unheated ruby pair 5.03cts - 10x7mm

Natural Ruby Gemstones

Ruby is one of the most famous and valuable precious gemstones in the world. Known for its intense red color and exceptional rarity, ruby has long been associated with power, wealth and luxury. In ancient India, ruby was known as the “King of Gemstones”.

At Gempiece, we offer a carefully curated collection of natural ruby gemstones sourced from trusted origins and individually photographed and recorded using macro video so buyers can see the true beauty of each stone.

Why Buy Ruby Gemstones?

Ruby is the red variety of corundum, the same mineral family as sapphire gemstones, and ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the most durable gemstones suitable for rings, pendants, earrings and heirloom jewelry.

Ruby is also the birthstone of July and traditionally associated with the 40th wedding anniversary.

Ruby Sources

Rubies are mined in several locations worldwide including Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Madagascar, Mozambique, Vietnam and Afghanistan.

Burmese rubies are especially famous for their vivid “pigeon blood” red color, while Mozambique rubies have become highly sought after in recent years.

Ruby Quality Guide

Color – The most valuable rubies display vivid red to slightly purplish red color.
Clarity – Natural inclusions are common and expected in ruby.
Cut – Well-cut rubies display strong brilliance and rich red reflections.
Carat Weight – Large rubies are extremely rare and increase significantly in value per carat.

Ruby Treatment Guide

Most rubies available in the gemstone market undergo heat treatment to enhance their color and clarity. This is a long-accepted and industry-standard practice in gemology. During this process, rubies are heated in controlled furnaces at high temperatures to improve their appearance and stability.

It is important to understand that not all ruby treatments are equal.

Some rubies in the market are lead-glass filled. These stones contain fractures that are filled with glass to improve transparency. Glass-filled rubies are significantly lower in value and durability, and Gempiece does not sell glass-filled rubies.

Another treatment sometimes seen is beryllium treatment, which alters the color of the ruby. These stones are also considered less valuable than standard heated rubies.

Untreated (unheated) rubies are extremely rare and highly valuable, making them especially desirable among collectors and investors.

Buy Ruby Gemstones Online with Confidence

Whether you are a collector or jewelry designer, you can confidently buy ruby gemstones online from our curated collection of natural loose gemstones.

Browse Ruby Collection

Want to learn more about ruby quality, treatments and history? Read our complete Ruby Gemstone Guide.

Ruby Gemstone FAQs

Is ruby a natural gemstone?

Ruby is a natural variety of the mineral corundum, valued for its vivid red color, rarity and durability.

Are rubies treated?

Most rubies are heat treated to enhance color and clarity, which is a widely accepted practice in the gemstone industry. Untreated rubies are rare and highly valuable.

Does Gempiece sell glass-filled rubies?

No. Gempiece does not sell lead glass-filled rubies. We focus only on natural rubies and clearly disclose any treatments.

Is ruby suitable for everyday jewelry?

Yes. Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely durable and perfect for rings, pendants and everyday wear.