Burmese ruby opinions

[Sydneyphoenix]

So the vendor will refund you in full if the gem chips or breaks apart? Not likely.
Feathers are crystalline imperfections and if surface reaching there is the potential for shearing. If it was in a pendant it would be ok, but the price is too high for a flawed ruby, but definitely not a ring.

To be fair on him, he’s offering 50% off original listing price (40% site-wide discount, 50% offer by viewing an item several times) and quite candid about the surface-reaching “features”, but yeah, heck of money for a flawed ruby. Knowing me I will look at nothing but that surface-reaching fissure when I look at that ruby. Was this close to pulling the trigger, like everything else about it. If I can find a ruby with similar characteristics but >1.01ct (don’t need 1.5 or 2ct but won’t say no!) for a comparable price…

GIA & GRS Certified BURMESE Ruby 1.53 Ct. Natural Untreated PIGEON'S BLOOD RED | eBay

Other localities that yield fine-quality pigeon blood red rubies include Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Pigeon blood red is the most sought-after color in rubies, surpassed by no other.

www.ebay.com.au

 

[Bron357]

To be fair on him, he’s offering 50% off original listing price (40% site-wide discount, 50% offer by viewing an item several times) and quite candid about the surface-reaching “features”, but yeah, heck of money for a flawed ruby. Knowing me I will look at nothing but that surface-reaching fissure when I look at that ruby. Was this close to pulling the trigger, like everything else about it. If I can find a ruby with similar characteristics but >1.01ct (don’t need 1.5 or 2ct but won’t say no!) for a comparable price…

GIA & GRS Certified BURMESE Ruby 1.53 Ct. Natural Untreated PIGEON'S BLOOD RED | eBay

Other localities that yield fine-quality pigeon blood red rubies include Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Pigeon blood red is the most sought-after color in rubies, surpassed by no other.

www.ebay.com.au

For the price, as a pendant, it’s not too bad but I think it will be deep in colour and rather “flat” looking. Possibly because it’s fairly heavy with silk. It’s also doesn’t seem to be showing much fluorescence in outdoor light.
Maybe it’s necessary to spend more, go smaller or consider heated?

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

For the price, as a pendant, it’s not too bad but I think it will be deep in colour and rather “flat” looking. Possibly because it’s fairly heavy with silk. It’s also doesn’t seem to be showing much fluorescence in outdoor light.
Maybe it’s necessary to spend more, go smaller or consider heated?

Thank you for your observations. Supposedly have strong fluorescence but you are right, apparently not that obvious fluorescence on video. The vendor is also dressing silk as velvety appearance.

I am happy to spend more than this stone’s (50% discount) price and go smaller (as long as at least 1.01ct) but don’t want heated, already have one and probably will get rid of it soon.

 

[Dreamer_D]

FYI for that vendor offer 70% off listed.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

FYI for that vendor offer 70% off listed.

Obviously I’m not a good negotiator, but not buying that stone anymore.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Obviously I’m not a good negotiator, but not buying that stone anymore.

lol. Maybe it varies by stone but that is the mark down some others reported with them.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

If anything, this one is a better value than 1.53ct hexagonal with surface-reaching fissure…just not pigeon-blood red. For anyone interested (not me)…

GIA, GRS & IGI Certified BURMA Ruby 2.51 Ct. Natural Unheated PIGEON'S BLOOD RED | eBay

Burma (Myanmar). Other localities that yield fine-quality pigeon blood red rubies include Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Mined in Burma | Certified by GIA, GRS & IGI.

www.ebay.com.au

 

[Bron357]

If anything, this one is a better value than 1.53ct hexagonal with surface-reaching fissure…just not pigeon-blood red. For anyone interested (not me)…

GIA, GRS & IGI Certified BURMA Ruby 2.51 Ct. Natural Unheated PIGEON'S BLOOD RED | eBay

Burma (Myanmar). Other localities that yield fine-quality pigeon blood red rubies include Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Mined in Burma | Certified by GIA, GRS & IGI.

www.ebay.com.au

The problem I have with colour labels is that I’ve seen rubies that are definitely not the same tone and hue yet all were called “pigeon blood red”. I think only AGL gives you the spectrum analysis that can be reliably consistent. That said, I’m not sure why the colour label “pigeon blood red” is so important. Surely what you like to see and prefer should be your purchase driver not an apparently arbitrary colour label? I get why location and treatment level matters, but the current stuff out of Burma is pretty “average” and there’s Madagascar rubies that are much better yet people cling to a Burma origin as if nowhere else exists. It’s true, old stock Burmese rubies are magnificent with their tone and hue and astonishing fluorescence but to ignore Madagascar material seems a bit short sighted.
The same applies to Kashmir sapphire. Current mined gems are nothing like the revered material from the late 1880s through to when the source dried up, it’s those rare, intriguing and magnificent sapphires that are worth the money, not the origin yet if you can say “Kashmir” ching ching $$$$$$.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

lol. Maybe it varies by stone but that is the mark down some others reported with them.

Thevendor is not budging, not accepting any offer of more than 50% discount ah well.

I just sent a message to Inken at Enhoerning jewellery to enquire about a possible ruby gem search.

 

[Crimson]

Just FYI I saw this on TSC Gems Instagram. I don’t know what the price is, but it is just over 1 ct, GRS pigeon blood red, and from Burma. There are more photos in the post.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

Upon further searching, came across this Burmese ruby at the natural ruby company, certified by GIA as vivid red, probably better colour than average GRS pigeon-blood red. Only problem? Comes under 1ct, at 0.83ct.

Aside from the low weight, what do you think about colour and clarity, I personally love the colour and don’t see any distracting inclusions, especially no surface-reaching fissures on video. Just get this 0.83ct and conclude my ruby journey for now? Or are rubies under 1ct virtually worthless? Weight is my omly reservation on this stone at the moment.

Loose Ruby - Cushion 0.83 Ct. - #R13556 | The Natural Ruby Company

One beautiful transparent GIA certified Vivid Red 0.83 carat cushion shape red ruby with dimensions of 5.19 x 5.08 x 3.14 mm. It has a mixed brilliant cut, and a clarity grade of slightly included (evaluated at eye level), vivid color intensity, and an excellent polish. The origin of this ruby...

thenaturalrubycompany.com

 

[Rfisher]

Upon further searching, came across this Burmese ruby at the natural ruby company, certified by GIA as vivid red, probably better colour than average GRS pigeon-blood red. Only problem? Comes under 1ct, at 0.83ct.

Aside from the low weight, what do you think about colour and clarity, I personally love the colour and don’t see any distracting inclusions, especially no surface-reaching fissures on video. Just get this 0.83ct and conclude my ruby journey for now? Or are rubies under 1ct virtually worthless? Weight is my omly reservation on this stone at the moment.

Loose Ruby - Cushion 0.83 Ct. - #R13556 | The Natural Ruby Company

One beautiful transparent GIA certified Vivid Red 0.83 carat cushion shape red ruby with dimensions of 5.19 x 5.08 x 3.14 mm. It has a mixed brilliant cut, and a clarity grade of slightly included (evaluated at eye level), vivid color intensity, and an excellent polish. The origin of this ruby...

thenaturalrubycompany.com

Are you wanting to have it as a specimen or are you wanting to set it?

Also - if it’s worthless? That’s a heavy handed question. It depends on what you are wanting to tag ‘worth’ on.

If you are wanting to set it - I think what setting you envision weighs heavily on if the face up size matters. Plus - one thing I really like about TNSC is that they give their scan report up front with the schematic. Look at that girdle side view. Imagine the prong placements and concessions to keep the table facet level vs the prongs level.

Either way - the company routinely runs sales so there’s a discount baked into listing price, and are typically great about additional pictures, and a solid return policy.

 

[autumngems]

Looking at the various ruby videos on the Starruby ebay listings, they all look to have scratches or surface reaching features if you look closely.

 

[Mrsz1ppy]

Upon further searching, came across this Burmese ruby at the natural ruby company, certified by GIA as vivid red, probably better colour than average GRS pigeon-blood red. Only problem? Comes under 1ct, at 0.83ct.

Aside from the low weight, what do you think about colour and clarity, I personally love the colour and don’t see any distracting inclusions, especially no surface-reaching fissures on video. Just get this 0.83ct and conclude my ruby journey for now? Or are rubies under 1ct virtually worthless? Weight is my omly reservation on this stone at the moment.

Loose Ruby - Cushion 0.83 Ct. - #R13556 | The Natural Ruby Company

One beautiful transparent GIA certified Vivid Red 0.83 carat cushion shape red ruby with dimensions of 5.19 x 5.08 x 3.14 mm. It has a mixed brilliant cut, and a clarity grade of slightly included (evaluated at eye level), vivid color intensity, and an excellent polish. The origin of this ruby...

thenaturalrubycompany.com

There is a premium to 1+ carat stones. Under that weight are not worthless, and I have rubies under the magic bar, but I try to stay above it. Still, if I loved the color etc I might go ahead, but only if I thought the price reflected the under 1 carat price per carat.

 

[VividRed]

I find it a tad dark and brownish, not lively. It also seems to have a cloud of silky material in the centre.

I don’t think this will scratch your itch but you would need to see it in person.

 

[Bron357]

No natural untreated ruby is worthless, it’s just there are big price jumps at certain carat weight. 1 carat being the first, then there’s a big jump at 2 carats and at 5 carats it’s sell your house and at 10 carats plus, sell everything including your first born and soul.
I agree with @VividRed it seems rather dark and lacking vividness.
I also remember someone saying the Natural Sapphire Company who is also the Natural Ruby Company was a bit shady in years gone by. Maybe that’s before but I wouldn’t be paying a premium price on an “in-house” lab report. I’d be wanting an independent lab report to confirm no heat.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

Are you wanting to have it as a specimen or are you wanting to set it?

Also - if it’s worthless? That’s a heavy handed question. It depends on what you are wanting to tag ‘worth’ on.

If you are wanting to set it - I think what setting you envision weighs heavily on if the face up size matters. Plus - one thing I really like about TNSC is that they give their scan report up front with the schematic. Look at that girdle side view. Imagine the prong placements and concessions to keep the table facet level vs the prongs level.

Either way - the company routinely runs sales so there’s a discount baked into listing price, and are typically great about additional pictures, and a solid return policy.

I haven’t decided yet on whether to set it, but for now happy to enjoy it as a specimen. As for its worth, they are asking US$6799/carat, so at 0.83ct, want $5643.
Thank you for your advice about the company doing sales often, I can wait until there is Christmas sales on.

There is a premium to 1+ carat stones. Under that weight are not worthless, and I have rubies under the magic bar, but I try to stay above it. Still, if I loved the color etc I might go ahead, but only if I thought the price reflected the under 1 carat price per carat.

Would you say this kind of ruby-0.83ct unheated Burmese with GIA certificate saying vivid red-rightly command US$6799/ct? It’s certainly within the budget, I don’t mind it being just under 1ct myself for enjoying it, just wonder what market value would be like. I can wait until the Christmas sales for a slight price drop, fingers crossed someone doesn’t nab it before then.

I find it a tad dark and brownish, not lively. It also seems to have a cloud of silky material in the centre.

I don’t think this will scratch your itch but you would need to see it in person.

Thank you. These are kind of second-eye advice I need. Interesting you say not very lively, it’s one of the more lively stones I’ve seen, wonder what high colour grade AGL rubies are like in terms of vividness and liveliness…

No natural untreated ruby is worthless, it’s just there are big price jumps at certain carat weight. 1 carat being the first, then there’s a big jump at 2 carats and at 5 carats it’s sell your house and at 10 carats plus, sell everything including your first born and soul.
I agree with @VividRed it seems rather dark and lacking vividness.
I also remember someone saying the Natural Sapphire Company who is also the Natural Ruby Company was a bit shady in years gone by. Maybe that’s before but I wouldn’t be paying a premium price on an “in-house” lab report. I’d be wanting an independent lab report to confirm no heat.

Thank you for your advice about colour quality.
So flip side, someone with unrealistic budget might as well settle for near or sub-1ct (0.83t in this case, near enough for me) in terms of dimensions with decent quality if they don’t want to break the bank and don’t want to pay premium for >1ct? The vendor wants $6799/ct so $5643 for the stone, wonder if it’s a fair price, hopefully a bit of price drop with Christmas sales.
Thank you for your warning on the vendor, I am communicating with them directly to clarify a couple of things, will see if they appear kosher. This stone comes with GIA report saying it’s Burmese unheated Vivid red/pigeon blood red, wouldn’t touch it without a reputable lab report, you guys taught me that.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

Looking at the various ruby videos on the Starruby ebay listings, they all look to have scratches or surface reaching features if you look closely.

Some of them definitely do, especially slightly included upward per their in-house assessment. Can you see surface-reaching fissures or scratches face-up on this filthy-expensive 1.37ct one, I am not really sure.
It certainly have surface features on pavilion on either side according to their video, is that kind of pavilion blemishes usual for gem-quality Burmese ruby?

GRS Certified MOGOK BURMA Ruby 1.37 Ct. Natural Untreated PIGEON'S BLOOD Rare | eBay

Other localities that yield fine-quality pigeon blood red rubies include Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Geographic Origin: Mogok - Burma (Myanmar). Burma (Myanmar).

www.ebay.com.au

 

[Dr_Diesel]

As a ruby lover, there isn’t a 1.5ct Burmese ruby with the qualities I look for that will sell for less than 40k USD. Any carat sized unheated ruby selling for less than 10k cannot possibly be anything short of a disappointment, assuming you are looking for vivid red (pinkish red is a lot cheaper).

Ebay and Etsy are not the venues for high quality material, which I suppose is what you are after? And Burma carries a SIGNIFICANT premium even on low quality stones, which is not justified but still very much a fact. Unless you buy at the absolute top end, avoid Burmese rubies or accept the immense, unjustifiable premium over Mozambique for comparable color.

The stones you are posting tell me your budget is limited and not “Burma-friendly”, yet you probably have an itch for a Burmese ruby. I know the feeling, but this inevitably leads to expensive mistakes.

Sorry, not helpful, I know. Buying rubies is a nightmare. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but anyone who tells you that you can find a lovely unheated, carat-sized Burmese ruby for 10k simply does not know what they are talking about.

Set 20-30k aside for a 1ct+ ruby, then call Inken.

100% Agree!!!!!

And yes, buying ruby IS a nightmare.

I’ve scoured the US, Bangkok, Sri Lanka and Singapore markets for years looking for decent unheated Mogok material in the 1.5ct range.

I’ve even tried to work with a guy in Mandalay who has a line directly to Mogok.

Nada. When they are even remotely decent, the price is off the charts. Most of them are frankly just ugly stones. That’s even true with most of the unheated Mozambique stones I’ve seen.

There was one from the guy in Mandalay that came close to my criteria & price point (a hint of pink brought it into range), but somebody snapped it up before I did.

There was also a stone in Bangkok. It was really nice, but overall too purplish for me…and still $20k. I still contemplate that one, but it really isn’t the color I’m looking for.

I’ve all but abandoned ship at this point.

I have a few heated rubies in my collection that I like (purchased before Ruby prices skyrocketed), and I think I’ll just have to be a happy with that.

At this point, I’ve seen literally thousands of unheated rubies in person at gem shows, gem markets and private showrooms across SE Asia. 99+% have been grave disappointments. It’s exhausting and disheartening.

Sorry for the pessimistic outlook, but I think it’s realistic one. I’m coming to the conclusion that I simply don’t have the budget to accommodate my taste, nor the drive to keep searching.

Moreover there are FAR more beautiful stones (of different species) that can be had for less than $40,000+ (or ever $20, $15 or $10k for that matter).

The one ray of hope is that your best bet may be in searching for antique ruby rings - and even that is quite tricky!

The loose ruby market is, as @VividRed pointed out, a genuine nightmare.

*** on a side note, don’t even think about re-cutting a Ruby!

Not only is it costly in terms of lost material, Ruby is very unpredictable material. Recutting often does NOT go well and it ends up looking worse than before - and then you can’t go back.

Just assume that the way it is cut is the best that material could ever possibly look. Even if it looks like it was cut by a third grader, the cutters entrusted with cutting ruby often know EXACTLY what what they are doing and why.

If you don’t like it the way it is, don’t buy it.

 

[Dr_Diesel]

Upon further searching, came across this Burmese ruby at the natural ruby company, certified by GIA as vivid red, probably better colour than average GRS pigeon-blood red. Only problem? Comes under 1ct, at 0.83ct.

Aside from the low weight, what do you think about colour and clarity, I personally love the colour and don’t see any distracting inclusions, especially no surface-reaching fissures on video. Just get this 0.83ct and conclude my ruby journey for now? Or are rubies under 1ct virtually worthless? Weight is my omly reservation on this stone at the moment.

Loose Ruby - Cushion 0.83 Ct. - #R13556 | The Natural Ruby Company

One beautiful transparent GIA certified Vivid Red 0.83 carat cushion shape red ruby with dimensions of 5.19 x 5.08 x 3.14 mm. It has a mixed brilliant cut, and a clarity grade of slightly included (evaluated at eye level), vivid color intensity, and an excellent polish. The origin of this ruby...

thenaturalrubycompany.com

For me, the “deadness” in the center of that stone would rule it out.

The combination of 61% depth (slightly shallow), a significant cloud in the center and pavilion facets cut at waaaay too shallow of an angle don’t seem to be doing it any favors.



It seems like you get a little bit of light return around the edges of the stone and nothing under the table at all.

Some people are OK with that look, but personally, I’m not a fan.

 

[Dr_Diesel]

Here’s an itty-bitty 5x4mm oval (0.43), but it’s a nice looking stone and it’s $1200. Unheated, Mozambique

0.43 Carat Oval Unheated Ruby from East Africa

This ruby weighs 0.43 Carats and is cut into an oval that measures 5.0 x 4.0 x 2.8mm. The color in person is more of a pure vivid red and it is extremely clean for unheated material. This ruby looks great in all lighting and has a great sparkle due to its nice cut and clarity without any silk...

grangem.com

I’ve actually thought about snapping this one up myself, but I don’t really have a use for it.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

For me, the “deadness” in the center of that stone would rule it out.

The combination of 61% depth (slightly shallow), a significant cloud in the center and pavilion facets cut at waaaay too shallow of an angle don’t seem to be doing it any favors.



It seems like you get a little bit of light return around the edges of the stone and nothing under the table at all.

Some people are OK with that look, but personally, I’m not a fan.

Thank you for your feedback on this stone, and sharing your experience searching for an excellent ruby. The silky inclusion in the centre certainly detracts a bit, but there’s still quite a bit of beauty in this stone, I asked the vendor to have a look at clarity and fluorescence of the stone.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

Here’s an itty-bitty 5x4mm oval (0.43), but it’s a nice looking stone and it’s $1200. Unheated, Mozambique

0.43 Carat Oval Unheated Ruby from East Africa

This ruby weighs 0.43 Carats and is cut into an oval that measures 5.0 x 4.0 x 2.8mm. The color in person is more of a pure vivid red and it is extremely clean for unheated material. This ruby looks great in all lighting and has a great sparkle due to its nice cut and clarity without any silk...

grangem.com

I’ve actually thought about snapping this one up myself, but I don’t really have a use for it.

Personally I am not a fan of Mozambican rubies, generally not much of fluorescence and silkiness/velvety appearance I like. But they are certainly good value, maybe I should reconsider.

Starruny have a couple of Thai rubies of the colour I like and I understand Thai rubies are rarer than Mozambican ones but…
The first one appear to have a surface-reaching fissure on its table facet, that’s a no-deal for me.

GRS Certified THAILAND Ruby 1.12 Ct. Natural Untreated PIGEON'S BLOOD RED Rare | eBay

Other localities that yield fine-quality pigeon blood red rubies include Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Pigeon blood red is the most sought-after color in rubies, surpassed by no other.

www.ebay.com.au

The second one doesn’t seem to have a noticeable surface-reaching fissures or scratches but I see quite a bit of extinction, is this level of light return acceptable?

GRS Certified THAI Ruby 1.07 Ct. Natural Untreated PIGEON'S BLOOD Eye-Clean RARE | eBay

Other localities that yield fine-quality pigeon blood red rubies include Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Pigeon blood red is the most sought-after color in rubies, surpassed by no other.

www.ebay.com.au

The road to fine ruby ownership is indeed hard!

 

[Dr_Diesel]

Personally I am not a fan of Mozambican rubies, generally not much of fluorescence and silkiness/velvety appearance I like. But they are certainly good value, maybe I should reconsider.

Some Mozambique rubies do have very strong fluorescence… And I’ll bet this example is one of them!

When you see that little hint of pink and very open color, you can usually bet on strong fluorescence.

Starruny have a couple of Thai rubies of the colour I like and I understand Thai rubies are rarer than Mozambican ones but…

Regarding Thai rubes, usually they don’t fluoresce at all and are over dark due to a high iron content in the region where they formed.

In the words of Richard Hughes “The best Thai rubies look like Burmese rubies, and the best Burmese rubies look like Thai rubies”

His meaning is that there is a sweet spot between rubies that tend to have high fluorescence, but are overly pink (common in Burmese material) and rubies that are a truer red (due to a touch of iron) but over-dark and don’t fluoresce (common in Thai rubies).

I’ve seen some Thai rubies that are a truer, more open-color red than any Burmese material I’ve seen and still have strong fluorescence…. But they are super rare!

This is why you have to choose stones on the basis of their individual merits, not just their origin.

 

[lovedogs]

Some Mozambique rubies do have very strong fluorescence… And I’ll bet this example is one of them!

When you see that little hint of pink and very open color, you can usually bet on strong fluorescence.



Regarding Thai rubes, usually they don’t fluoresce at all and are over dark due to a high iron content in the region where they formed.

In the words of Richard Hughes “The best Thai rubies look like Burmese rubies, and the best Burmese rubies look like Thai rubies”

His meaning is that there is a sweet spot between rubies that tend to have high fluorescence, but are overly pink (common in Burmese material) and rubies that are a truer red (due to a touch of iron) but over-dark and don’t fluoresce (common in Thai rubies).

I’ve seen some Thai rubies that are a truer, more open-color red than any Burmese material I’ve seen and still have strong fluorescence…. But they are super rare!

This is why you have to choose stones on the basis of their individual merits, not just their origin.

Exactly. Too much reliance on location is going to lead to disappointment

 

[Dr_Diesel]

Personally I am not a fan of Mozambican rubies, generally not much of fluorescence and silkiness/velvety appearance I like. But they are certainly good value, maybe I should reconsider.

Starruny have a couple of Thai rubies of the colour I like and I understand Thai rubies are rarer than Mozambican ones but…
The first one appear to have a surface-reaching fissure on its table facet, that’s a no-deal for me.

GRS Certified THAILAND Ruby 1.12 Ct. Natural Untreated PIGEON'S BLOOD RED Rare | eBay

Other localities that yield fine-quality pigeon blood red rubies include Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Pigeon blood red is the most sought-after color in rubies, surpassed by no other.

www.ebay.com.au

The second one doesn’t seem to have a noticeable surface-reaching fissures or scratches but I see quite a bit of extinction, is this level of light return acceptable?

GRS Certified THAI Ruby 1.07 Ct. Natural Untreated PIGEON'S BLOOD Eye-Clean RARE | eBay

Other localities that yield fine-quality pigeon blood red rubies include Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Pigeon blood red is the most sought-after color in rubies, surpassed by no other.

www.ebay.com.au

The road to fine ruby ownership is indeed hard!

#2 looks decent but likely dark and little to no fluorescence.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

#2 looks decent but likely dark and little to no fluorescence.

The vendor’s assessment is that its fluorescence is faint, and colour vivid to deep, so you are probably correct.

Some Mozambique rubies do have very strong fluorescence… And I’ll bet this example is one of them!

When you see that little hint of pink and very open color, you can usually bet on strong fluorescence.



Regarding Thai rubes, usually they don’t fluoresce at all and are over dark due to a high iron content in the region where they formed.

In the words of Richard Hughes “The best Thai rubies look like Burmese rubies, and the best Burmese rubies look like Thai rubies”

His meaning is that there is a sweet spot between rubies that tend to have high fluorescence, but are overly pink (common in Burmese material) and rubies that are a truer red (due to a touch of iron) but over-dark and don’t fluoresce (common in Thai rubies).

I’ve seen some Thai rubies that are a truer, more open-color red than any Burmese material I’ve seen and still have strong fluorescence…. But they are super rare!

This is why you have to choose stones on the basis of their individual merits, not just their origin.

I am beginning to learn that geographic designation isn’t everything, thank you. Still can’t help loving Velvety stoplight red of Burmese rubies. Two stones I love thus far in the search, discrepancies in size (0.83ct vs 1.37ct) and pricing, will see how vendors respond!

 

[Dr_Diesel]

The vendor’s assessment is that its fluorescence is faint, and colour vivid to deep, so you are probably correct.



I am beginning to learn that geographic designation isn’t everything, thank you. Still can’t help loving Velvety stoplight red of Burmese rubies. Two stones I love thus far in the search, discrepancies in size (0.83ct vs 1.37ct) and pricing, will see how vendors respond!

You are aware that the 1.37 will return about zero light, correct?

It may have a glow in diffuse (mainly outdoor) lighting, but no flashes in spotlighting or normal indoor lighting.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

You are aware that the 1.37 will return about zero light, correct?

It may have a glow in diffuse (mainly outdoor) lighting, but no flashes in spotlighting or normal indoor lighting.

Its light return from indoor lighting will be suboptimal, 0.83ct will be only marginally better. Thinking more about positive aspects of these stones in terms of outdoor sunlight fluorescence and baseline colour…and hopefully free of surface-reaching fissures.

 

[Mrsz1ppy]

I hunt second hand rubies. These are my best finds. I just enjoy the hunt. Economically I would be smarter to have Inken search for me.

Top left, Mozambique. No fluorescence. Bought setting on Etsy, paid $1600 for the rubies. Top right, Thai, faint fluorescence, original platinum mounting, $1000 at a pawn shop. Got an AGL report. Lower left, Burma no heat, Gia cert, not top color, great florescence. Antique shop find, appraisal said heated, Gia report said no heat. $5000.
Saved the best for last; my best colored Burma according to Inken, florescence, Gia certed, .80 carats bought at auction for $3600.