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GIA Certified 8.25 Carat Oval Ruby
GIA Certified 8.25 Carat Oval Ruby

GIA Certified 8.25 Carat Oval Ruby

Located in LA, CA

8.25 carats Oval Ruby 15.25 x 11.82 x 4.36 mm GIA #2221208088 Ruby is the most famous and well

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 3.46 Carat Round Ruby
GIA Certified 3.46 Carat Round Ruby

GIA Certified 3.46 Carat Round Ruby

Located in LA, CA

3.46 carats Round Ruby 8.08 - 8.24 x 5.85 mm GIA #2225208017 The above 3.46ct Round blood-red Ruby

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 2.3ct Octagonal Burma Ruby
GIA Certified 2.3ct Octagonal Burma Ruby

GIA Certified 2.3ct Octagonal Burma Ruby

Located in LA, CA

most sought-after ruby gemstone is this 2.3ct Octagonal shaped Burmese ruby. These rubies are

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 2.06 Carat Round Ruby
GIA Certified 2.06 Carat Round Ruby

GIA Certified 2.06 Carat Round Ruby

Located in LA, CA

2.06 carats Round Ruby 7.61 - 7.68 x 4.20 mm GIA #2225208024 The corundum family of minerals

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

5 carat Pigeons Blood Red Ruby
5 carat Pigeons Blood Red Ruby

5 carat Pigeons Blood Red Ruby

Located in London, GB

This 5 Carat Unheated Mozambican Ruby is a desirable and unique gemstone with multiple positive

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

3.12Ct Oval No Heat Ruby
3.12Ct Oval No Heat Ruby

3.12Ct Oval No Heat Ruby

Unavailable|$50,550

3.12Ct Oval No Heat Ruby

Located in New York, NY

A CDC certified lively red, Mozambique none treated oval ruby. This stone is VERY saturated and

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

AGL Certified 1.29 Carat Oval Shape Ruby
AGL Certified 1.29 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

AGL Certified 1.29 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

Located in LA, CA

1.29ct Oval Cut Ruby Dimension - 7.1x5.1x3.47 AGL# GB 1081338 #R-129 Ruby is unlike any other

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 1.96 Carat Oval Shape Ruby
GIA Certified 1.96 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

GIA Certified 1.96 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

Located in LA, CA

GIA 1.96ct Oval Shape RUBY 8.8x5.9x4.1mm GIA #2211344845 The most renowned and storied red gemstone

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

AGL Certified 1.12 Carat Pear Shape Ruby
AGL Certified 1.12 Carat Pear Shape Ruby

AGL Certified 1.12 Carat Pear Shape Ruby

Located in LA, CA

1.12ct Ruby-AGL Pear Cut AGL# GB 1081333 7.75 x 5.27 x 3.39 #R-803 Ruby is a fantastic gemstone for

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 10.42 Carat Oval Shape Ruby
GIA Certified 10.42 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

GIA Certified 10.42 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

Located in LA, CA

10.42 carats Oval Shape Ruby 17.33 x 11.30 x 5.64 mm GIA # 2223412554 Ruby is the most famous and

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 2.22 Carat Oval Natural Ruby
GIA Certified 2.22 Carat Oval Natural Ruby

GIA Certified 2.22 Carat Oval Natural Ruby

Located in LA, CA

gemstone and one that stands out for its vibrant colour is the ruby. This tiny fragment of 2.22ct oval

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 2.01ct Oval Shape Natural Ruby
GIA Certified 2.01ct Oval Shape Natural Ruby

GIA Certified 2.01ct Oval Shape Natural Ruby

Located in LA, CA

2.01 carats Oval Natural Ruby 8.71 x 7.23 x 3.73 mm GIA #2225314340 Rubies are among the most

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

8 carat pair of natural mozambique rubies
8 carat pair of natural mozambique rubies

8 carat pair of natural mozambique rubies

Located in London, GB

This pair of natural rubies from Mozambique of pigeons blood red colour will make a super addition

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 3.30 Carat Natural Cushion Ruby
GIA Certified 3.30 Carat Natural Cushion Ruby

GIA Certified 3.30 Carat Natural Cushion Ruby

Located in LA, CA

GIA Certified 3.30ct Natural Ruby Cushion 9.12x8.74x4.32mm GIA #5222578830 Rubies in a cushion

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 7.55 Carat Oval Shape Ruby
GIA Certified 7.55 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

GIA Certified 7.55 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

Located in LA, CA

stunning gemstones prized for their deep red color, toughness, and rarity. First of all, rubies are thought

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 13.13 Carat Oval Shape Ruby
GIA Certified 13.13 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

GIA Certified 13.13 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

Located in LA, CA

13.13 carats Oval Shape Ruby 17.65 x 13.42 x 5.65 mm GIA # 1226412573 A ruby with an oval shape is

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 12.81 Carat Oval Shape Ruby
GIA Certified 12.81 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

GIA Certified 12.81 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

Located in LA, CA

GIA Certified 12.81 carats Oval Shape Ruby 15.52 x 12.24 x 7.10 mm GIA #5221851184 #R259 The 12.81

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

18.72 carat oval cabochon cut Ruby
18.72 carat oval cabochon cut Ruby

18.72 carat oval cabochon cut Ruby

Located in Ciudad De México, MX

Sapphire Loose Gemstones 18.72 Carat Oval cabochon cut Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.6 x 10.3 mm We

Category

2010s Unknown Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 9.67 Carat Oval Shape Ruby
GIA Certified 9.67 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

GIA Certified 9.67 Carat Oval Shape Ruby

Located in LA, CA

GIA-certified oval ruby is a stunning and expensive gemstone that would be a wonderful addition to any

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

5ct Unheated Mozambican 'Pigeons Blood' Ruby
5ct Unheated Mozambican 'Pigeons Blood' Ruby

5ct Unheated Mozambican 'Pigeons Blood' Ruby

Located in London, GB

This 5.03ct unheated certified 'Pigeons Blood' Red Ruby is a gemstone of very high and fine quality

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

AGL Certified 1.22 Carat Round Shape Ruby
AGL Certified 1.22 Carat Round Shape Ruby

AGL Certified 1.22 Carat Round Shape Ruby

Located in LA, CA

AGL 1.22ct Round Shape Ruby 6.41 x 6.29 x 3.87 AGL #GB 1081335 #R-219 One of the most well-liked

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 2.74ct Oval Shape Natural Ruby
GIA Certified 2.74ct Oval Shape Natural Ruby

GIA Certified 2.74ct Oval Shape Natural Ruby

Located in LA, CA

2.74 carats Oval Natural Ruby 9.02 x 7.09 x 4.60 mm GIA #2221314283 One type of the corundum

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

5 carat Unheated Pigeon Blood Ruby
5 carat Unheated Pigeon Blood Ruby

5 carat Unheated Pigeon Blood Ruby

Located in London, GB

A stunning 5 carat unheated pigeon blood ruby. This gorgeous ruby from Mozambique is full of

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

2 carat unheated pigeons blood pearshape burmese ruby
2 carat unheated pigeons blood pearshape burmese ruby

2 carat unheated pigeons blood pearshape burmese ruby

Located in London, GB

This pearshape unheated burmese ruby of pigeons blood red colour is a superior gemstone in every

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

2ct Pigeons Blood Burmese Ruby - Unheated
2ct Pigeons Blood Burmese Ruby - Unheated

2ct Pigeons Blood Burmese Ruby - Unheated

Located in London, GB

This Beautiful unheated Burmese 'Pigeon Blood' red ruby is the perfect stone for anyone looking to

Category

2010s Burmese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 2.18 Carat Oval Shape Natural Ruby
GIA Certified 2.18 Carat Oval Shape Natural Ruby

GIA Certified 2.18 Carat Oval Shape Natural Ruby

Located in LA, CA

storied red gemstone, ruby is distinguished by its vivid red hue. The hardness, durability, luster, and

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 11.35 Carat Pear Shape Cabuchon Ruby
GIA Certified 11.35 Carat Pear Shape Cabuchon Ruby

GIA Certified 11.35 Carat Pear Shape Cabuchon Ruby

Located in LA, CA

11.35 carats Pear Shape Ruby Cabuchon 15.27 x 11.49 x 7.12 mm GIA #2225282492 The Latin word "ruber

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 6.03 Carat Pear Shape Cabuchon Ruby
GIA Certified 6.03 Carat Pear Shape Cabuchon Ruby

GIA Certified 6.03 Carat Pear Shape Cabuchon Ruby

Located in LA, CA

expensive gemstones, rubies are known as the "King of Precious Stones." This gem is renowned for restoring

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 2.03 Carat Octagonal Shape Ruby
GIA Certified 2.03 Carat Octagonal Shape Ruby

GIA Certified 2.03 Carat Octagonal Shape Ruby

Located in LA, CA

2.03 carats Octagonal Shape Ruby 8.51 x 5.03 x 4.06 mm GIA # 2223413741 The octagonal shape of

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 2.17 Carat Oval Shape Natural Ruby
GIA Certified 2.17 Carat Oval Shape Natural Ruby

GIA Certified 2.17 Carat Oval Shape Natural Ruby

Located in LA, CA

2.17 carats Oval Natural Ruby 9.80 x 5.86 x 3.85 mm GIA # 2223314294 Because it is an old gemstone

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 1.42ct Oval Kashmiri No Heat Ruby
GIA Certified 1.42ct Oval Kashmiri No Heat Ruby

GIA Certified 1.42ct Oval Kashmiri No Heat Ruby

Located in LA, CA

KASHMIR NO HEAT GIA 1.42ct Ruby oval cut 8.03x5.40x3.53 GIA #6197118484 #GIAKash-5 The color of

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 3.55 Carat Oval Shape Burma Ruby
GIA Certified 3.55 Carat Oval Shape Burma Ruby

GIA Certified 3.55 Carat Oval Shape Burma Ruby

Located in LA, CA

3.55ct Oval Shape Burma Ruby 9.61x7.45x4.85 mm GIA #5192276487 One of the most valuable variations

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 2.05ct Pear Shape Natural Burma Ruby
GIA Certified 2.05ct Pear Shape Natural Burma Ruby

GIA Certified 2.05ct Pear Shape Natural Burma Ruby

Located in LA, CA

2.05ct Pear Shape Natural Burma Ruby 6.60 x 5.77 x 2.92 mm to 6.41 x 5.56 x 3.54 mm GIA #2205449998

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 0.83 Carat Octagonal Natural Burma Ruby
GIA Certified 0.83 Carat Octagonal Natural Burma Ruby

GIA Certified 0.83 Carat Octagonal Natural Burma Ruby

Located in LA, CA

0.83ct Octagonal Shape Pigeon's Blood Natural Burma Ruby 6.99 x 3.93 x 2.67 mm GIA #1206450041 #B3

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 2.72 Carat Octagonal Natural Burma Ruby
GIA Certified 2.72 Carat Octagonal Natural Burma Ruby

GIA Certified 2.72 Carat Octagonal Natural Burma Ruby

Located in LA, CA

2.72ct Octagonal Shape Natural Burma Ruby 10.42 x 5.74 x 3.99 mm GIA #2205450039 The 2.72ct

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

3.50 carat 'Pigeons Blood' Red Burmese Ruby - Unheated
3.50 carat 'Pigeons Blood' Red Burmese Ruby - Unheated

3.50 carat 'Pigeons Blood' Red Burmese Ruby - Unheated

Located in London, GB

This 3.50ct+ unheated Burmese Ruby is certified as 'Pigeons Blood' Red by the GRS. This stone

Category

2010s Burmese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 9.09 Carat No Heat Round Shape Natural Star Ruby
GIA Certified 9.09 Carat No Heat Round Shape Natural Star Ruby

GIA Certified 9.09 Carat No Heat Round Shape Natural Star Ruby

Located in LA, CA

beauty, the round shape is a traditional cut for gemstones. This ruby, which weighs 9.09 carats, is a

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby, Star Ruby

Rare Burma 2.54CT Natural Ruby Unheated Burmese
Rare Burma 2.54CT Natural Ruby Unheated Burmese

Rare Burma 2.54CT Natural Ruby Unheated Burmese

Located in Miami, FL

This rare Burmese ruby, totaling 2.54 carats, is a stunning gemstone in its natural and unheated

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Burma 3.06CT Natural Ruby Unheated Burmese
Rare Burma 3.06CT Natural Ruby Unheated Burmese

Rare Burma 3.06CT Natural Ruby Unheated Burmese

Located in Miami, FL

This rare Burmese Ruby, weighing 3.06 carats, is a stunning gemstone with a beautiful oval shape

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 25.96ct No Heat Oval Shape Star Ruby
GIA Certified 25.96ct No Heat Oval Shape Star Ruby

GIA Certified 25.96ct No Heat Oval Shape Star Ruby

Located in LA, CA

GIA Certified 25.96ct No Heat Star Ruby Oval 16.93 x 14.74 x 9.23mm GIA #6223818266 When a three

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

Gübelin Certified 3.62 ct Ruby – Outstanding 90.8 Score
Gübelin Certified 3.62 ct Ruby – Outstanding 90.8 Score

Gübelin Certified 3.62 ct Ruby – Outstanding 90.8 Score

Located in Chatuchak, TH

This is a Gübelin Certified 3.62 ct Natural Ruby, awarded an Outstanding Quality Score of 90.8

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 3.58 Carat Cushion Burma No Heat Ruby
GIA Certified 3.58 Carat Cushion Burma No Heat Ruby

GIA Certified 3.58 Carat Cushion Burma No Heat Ruby

Located in LA, CA

3.58 carats Cushion Burma No Heat Ruby 8.94 x 8.91 x 4.79 mm GIA #5222214578 One of the most

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 2.09 Carat Ruby No Heat GIA #1226288594
GIA Certified 2.09 Carat Ruby No Heat GIA #1226288594

GIA Certified 2.09 Carat Ruby No Heat GIA #1226288594

Located in LA, CA

GIA Certified 2.09ct Oval Shape Ruby No Heat 7.77x5.95x5.03mm GIA #1226288594

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GRS Certified 4.15 Carat Ruby ( Oval Shape)
GRS Certified 4.15 Carat Ruby ( Oval Shape)

GRS Certified 4.15 Carat Ruby ( Oval Shape)

Located in New York, NY

Natural Ruby No Heated Deep Red Oval Shape Origin From Mozambique

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GRS Certified 4.11 Carats Ruby Cushion Shape
GRS Certified 4.11 Carats Ruby Cushion Shape

GRS Certified 4.11 Carats Ruby Cushion Shape

Located in New York, NY

Natural Ruby Cushion Shape Heated Vivid to Deep Red Origin From Mozambique

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

474.11 Ct Natural Purplish Red Ruby Certified by GWLabs
474.11 Ct Natural Purplish Red Ruby Certified by GWLabs

474.11 Ct Natural Purplish Red Ruby Certified by GWLabs

By House of R&D

Located in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv District

One of a king 474.11ct Natural Ruby. Color: Purplish Red GW Color: 28_08_7_4 Origin Of Color

Category

2010s African Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GIA Certified 10.10 Carat Modified Shield Step Cut Ruby
GIA Certified 10.10 Carat Modified Shield Step Cut Ruby

GIA Certified 10.10 Carat Modified Shield Step Cut Ruby

Located in LA, CA

10.10 carats Modified Sheild Step Cut Ruby 17.06 x 11.30 x 5.13 mm GIA #6224208090 Ruby is one

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GRS Prestigious Platinum Awarded 7.05 ct Pigeon Blood Ruby
GRS Prestigious Platinum Awarded 7.05 ct Pigeon Blood Ruby

GRS Prestigious Platinum Awarded 7.05 ct Pigeon Blood Ruby

Located in Chatuchak, TH

gemstone was spared from thermal enhancement. The combination of very good attributes that this ruby

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GRS Certified Pigeon Blood 3.02 Carat Natural Unheated Mozambique Ruby
GRS Certified Pigeon Blood 3.02 Carat Natural Unheated Mozambique Ruby

GRS Certified Pigeon Blood 3.02 Carat Natural Unheated Mozambique Ruby

Located in London, GB

proud member of the London Diamond Bourse, dedicated to ethical diamond and gemstone trading. LOOSE

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GRS Certified Pigeon Blood 2.32 Carat Natural Unheated Mozambique Ruby
GRS Certified Pigeon Blood 2.32 Carat Natural Unheated Mozambique Ruby

GRS Certified Pigeon Blood 2.32 Carat Natural Unheated Mozambique Ruby

Located in London, GB

. LOOSE STONE TRADING We are a diamond and gemstone wholesaler that only deals with natural gemstones

Category

2010s Mozambican Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

A Pair of 1 Carat Unheated Burmese 'Pigeons Blood' Rubies
A Pair of 1 Carat Unheated Burmese 'Pigeons Blood' Rubies

A Pair of 1 Carat Unheated Burmese 'Pigeons Blood' Rubies

Located in London, GB

A fine pair of 1 carat each 'Pigeons Blood' unheated rubies. These Cushion cut rubies are

Category

2010s Burmese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

1.42 Cts AIGS Certified Pigeon Blood Ruby Mozambique AAA Grade
1.42 Cts AIGS Certified Pigeon Blood Ruby Mozambique AAA Grade

1.42 Cts AIGS Certified Pigeon Blood Ruby Mozambique AAA Grade

Located in บางรัก, TH

A certified Pigeon Blood Ruby from Mozambique is a rare and highly prized gemstone known for its

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GRS Certified 4.14 Carats Ruby ( No Heated) Oval Shape
GRS Certified 4.14 Carats Ruby ( No Heated) Oval Shape

GRS Certified 4.14 Carats Ruby ( No Heated) Oval Shape

Located in New York, NY

Natural Ruby No Heated Deep Red Oval Shape Origin From Mozambique

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mozambican Artisan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

CDC Certified 5.25 Carat Ruby - Round ( Pair ) Heated ( Madagascar )
CDC Certified 5.25 Carat Ruby - Round ( Pair ) Heated ( Madagascar )

CDC Certified 5.25 Carat Ruby - Round ( Pair ) Heated ( Madagascar )

Located in New York, NY

Ruby ( Natural Corundum) Intense Red Round Shape ( Pair ) Heated Origin From Madagascar.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GRS SWISS LAB Certified 2.89 Carat RUBY (BURMA) Un heat
GRS SWISS LAB Certified 2.89 Carat RUBY (BURMA) Un heat

GRS SWISS LAB Certified 2.89 Carat RUBY (BURMA) Un heat

Located in Taipei, TW

clarity1 . Burma ruby is one of the most expensive types of color gemstones on the market. The prices of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Loose Gemstones

Materials

Ruby

GRS Certified 1.01 Cts Fine Grade Natural Unheated Red Ruby Excellent Luster
GRS Certified 1.01 Cts Fine Grade Natural Unheated Red Ruby Excellent Luster

GRS Certified 1.01 Cts Fine Grade Natural Unheated Red Ruby Excellent Luster

Located in บางรัก, TH

investment or personal enjoyment, these rubies are a testament to the beauty and allure of natural gemstones.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary 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.