Need help deciding diamond; ruby

[Rosiedovepink]

Hello, first I want to apologize if this is in the wrong place! It's my first time posting so please correct any of my mistakes.
I have a budget of 3000 right now for a present to myself. I am looking at three different rings and I am trying to make the best decision quality wise.
The first is an antique ruby and diamond cluster ring. It is the most expensive but also comes from a very reputable shop. It is aaround 2 carats and I am waiting on the exact measurements for the center ruby. All set in 18k white gold.
The next is a 1 carat yellow pear diamond vs clarity set in 14k yellow gold. This is the cheapest. It is preowned and I have never owned a VS clarity diamond.
The next is a 1.61 carat old mine cut diamond in 14k white gold. M in color and a I1 in clarity.
Any advice is greatly appreciated

 

[Big Fat Facets]

they are all so different.
but i like the ruby cluster ring the most.

 

[Bron357]

My preference is the Ruby ring but irrespective of how reputable the shop is, you need a lab report on the Ruby.
Rubies can be heat treated, which is totally acceptable but they can also be heat treated PLUS glass filling (Flux) and/or Beryllium treated. Rubies can also be lab grown. Even Antique Jewellery can have lab grown gems.
You can’t tell the difference between any of these by just looking at them but it makes a HUGE difference in the price.
And you don’t want to pay thousands for a gem only worth dollars.

 

[Rosiedovepink]

My preference is the Ruby ring but irrespective of how reputable the shop is, you need a lab report on the Ruby.
Rubies can be heat treated, which is totally acceptable but they can also be heat treated PLUS glass filling (Flux) and/or Beryllium treated. Rubies can also be lab grown. Even Antique Jewellery can have lab grown gems.
You can’t tell the difference between any of these by just looking at them but it makes a HUGE difference in the price.
And you don’t want to pay thousands for a gem only worth dollars.

Thank you so much! They did say that it doesnt seem to be filled and they are positive its natural.
Do I simply ask them for an appraisal?

 

[Rosiedovepink]

they are all so different.
but i like the ruby cluster ring the most.

It is my favorite but I know the least about it. The shop is sure it's natural but there is no paperwork.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

a ruby without paperwork is tricky. i believe heating is still considered natural. although, i could be mistaken. did you ask if it has been heat treated.??

Its the priciest of the 3 and your favorite. but without reports, the vendor must reduce the asking price to account for that. would it bother you if it was heat treated??

 

[Rosiedovepink]

a ruby without paperwork is tricky. i believe heating is still considered natural. although, i could be mistaken. did you ask if it has been heat treated.??

Its the priciest of the 3 and your favorite. but without reports, the vendor must reduce the asking price to account for that. would it bother you if it was heat treated??

I have asked but it's been difficult for me to get in touch with them. In fairness though it's been difficult for me to get in touch with all but the seller with the old mine cut.
No, it wouldnt bother me. As long as it wasnt filled and is actually antique I would be happy with it.

 

[motownmama]

I vote for yellow pear. Really yummy!

 

[Big Fat Facets]

the old mine is my 2nd favorite.

The ruby ring has such presence and a certain regal quality. i'd love a ring like that (but im working on something and want to close the project before diverting attention and focus elsewhere.)

I don't know how i feel about heat. must give that more thought... but you are right definitely not something filled.

 

[Rosiedovepink]

I vote for yellow pear. Really yummy!

the old mine is my 2nd favorite.

The ruby ring has such presence and a certain regal quality. i'd love a ring like that (but im working on something and want to close the project before diverting attention and focus elsewhere.)

I don't know how i feel about heat. must give that more thought... but you are right definitely not something filled.

It does and Ruby's are my favorite gemstone! I have

the old mine is my 2nd favorite.

The ruby ring has such presence and a certain regal quality. i'd love a ring like that (but im working on something and want to close the project before diverting attention and focus elsewhere.)

I don't know how i feel about heat. must give that more thought... but you are right definitely not something filled.

You're right it does! That is very understandable .
I noticed someone has returned the old mine cut ring. I'm not sure how I feel about that. It really makes me wonder why especially at such a low cost.

 

[Rosiedovepink]

I vote for yellow pear. Really yummy!

I think I accidentally quoted you in the comment above. I apologize! I started a reply and then had to do something unexpected.
It is so beautiful! I normally wouldnt pass it up but I do have a preference for antique jewelry.
I'm starting to lean toward it though. The seller seems to have a very clear description of the stone and that makes me feel more comfortable.

 

[Bron357]

Unfortunately Natural just means not grown in a lab.
Natural can also be heated and glass filled and/or BE treated.
Unless the shop selling the ring has a gemologist available, they can’t be “positive”.
Lab grown rubies are identical to natural except for tell tale growth inclusions ie curved stria, unmelted additives and gas bubbles plus an absence of any naturally occurring inclusions. You need a loupe if not a microscope to make these observations.
If the price is around $3,000 for the ring, I suspect it’s been treated.
Glass or Flux filling requires an experienced eye and a loupe. Beryillum treatment is harder to detect but if it’s had high heat (you need a microscope to see the inclusions) you can suspect BE treatment. A full lab report involves testing for any / all treatments.