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1.51ct Cushion Red Ruby Unheated
1.51ct Cushion Red Ruby Unheated

1.51ct Cushion Red Ruby Unheated

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.51 cts Measurements: 7.90x5.20x3.40 mm

Category

2010s Tanzanian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

0.97ct Oval Red Ruby Unheated
0.97ct Oval Red Ruby Unheated

0.97ct Oval Red Ruby Unheated

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.97 cts Measurements: 6.30x5.30x5.30 mm

Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.01ct Oval Red Ruby Unheated
1.01ct Oval Red Ruby Unheated

1.01ct Oval Red Ruby Unheated

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.01 cts Measurements: 6.60x5.00x3.20 mm

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

0.78 ct Oval Ruby Burma
0.78 ct Oval Ruby Burma

0.78 ct Oval Ruby Burma

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.78 cts Measurements: 5.73x4.63x3.30 mm

Category

2010s Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Ruby Oval Pair Unheated – 2.96 ct
Ruby Oval Pair Unheated – 2.96 ct

Ruby Oval Pair Unheated – 2.96 ct

Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10

This matching pair of oval-cut unheated rubies, with a combined weight of 2.96 carats, displays a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

2.37 Carat Natural Unheated Ruby, Round Cut
2.37 Carat Natural Unheated Ruby, Round Cut

2.37 Carat Natural Unheated Ruby, Round Cut

Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10

valuable characteristic in the world of fine gemstones. Untreated rubies retain their natural formation

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

4.21ct Oval Red Ruby from Vietnam
4.21ct Oval Red Ruby from Vietnam

4.21ct Oval Red Ruby from Vietnam

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 4.21 cts Measurements: 10.64 x 8.41 x

Category

2010s Vietnamese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

11 Ruby Heart Cabochons Cts 9.17
11 Ruby Heart Cabochons Cts 9.17

11 Ruby Heart Cabochons Cts 9.17

Located in Hong Kong, HK

A symbol of love and passion, these 11 ruby heart-shaped cabochons radiate a deep, fiery red hue

Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.53ct Round Red Ruby GIA Certified Madagascar
1.53ct Round Red Ruby GIA Certified Madagascar

1.53ct Round Red Ruby GIA Certified Madagascar

Located in Toronto, Ontario

This is a stunning GIA Certified Ruby The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number

Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified No Heat Cushion Ruby
GIA Certified No Heat Cushion Ruby

GIA Certified No Heat Cushion Ruby

Located in Great Neck, NY

GIA Certified Cushion Ruby 1.36 cts (7.25x6.80x3.00) mm NO HEAT

Category

2010s Unknown Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Exceptional 1.10 carats Unheated Ruby - Swiss Certified
Exceptional 1.10 carats Unheated Ruby - Swiss Certified

Exceptional 1.10 carats Unheated Ruby - Swiss Certified

Located in London, GB

This exceptional, untreated and stunningly beautiful 1.10 carats red ruby originates from

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.06ct Round Red Ruby GIA Certified Madagascar
1.06ct Round Red Ruby GIA Certified Madagascar

1.06ct Round Red Ruby GIA Certified Madagascar

Located in Toronto, Ontario

This is a stunning GIA Certified Ruby The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number

Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GFCO Certified 3.63 Carats Untreated Mozambique  Ruby
GFCO Certified 3.63 Carats Untreated Mozambique  Ruby

GFCO Certified 3.63 Carats Untreated Mozambique Ruby

Located in New Delhi, Delhi

A very stunning GFCO certified natural Untreated Ruby from Mozambique, in oval cut, of 3,63 carats

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

2.7ct Oval Red Ruby from Vietnam
2.7ct Oval Red Ruby from Vietnam

2.7ct Oval Red Ruby from Vietnam

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.7 cts Measurements: 10.69 x 6.30 x 4.19

Category

2010s Vietnamese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

9.2mmx7mm Oval ruby pair natural and untreated
9.2mmx7mm Oval ruby pair natural and untreated

9.2mmx7mm Oval ruby pair natural and untreated

Located in Jupiter, FL

Rare matching pair of rubies, untreated and certified. NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): NATURAL RUBY Clarity

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Natural Unheated Red Mozambique Gemstone 1.24 carats with GIA Report
Natural Unheated Red Mozambique Gemstone 1.24 carats with GIA Report

Natural Unheated Red Mozambique Gemstone 1.24 carats with GIA Report

Located in Los Angeles, CA

nature, this Unheated Mozambique Ruby stands as an appealing and valuable gemstone, suitable for diverse

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Guild Certified 2.91 Carat Unheated Burmese Ruby
Guild Certified 2.91 Carat Unheated Burmese Ruby

Guild Certified 2.91 Carat Unheated Burmese Ruby

Located in Peshawar, PK

Natural Loose Ruby Weight: 2.91 Carat Dimension: 9.27 x 7.45 x 4.31 Mm Colour: Vivid Purplish

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby, Other

GRA Certified Natural Ruby 6.50 Ct Emerald Cut No Heat
GRA Certified Natural Ruby 6.50 Ct Emerald Cut No Heat

GRA Certified Natural Ruby 6.50 Ct Emerald Cut No Heat

Located in Temse, BE

belongs to the corundum family, one of the most valued gemstone groups in the world. Rubies are admired

Category

2010s Afghan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.23ct Emerald Cut Red Ruby Unheated
1.23ct Emerald Cut Red Ruby Unheated

1.23ct Emerald Cut Red Ruby Unheated

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.23 cts Measurements: 8.50x4.50x2.50 mm

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

2.03 carat Unheated Mozambique Ruby Ethically Sourced
2.03 carat Unheated Mozambique Ruby Ethically Sourced

2.03 carat Unheated Mozambique Ruby Ethically Sourced

Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10

Unheated 2.03 carats Mozambique ruby elongated cushion, a perfect size for a ring or a pendant to

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

6.10 Ct Pair No heated Burma Ruby Mogok mine
6.10 Ct Pair No heated Burma Ruby Mogok mine

6.10 Ct Pair No heated Burma Ruby Mogok mine

Located in bangkok, TH

GG17: 6.10ct Pair Unheated Burma ruby Mogok mine * commercial quality fine clarity nearly eye

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.34ct Cushion Purplish Red Ruby GIA Certified Unheated
1.34ct Cushion Purplish Red Ruby GIA Certified Unheated

1.34ct Cushion Purplish Red Ruby GIA Certified Unheated

Located in Toronto, Ontario

This is a stunning GIA Certified Ruby The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

0.84ct Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique
0.84ct Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique

0.84ct Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.84 cts Measurements: 6.96 x 5.02 x 2.66

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

0.87ct Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique
0.87ct Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique

0.87ct Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.87 cts Measurements: 6.84 x 4.71 x 2.66

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified Natural Star Ruby 14.88 Carat Form Vietnam
GIA Certified Natural Star Ruby 14.88 Carat Form Vietnam

GIA Certified Natural Star Ruby 14.88 Carat Form Vietnam

Located in บางรัก, TH

🌟 Unlock Celestial Beauty — Vietnam Star Ruby with Asterism 🌟 Witness the wonder of nature and

Category

2010s Vietnamese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby, Star Ruby

7 Flower Ruby Round Carving Cts 15.23
7 Flower Ruby Round Carving Cts 15.23

7 Flower Ruby Round Carving Cts 15.23

Located in Hong Kong, HK

Featuring 7 exquisite ruby flower carvings (15.23 cts, no heat). Sourced from Myanmar, these

Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Royal Antwerp Gem Natural Ruby Cabochon Parcel 2.93 Ct Certified
Royal Antwerp Gem Natural Ruby Cabochon Parcel 2.93 Ct Certified

Royal Antwerp Gem Natural Ruby Cabochon Parcel 2.93 Ct Certified

Located in Temse, BE

gemstone collections. Cabochon rubies are appreciated for their soft glow, vivid body color, and classic

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Royal Antwerp Gem Natural Ruby Cabochon Parcel 3.84 Ct Certified
Royal Antwerp Gem Natural Ruby Cabochon Parcel 3.84 Ct Certified

Royal Antwerp Gem Natural Ruby Cabochon Parcel 3.84 Ct Certified

Located in Temse, BE

manufacturing, designer rings, earrings, bracelets, or gemstone collection purposes. Cabochon rubies are

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified No Heat Cushion Ruby
GIA Certified No Heat Cushion Ruby

GIA Certified No Heat Cushion Ruby

Located in Great Neck, NY

GIA Certified No Heat Ruby Cushion Shape 1.23 cts (7.55x6.06x2.61) mm

Category

2010s American Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Beautiful, Untreated 1.17ct Pinkish-Red Ruby - Swiss Certified
Beautiful, Untreated 1.17ct Pinkish-Red Ruby - Swiss Certified

Beautiful, Untreated 1.17ct Pinkish-Red Ruby - Swiss Certified

Located in London, GB

This beautiful 1.17 carats Pinkish-Red ruby originates from Mozambique, one of the leading modern

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.17ct Pair Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique
1.17ct Pair Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique

1.17ct Pair Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 2 Weight: 1.17 cts (0.57ct/0.60ct) Measurements

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

3.36ct Oval Red Ruby GIA Certified Mozambique
3.36ct Oval Red Ruby GIA Certified Mozambique

3.36ct Oval Red Ruby GIA Certified Mozambique

Located in Toronto, Ontario

This is a stunning GIA Certified Ruby The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

2 Burmese Oval-Shaped Rubies Cts 1.65
2 Burmese Oval-Shaped Rubies Cts 1.65

2 Burmese Oval-Shaped Rubies Cts 1.65

Located in Hong Kong, HK

Two captivating oval-shaped rubies, weighing a total of 1.65 carats, are ready to be transformed

Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Gubelin Certificate 5.18 Ct No heated Burma Ruby
Gubelin Certificate 5.18 Ct No heated Burma Ruby

Gubelin Certificate 5.18 Ct No heated Burma Ruby

Located in bangkok, TH

GG15: Gubelin Certificate Bumra ruby No heated Main Stone Weight: 5.18ct Name: Natural Ruby

Category

2010s Burmese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Rare ruby oval cabochon pair matching pair 8.8mm
Rare ruby oval cabochon pair matching pair 8.8mm

Rare ruby oval cabochon pair matching pair 8.8mm

Located in Jupiter, FL

Rare matching pair of rubies, untreated and certified. NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): NATURAL RUBY Clarity

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

2 Hexagon-Shaped Ruby Carvings Cts 17.47
2 Hexagon-Shaped Ruby Carvings Cts 17.47

2 Hexagon-Shaped Ruby Carvings Cts 17.47

Located in Hong Kong, HK

more than just gemstones—they're works of art. With a total weight of 17.47 carats, these rubies

Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.33ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair
1.33ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair

1.33ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 2 Weight: 1.33 cts Measurements: 5.73 x 5.39 x 2.76

Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.41ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair
1.41ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair

1.41ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 2 Weight: 1.41 cts Measurements: 6.22 x 4.85 x 2.84

Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.47ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair
1.47ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair

1.47ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 2 Weight: 1.47 cts Measurements: 6.38 x 4.99 x 2.57

Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.33ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair
1.33ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair

1.33ct Pear Red Ruby from Thailand Pair

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 2 Weight: 1.33 cts Measurements: 6.23 x 5.20 x 2.57

Category

2010s Thai Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Royal Antwerp Gem Madagascar Ruby 1.39 Ct Oval Cut Certified
Royal Antwerp Gem Madagascar Ruby 1.39 Ct Oval Cut Certified

Royal Antwerp Gem Madagascar Ruby 1.39 Ct Oval Cut Certified

Located in Temse, BE

luxurious presentation suitable for jewelry or gemstone collections. Ruby belongs to the corundum family

Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald Cabochons Cts 39.54
Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald Cabochons Cts 39.54

Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald Cabochons Cts 39.54

Located in Hong Kong, HK

This exquisite collection of 80 sapphire, ruby, and emerald cabochons, totaling 39.54 carats

Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire

Unheated Mozambique Ruby 2.35 carats certified by GUILD
Unheated Mozambique Ruby 2.35 carats certified by GUILD

Unheated Mozambique Ruby 2.35 carats certified by GUILD

Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10

Unheated 2.35 carats Mozambique pear shaped ruby, a perfect size for a engagement ring or a special

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.05 cts, Certified unheaat faceted pigeon blood ruby
1.05 cts, Certified unheaat faceted pigeon blood ruby

1.05 cts, Certified unheaat faceted pigeon blood ruby

Located in บางรัก, TH

Certified unheaat faceted pigeon blood ruby sku672 Weight: 1.05 cts Size: 9.02х4.37х2.92 mm Color

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Emerald Natural Diamond 1.60ct F/VS1 Loose GIA XX $2000 Credit, Inscription
GIA Emerald Natural Diamond 1.60ct F/VS1 Loose GIA XX $2000 Credit, Inscription

GIA Emerald Natural Diamond 1.60ct F/VS1 Loose GIA XX $2000 Credit, Inscription

By GIA

Located in San Diego, CA

Exquisite loose 1.60ct emerald-cut diamond certified by GIA with laser inscription number

Category

2010s American Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond, Alexandrite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond...

Exceptional Untreated 2.03 carat Pigeon's Blood Ruby (Swiss Certified)
Exceptional Untreated 2.03 carat Pigeon's Blood Ruby (Swiss Certified)

Exceptional Untreated 2.03 carat Pigeon's Blood Ruby (Swiss Certified)

Located in London, GB

This exceptional, untreated and stunningly beautiful 2.03 carat pigeon's blood ruby originates from

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Exceptional Untreated 1.51 carats Vivid Red Ruby - Swiss Certified
Exceptional Untreated 1.51 carats Vivid Red Ruby - Swiss Certified

Exceptional Untreated 1.51 carats Vivid Red Ruby - Swiss Certified

Located in London, GB

This exceptional, untreated and stunningly beautiful 1.51 carats Pigeon's Blood red ruby originates

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Exceptional, Untreated 1.56 carat Pigeon's Blood Ruby - Swiss Certified
Exceptional, Untreated 1.56 carat Pigeon's Blood Ruby - Swiss Certified

Exceptional, Untreated 1.56 carat Pigeon's Blood Ruby - Swiss Certified

Located in London, GB

This exceptional, untreated and stunningly beautiful pigeon's blood ruby originates from Mozambique

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.76ct Pair Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique
1.76ct Pair Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique

1.76ct Pair Oval Red Ruby from Mozambique

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Description: Gem Type: Ruby Number of Stones: 2 Weight: 1.76 cts (0.99ct and 0.77ct) Measurements

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GRA Certified Natural Ruby 0.88 Ct Pear Cut Antwerpen stock
GRA Certified Natural Ruby 0.88 Ct Pear Cut Antwerpen stock

GRA Certified Natural Ruby 0.88 Ct Pear Cut Antwerpen stock

Located in Temse, BE

, making it ideal for fine jewelry or gemstone collections. Rubies belong to the prestigious corundum

Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Exceptional Untreated 1.53 carats Vibrant Red Ruby (Swiss Certified)
Exceptional Untreated 1.53 carats Vibrant Red Ruby (Swiss Certified)

Exceptional Untreated 1.53 carats Vibrant Red Ruby (Swiss Certified)

Located in London, GB

This exceptional, untreated and stunningly beautiful 1.53 carats Vibrant Red Ruby originates from

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Royal Antwerp Gem GRA Certified Natural Ruby 0.88 Ct Cushion Cut
Royal Antwerp Gem GRA Certified Natural Ruby 0.88 Ct Cushion Cut

Royal Antwerp Gem GRA Certified Natural Ruby 0.88 Ct Cushion Cut

Located in Temse, BE

eye. ⸻ ⸻ SPECIFICATIONS -Gemstone: Natural Corundum (Ruby) -Weight: 0.88 ct -Shape / Cut: Cushion

Category

2010s Afghan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Exceptional Untreated 2.15 carat Pigeon's Bloody Ruby - Swiss Certified
Exceptional Untreated 2.15 carat Pigeon's Bloody Ruby - Swiss Certified

Exceptional Untreated 2.15 carat Pigeon's Bloody Ruby - Swiss Certified

Located in London, GB

This exceptional, untreated and stunningly beautiful 2.15 carat Pigeon's Blood ruby originates from

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Highly Exceptional Untreated 1.10carats Pigeon's Blood Ruby, Swiss Certified
Highly Exceptional Untreated 1.10carats Pigeon's Blood Ruby, Swiss Certified

Highly Exceptional Untreated 1.10carats Pigeon's Blood Ruby, Swiss Certified

Located in London, GB

This exceptional, untreated and stunningly beautiful 1.10 carats Pigeon's Blood Ruby originates

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

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Loose Ruby Gemstone For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact loose ruby gemstone you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from 18k Gold, Gold and Platinum — can elevate any look. For this particular piece, 1.5 Carat and 2 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic loose ruby gemstone over the years, but those made by Merkaba, Sarosi By Timeless Gems and Tamir are often thought to be among the most beautiful. See these pages for an oval cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cushion cut cut and emerald cut cut versions available here, too. Finding a loose ruby gemstone for sale for men should be easy, but there are 10 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as women, too.

How Much is a Loose Ruby Gemstone?

The price for a loose ruby gemstone starts at $9,500 and tops out at $200,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $40,700.

The Legacy of Ruby in Jewelry Design

This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.

Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.

Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.

Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.

When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.

According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.

Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Loose Gemstones for You

Are you shopping for diamonds and other loose gemstones to create your own custom jewelry? 

Why might you purchase a diamond or gemstone “loose” — that is, on its own, not mounted in a piece of jewelry? Perhaps you’re a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment. The scarcity of high-quality colored diamonds, for instance, especially pink diamonds, means that their value increases over time; the same is true of rare Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies. Far rarer than diamonds, Paraiba tourmaline, discovered only in the 1980s, is treasured as much for its extraordinary color as its scarcity, both of which contribute to its high value.

A more common scenario would be that you’re hoping to create a very special piece of custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring or a milestone-birthday present, and want to personally select the most beautiful, unusual, or ultra-rare stone you can find and afford. Doing so adds to the romance and substance of the gift and can be a part of the story told as the jewel is passed from generation to generation.

If this sounds like you, read on for tips on becoming one of the world’s savviest gem hunters.

Educate yourself: When buying any piece of gem-set fine jewelry, you should familiarize yourself with the factors that determine a stone’s price. This will enable you to streamline your search for the perfect gem and have intelligent, productive conversations with sellers.

There is a wealth of information online, such as our diamond-buying guide and this overview of colored gemstones for engagement rings. The buying guides of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), searchable by stone type, are also a widely trusted source for consumers venturing into the world of diamonds and gems for the first time.

Vet your vendor: If you peruse 1stDibs with any regularity, you know there is no shortage of vendors who deal in top-quality loose gemstones. (Read about our vetted sellers.) Finding a trustworthy, established dealer may be as easy as getting a recommendation from friends or family. And, although it may sound obvious, it pays to Google your candidates — and consult customer reviews — before making contact.

Harakh Mehta, designer and founder of the Mumbai, India–based fine-jewelry brand Harakh, has an innate understanding of proper client relations, especially when the customer is in unfamiliar territory. “Start chatting with the dealer, get to know them better," he says. "It’s very important to establish a comfort level. We never push a sale, as we want it to be a carefully considered purchase. So, if the client is not in a rush, we do it over a few virtual meetings or phone calls.”

Request documentation: The best dealers go to great lengths to furnish clients with documents verifying the quality rating, natural origin and provenance of a stone — showing, for example, that loose emerald hails from the famous Muzo mine in Colombia — and disclosing any treatments applied to enhance its appearance. (And who doesn't love emerald jewelry? The most valuable emeralds are the ones that have a deep bluish-green to true green color and no visible inclusions.)

If no grading report is available for a stone you are interested in, the dealer should be able to provide an authenticity document, such as an appraisal or info sheet, that has been signed by an in-house gemologist or professional appraiser. Google those names, too, for extra peace of mind.

Ask for videos and visuals: When transacting with a gem dealer online, you should always request real-time videos and photographs, since professional photos of a stone, usually on a white background, have likely been retouched for optimal presentation.

Read more about how to buy loose gemstones and find your dream gems today on 1stDibs.

Questions About Loose Ruby Gemstone
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To sell a loose ruby, you have a few options. You can have the stone evaluated by a licensed appraiser and then find a buyer in your local area. Another option is to work with a jeweler or auction house. Alternatively, you can list the gem on a reputable online platform. Shop a variety of loose gems on 1stDibs.