I expect this to darken significantly once set? I plan on putting a halo of diamonds around it. Does it look slightly orange?

The clarity does look great indeed... it's a pretty stone. Do you know under which lighting these photos were taken? I would ask to see a video outdoors, but not in direct sun. I would expect it to be darker than these photos suggest. With regard to an orange modifier... perhaps a slight one, not too terrible. I'd worry more about the tone. I can also tell you that this guy likely won't fluoresce much. Not sure how important that is to you. A video will tell you more about the cut too. I can't tell if there's a window or not by these photos. I love the cushion shape.

 

[lucyc]

The clarity does look great indeed... it's a pretty stone. Do you know under which lighting these photos were taken? I would ask to see a video outdoors, but not in direct sun. I would expect it to be darker than these photos suggest. With regard to an orange modifier... perhaps a slight one, not too terrible. I'd worry more about the tone. I can also tell you that this guy likely won't fluoresce much. Not sure how important that is to you. A video will tell you more about the cut too. I can't tell if there's a window or not by these photos. I love the cushion shape.

This was taken outdoors, it was actually a video but I don’t seem to be able to upload videos so I took a few screenshots. I don’t think it was in direct sunlight but I will check. I’ve been told this piece doesn’t have a window but you are right - it doesn’t have any fluorescence so it’s likely to look a bit dull under certain lighting.

There was another ruby I was considering - it’s an oval and I believe the colour is brighter, this one does have fluorescence although I’m not sure how much. It’s the ruby on the left in the hand picture. It is also crystal and eye clean however the pavilion is really crooked which bothers me. The oval has a small window but I have been told it will close once set and looking at it on the ring tweezer it does seem to disappear. This one is slightly cheaper than the cushion, it’s 2.03 carats vs 2.17 for the cushion.

They are from different vendors so I haven’t been able to get comparison pictures of them together. Which do you think is the better ruby?

 

[Autumn in New England]

This was taken outdoors, it was actually a video but I don’t seem to be able to upload videos so I took a few screenshots. I don’t think it was in direct sunlight but I will check. I’ve been told this piece doesn’t have a window but you are right - it doesn’t have any fluorescence so it’s likely to look a bit dull under certain lighting.

There was another ruby I was considering - it’s an oval and I believe the colour is brighter, this one does have fluorescence although I’m not sure how much. It’s the ruby on the left in the hand picture. It is also crystal and eye clean however the pavilion is really crooked which bothers me. The oval has a small window but I have been told it will close once set and looking at it on the ring tweezer it does seem to disappear. This one is slightly cheaper than the cushion, it’s 2.03 carats vs 2.17 for the cushion.

They are from different vendors so I haven’t been able to get comparison pictures of them together. Which do you think is the better ruby?

Despite the window, I can already tell you I prefer this stone! Just make sure the photos/videos he's sending you are in daylight. Bright incandescent lighting can really enhance rubies.

 

[lucyc]

I didn't buy either of those rubies in the end, I really wanted something bigger but unfortunately a 3 carat unheated ruby is outside of my budget. I'm now deciding between a 2.17 and a 2.51. Both are around the same price and I have been told by the sellers that they are crystal and eye clean. The 2.51 has a window, it's depth is only 60%. The depth of the 2.17 is only 62% but according to the seller this one doesn't have a window. The smaller ruby has fluorescence; the 2.51 doesn't. The pavilion of the 2.17 is really off centre - should I be bothered about this? Given they are priced around the same, which is the better ruby?

The first 2 videos are of the 2.17 ruby, the last two videos are of the 2.51.

https://imgur.com/a/7G3OXWI

 

[Autumn in New England]

I didn't buy either of those rubies in the end, I really wanted something bigger but unfortunately a 3 carat unheated ruby is outside of my budget. I'm now deciding between a 2.17 and a 2.51. Both are around the same price and I have been told by the sellers that they are crystal and eye clean. The 2.51 has a window, it's depth is only 60%. The depth of the 2.17 is only 62% but according to the seller this one doesn't have a window. The smaller ruby has fluorescence; the 2.51 doesn't. The pavilion of the 2.17 is really off centre - should I be bothered about this? Given they are priced around the same, which is the better ruby?

The first 2 videos are of the 2.17 ruby, the last two videos are of the 2.51.

https://imgur.com/a/7G3OXWI

I do detect a small tilt window in the 2.17 due to the off-center pavilion. But it bothers me far less than the cut of the 2.51. I also prefer the color and fluorescence of the 2.17. Based solely on the info provided, that is the stone I'd choose. Is it certified untreated? Have you seen evidence of the fluorescence?

 

[lucyc]

I do detect a small tilt window in the 2.17 due to the off-center pavilion. But it bothers me far less than the cut of the 2.51. I also prefer the color and fluorescence of the 2.17. Based solely on the info provided, that is the stone I'd choose. Is it certified untreated? Have you seen evidence of the fluorescence?

Is the tilt window causing the darkness I can see in the tweezer video to the right of the ruby? Is it something that usually becomes less apparent once the stone is set or will there always be an area of darkness?

Both come with GRS certificates confirming that they are unheated. The 2.17 is a type 1 (front page) pigeons blood so it has fluorescence according to the certificate, but I haven't asked to see evidence of the fluorescence.

I feel like I should keep on looking, I had no idea it would take this long to find a ruby. Can anyone who has purchased a ruby recommend their vendors?

 

[Autumn in New England]

Is the tilt window causing the darkness I can see in the tweezer video to the right of the ruby? Is it something that usually becomes less apparent once the stone is set or will there always be an area of darkness?

Both come with GRS certificates confirming that they are unheated. The 2.17 is a type 1 (front page) pigeons blood so it has fluorescence according to the certificate, but I haven't asked to see evidence of the fluorescence.

I feel like I should keep on looking, I had no idea it would take this long to find a ruby. Can anyone who has purchased a ruby recommend their vendors?

I think that may be a touch of (normal) extinction, because when the facets face the light, they seem to be refracting just fine. Considering the majority of rubies are horribly cut, I actually think that cut is pretty decent. I see the window more in the hand video because of the angle at which it's being held.

Yes, the GRS cert would satisfy me in term of fluorescence, because they only list it as type 1 if there is moderate to strong fluorescence. So you're good. The second stone would not interest me.

I think the 2.17 is a nice stone... it's a little darker, more orangey than ideal, perhaps. But shooting for perfection can drive you crazy when ruby shopping.

I bought mine from a private collector, so I've never really ruby shopped in earnest. But I will always suggest Inken, though be prepared for a price tag that is commensurate with the quality and her concierge service. Personally, I don't think anyone has finer rubies for sale.

 

[toomuchB]

I feel like I should keep on looking, I had no idea it would take this long to find a ruby. Can anyone who has purchased a ruby recommend their vendors?

The issue with ruby searching is it is difficult to find one that ticks all the boxes one has predetermined. For example if we assume approx 20k budget -

This recent offering may have been a great piece for someone who wants a big (4ct), clean, predominantly ruby on a budget. But it is heated and Thai origin (if the latter matters to someone)

UNMOUNTED RUBY

Cushion-shaped ruby of 3.92 caratsSSEF, 2025, report no. 143997: 3.924 carats, Siam (Thailand), indications of heatingSize/Dimensions: 10.17 x 9.31 x 4.95 mmGross weight: 0.7 gram

onlineonly.christies.com

Or, you could find a 1ct no heat Burmese for 15-20k like this

Hancocks 1.09ct Burma Ruby and Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Set Ring For Sale at 1stDibs | size 11 finger

For Sale on 1stDibs - A beautiful platinum, ruby and diamond set ring by Hancocks, set flush to the centre with a lovely Burmese ruby weighing 1.09ct between two smaller old

www.1stdibs.com

Or, as you have tried, you may find promising African stones but they are almost always poorly cut or included/too silky. Those that are not sell quickly or are priced at a significant premium at the 2+ct weight.

Some people limit themselves to Burmese origin only and there are difficulties with that too depending on the buyer's desired specs.

So, my point is, of course it is hard to find something because you are limiting yourself. It can take a while to find one that fits specific specs, more-so than finding a nice ruby in general. Your specs are filtering out most of what is available on the market, including stones that may be nice but not in-line with one of your ideal specs.
I am very fussy so I experience a similar dilemma when hunting for any stone. But rubies are one of the most challenging.

You can choose to widen specs, use a concierge service to do some of the hard work for you at a cost or be patient and spend a while (months or years) looking. I personally enjoy the hunt but it is not for everyone. Some want something on their finger asap or have time constraints (proposal).
Personally, if I were in your shoes and getting frustrated, I would look into 1.8-1.99ct-ish stones. Being just under 2ct will still give you a 2ct look. Often, with how rubies are cut, there will be little to no face-up size difference between a 1.9ct and 2.1ct.

 

[lucyc]

The issue with ruby searching is it is difficult to find one that ticks all the boxes one has predetermined. For example if we assume approx 20k budget -

This recent offering may have been a great piece for someone who wants a big (4ct), clean, predominantly ruby on a budget. But it is heated and Thai origin (if the latter matters to someone)

UNMOUNTED RUBY

Cushion-shaped ruby of 3.92 caratsSSEF, 2025, report no. 143997: 3.924 carats, Siam (Thailand), indications of heatingSize/Dimensions: 10.17 x 9.31 x 4.95 mmGross weight: 0.7 gram

onlineonly.christies.com

Or, you could find a 1ct no heat Burmese for 15-20k like this

Hancocks 1.09ct Burma Ruby and Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Set Ring For Sale at 1stDibs | size 11 finger

For Sale on 1stDibs - A beautiful platinum, ruby and diamond set ring by Hancocks, set flush to the centre with a lovely Burmese ruby weighing 1.09ct between two smaller old

www.1stdibs.com

Or, as you have tried, you may find promising African stones but they are almost always poorly cut or included/too silky. Those that are not sell quickly or are priced at a significant premium at the 2+ct weight.

Some people limit themselves to Burmese origin only and there are difficulties with that too depending on the buyer's desired specs.

So, my point is, of course it is hard to find something because you are limiting yourself. It can take long to find one that fits specific specs, moreso than finding a nice ruby in general. Your specs are filtering out most of what is available on the market, including stones that may be nice but not in-line with one of your ideal specs.
I am very fussy so I experience a similar dilemma when hunting for any stone. But rubies are one of the most challenging.

You can choose to widen specs, use a concierge service to do some of the hard work for you at a cost or be patient and spend a while (months or years) looking. I personally enjoy the hunt but it is not for everyone. Some want something on their finger asap or have time constraints (proposal).
Personally, if I were in your shoes and getting frustrated, I would look into 1.8-1.99ct-ish stones. Being just under 2ct will still give you a 2ct look. Often, with how rubies are cut, there will be little to no face-up size difference between a 1.9ct and 2.1ct.

I think what is making it hard for me now is that I want something completely crystal with no silk. My budget was originally only 17k USD but now I’m willing to spend up to 30k but I’m still finding it hard to find suitable stones. 3 carats is out of the question but I was hoping to find something between 2.2-2.5 carats. I’m also struggling to find something that stays bright in low lighting.
I think I just need to keep on looking.

 

[toomuchB]

I think what is making it hard for me now is that I want something completely crystal with no silk. My budget was originally only 17k USD but now I’m willing to spend up to 30k but I’m still finding it hard to find suitable stones. 3 carats is out of the question but I was hoping to find something between 2.2-2.5 carats. I’m also struggling to find something that stays bright in low lighting.
I think I just need to keep on looking.

I commend your persistence and effort!
Indeed, increasing the budget is the easiest way to get closer to exactly what we want in this hobby (unfortunately!). I think at 30k it is super doable, and maybe even enough to cover a concierge service. You could tell them exactly what you are looking for - cut wise, fluorescence, bright in low light etc and see what can be sourced. For example, here's a 2ct crystal clear Mozambique stone sourced by Inken.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[lucyc]

I commend your persistence and effort!
Indeed, increasing the budget is the easiest way to get closer to exactly what we want in this hobby (unfortunately!). I think at 30k it is super doable, and maybe even enough to cover a concierge service. For example, here's a 2ct crystal clear Mozambique stone sourced by Inken.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

I did reach out to Inken - she offered me a pinkish red ruby for 27k. It was a bit too pink for me. She said I was looking at 50k if we stayed below 3 carats (I wanted an oval around 9x7mm) so unfortunately that’s out of the question. I’m now only looking at stones closer to 2 carats but it probably will be a few more months of hunting before I find anything at this rate.

 

[toomuchB]

I did reach out to Inken - she offered me a pinkish red ruby for 27k. It was a bit too pink for me. She said I was looking at 50k if we stayed below 3 carats (I wanted an oval around 9x7mm) so unfortunately that’s out of the question. I’m now only looking at stones closer to 2 carats but it probably will be a few more months of hunting before I find anything at this rate.

Oh I see. Crazy how prices have risen. That is a shame. I'll keep an eye out.

 

[Avondale]

I think what is making it hard for me now is that I want something completely crystal with no silk.

Reading that my thought immediately jumps to spinel. You want spinel. That's where you get the crystal look. The silk is what makes ruby special, and wanting to be free of it is not only difficult to achieve because silk is so often an inherent quality of corundum, but also a bit counterintuitive, as silk is what makes the most valuable rubies and sapphires so special. It's what gives them their signature glow that you simply can't quite find in other varieties of gemstones.

 

[toomuchB]

Reading that my thought immediately jumps to spinel. You want spinel. That's where you get the crystal look. The silk is what makes ruby special, and wanting to be free of it is not only difficult to achieve because silk is so often an inherent quality of corundum, but also a bit counterintuitive, as silk is what makes the most valuable rubies and sapphires so special. It's what gives them their signature glow that you simply can't quite find in other varieties of gemstones.

Agreed, while you can find crystal clear rubies, a touch of silk is considered ideal. In fact the most expensive rubies sold both African and Burmese have just enough silk. Meanwhile, spinel is ideal when crystal clear (and more often crystal clear than ruby).

OP did consider some spinels before and I think I linked a potential candidate, so perhaps she made up her mind on ruby. It is more well known, more prestigious, etc. Personal preference and all that.

With a 30k budget, if I had the time I would probably take a trip to Bangkok and see rubies and spinels for myself. But I live closer to Bangkok than OP might.

edit-Can't help myself - spinel eye candy from a recent auction and a 30ct cushion cut from Yavorskyy's IG