is one of the most historically significant of all colored gemstones and can command the highest per-carat price of all others. As a symbol of passion, ruby makes an ideal romantic gift. Consumers are drawn to the lush color because it also signifies wealth and success.

Ruby is of the gem species Corundum; the same as sapphire. What makes a ruby a ruby is it's red color...not orange, not pink, simply red. The finest ruby has a pure, vibrant, red-to-slightly-purplish hue. Medium to medium-dark tones are preferred, too dark and it has a negative effect on brilliance; too light and it is considered a pink sapphire even with high saturation levels. A red sapphire is actually a gem of the Corundum species that starts out with a different color, which, after lattice diffusion treatment, becomes red. Despite its red color, such a gemstone is not considered a ruby. Likewise an orange or pink Corundum gemstone is not a ruby, it is either an orange or pink sapphire.

The term Burmese originally referred to rubies from the Mogok region in what is now Myanmar. The term Burmese color has been used to indicate the finest-quality stones, regardless of origin. The finest Burmese rubies posses a red to slightly purplish red hue, with vivid saturation and medium-dark tone.

Rubies are always expected to have at least some inclusions. Inclusion free rubies are practically nonexistent. Inclusions can have a positive or negative effect. For one, they can help distinguish a treated or synthetic ruby from an untreated, natural one. The presence of rutile silk adds softness to the color and spreads the color more evenly across the ruby's crown. Rubies from Myanmar "Burmese" often display this admired, sought after characteristic.

Almost all rubies today are heat-treated. This helps to develop or intensify the color, and in some cases, can help improve clarity. The trade typically accepts heat treatment to enhance the color of Corundum. Large, top-quality rubies that don't require heat treatment to improve their color are extremely rare and command much higher prices than their treated counterparts. Always assume a ruby has been heat-treated unless you have an independent lab report that states otherwise.

While the trade generally accepts heating, some other ruby treatments, such as dyeing with colored oils and filling small surface fissures with epoxies, aren't as well received. Some forms of clarity enhancement, like fracture filling, have caused controversy in the ruby market. These treatments, which often go undisclosed to buyers, are not permanent and require special care. For high priced, valuable rubies always demand an independent lab report that discloses all treatments.

Synthetic Rubies and imitations such as glass or doublets are often passed on to the public as the "real deal". Certified Graduate Gemologists are highly trained professionals able to determine the difference between these imposters and most treatments. When making an investment in any gemstone, you can't put a price on peace of mind.