help with ruby

[dia154]

hi. i'm trying to pick out a ruby with a certain budget. i found 2 on james allen but i'm not sure which one to go with. both are oval cut but one is deeper than the other. which once would be the better choice. i put the links down below. thank you!

1.04 Carat Oval Ruby

This 1.04 Oval Ruby is sold exclusively by James Allen

www.jamesallen.com

1.00 Carat Oval Ruby

This 1.00 Oval Ruby is sold exclusively by James Allen

www.jamesallen.com

 

[VividRed]

I am sorry to say that they will both look dull and lifeless. At this price range, there is no such thing as a pretty looking 1ct+ ruby.

Either up budget 10 times or look at spinel. I recommend spinel, better value

 

[lovedogs]

Definitely not either of these. What is your budget, and do you need a ruby or are you open to other red stones?

 

[pokerface]

I will post what I've said about James Allen before: James Allen says their stones are heated but not fractured filled. IMO I believe this marketing is extremely deceptive because it sounds like they are being forthright, but actually, their stones are likely HIGH HEAT, BERYLLIUM-treated or DIFFUSED gems without proper disclosure. Just because a sapphire/ruby isn't fractured filled doesn't mean it is valuable. A ruby would need to be marked as UNTREATED or LOW-HEAT ONLY with a reputable lab report in order to be priced and marketed as a quality item. Beryllium treatment is not the same as fracture filling, but beryllium-treated gems are worth tens of dollars, not thousands of dollars. If OP is open to various treatments, similar stones are available on ebay for pennies. In this price range, a nice lab ruby might be the best option.

 

[JSG2185]

I’m pretty new here so I’m sure the pros will be of better help, but here’s my two cents:

Both rubies look dull . There are other beautiful stones that come in the color red like spinal, rubellite, and garnet …perhaps some of these might be in your budget and look spectacular!

 

[dia154]

i tried to do some research to know what to look for but it gets overwhelming. thank you guys for your help.

 

[lovedogs]

i tried to do some research to know what to look for but it gets overwhelming. thank you guys for your help.

If you give us your budget we can likely help you! Are you open to lab grown stones?

 

[Autumn in New England]

Hello @dia154 and welcome to the forum! Definitely let the ladies (and gents) here know your max budget. They are quite literally the best bling sleuths around, and will point you in the right direction. In any event, speaking strictly in terms of the stones you linked, they're very much on par with their corresponding price-points. They will be a deeper red and mostly opaque. So you likely won't see much in the way of luster or scintillation in either of these stones. But that's rubies for you... they're one of the most cost-prohibitive gems out there in the finer qualities. I must also agree with @pokerface that the JA designation "heated" likely pertains to some fracture-filling as well. Naturally, I can't be sure, but that's something you can ask them. If that's the case (or BE diffusion is also involved, as pokerface pointed out), then you'd need to decide if you're ok with that level of enhancement. But listen, enjoy the hunt. That's half the fun!

 

[dia154]

Hello @dia154 and welcome to the forum! Definitely let the ladies (and gents) here know your max budget. They are quite literally the best bling sleuths around, and will point you in the right direction. In any event, speaking strictly in terms of the stones you linked, they're very much on par with their corresponding price-points. They will be a deeper red and mostly opaque. So you likely won't see much in the way of luster or scintillation in either of these stones. But that's rubies for you... they're one of the most cost-prohibitive gems out there in the finer qualities. I must also agree with @pokerface that the JA designation "heated" likely pertains to some fracture-filling as well. Naturally, I can't be sure, but that's something you can ask them. If that's the case (or BE diffusion is also involved, as pokerface pointed out), then you'd need to decide if you're ok with that level of enhancement. But listen, enjoy the hunt. That's half the fun!

thank you so much. i got a little discouraged because i'm trying my best to learn about rubies. i want to get a ruby from a place that can also do the setting. i have purchased 2 diamond rings from james allen and i love the quality. i guess i can move my ruby budget up to $1000 just for the stone.

 

[Autumn in New England]

thank you so much. i got a little discouraged because i'm trying my best to learn about rubies. i want to get a ruby from a place that can also do the setting. i have purchased 2 diamond rings from james allen and i love the quality. i guess i can move my ruby budget up to $1000 just for the stone.

I understand, honey... we've all been there! Remember, this should be a fun experience. So, yes, doubling you're budget will certainly up your chances of a successful purchase. I did want to reiterate some of the other comments here first though. Do you have your heart set on a ruby? Or might you be interested in a spinel, rubellite (tourmaline), or garnet? You'll get a lot more bang for your buck, have to worry less about treatments, and still be in the red family of natural gems.

 

[Autumn in New England]

@mellowyellowgirl Show OP how a rubellite rolls! lol

 

[dia154]

i would really like a ruby and i think i have my heart set on that. i just got a sapphire ring that is coming in tomorrow and then i plan on purchasing an emerald. that's why my budget isnt that high. i would love to get a $10,000 ruby ring but thats not in the budget lol.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Have you tried Starlanka?

Fine Quality Burma Ruby Natural Unheated Pigeon's Blood Ruby

Experience the charm of fine-quality Burma Ruby gemstones, prized for their natural, unheated Pigeon's Blood hue. Discover their exquisite allure.

www.starlanka.com

I've worked with them on two projects and they are fabulous. Perhaps they can help you find a ruby making use of the best of your budget.

I originally wanted another ruby but it was so cost prohibitive in terms of size I opted for rubellite instead

I've enclosed two pics for you. I do understand where you're coming from though and it is very hard to switch once you've had your heart set on something.

Ruby vs Rubellite


Rubellite


Rubellite


Ruby

 

[Autumn in New England]

Have you tried Starlanka?

Fine Quality Burma Ruby Natural Unheated Pigeon's Blood Ruby

Experience the charm of fine-quality Burma Ruby gemstones, prized for their natural, unheated Pigeon's Blood hue. Discover their exquisite allure.

www.starlanka.com

I've worked with them on two projects and they are fabulous. Perhaps they can help you find a ruby making use of the best of your budget.

I originally wanted another ruby but it was so cost prohibitive in terms of size I opted for rubellite instead

I've enclosed two pics for you. I do understand where you're coming from though and it is very hard to switch once you've had your heart set on something.

Ruby vs Rubellite


Rubellite


Rubellite


Ruby

Difficult to argue with that! Good suggestion with starlanka, as well!!

 

[Autumn in New England]

i would really like a ruby and i think i have my heart set on that. i just got a sapphire ring that is coming in tomorrow and then i plan on purchasing an emerald. that's why my budget isnt that high. i would love to get a $10,000 ruby ring but thats not in the budget lol.

Sounds like you're growing quite the collection! We all have differing budgets here, so no worries. If you're comfortable with JA, then maybe take a look at their rubies in the $1,000 range. I also like mellow's idea of checking out starlanka. A lot of PSers have had good luck with them.

 

[lovedogs]

Sounds like you're growing quite the collection! We all have differing budgets here, so no worries. If you're comfortable with JA, then maybe take a look at their rubies in the $1,000 range. I also like mellow's idea of checking out starlanka. A lot of PSers have had good luck with them.

I would truly avoid JA for rubies and other colored stones. Starlanka or other vendors who have a track record w these stones would be significantly better

 

[dia154]

thank you all for the suggestions. i'm checking out other vendors