Clarion Call for Ruby Experts

[hxs01]

Here is a shout out to all the Ruby Experts out there (Chrono I am looking at you and others

I am still in the process of looking for the ruby for the engagement ring.

Below are some additional ideas for stones. Feedback desired

1) http://www.africagems.com/oval-ruby-ic-ru-522.html

2) http://www.africagems.com/oval-redruby-g2k-4410.html
A little concerned with the size of this one and others under a carat because my girlfriends finger is a size 9. That being said, I realize my budget is putting me in this realm

3)http://www.africagems.com/cushion-ruby-ic-ru-517.html
This one seems like it might be nice for the ring. The color doesn't pop in the picture, but it seems like a good size stone for an untreated one at least.

4) http://www.africagems.com/ruby-ja163.html
This one is described as purplish red but I think I must be colored blind or not really know what I am looking for in a red stone. Help please

5)http://www.africagems.com/emerald-ruby-ic-ru-128.html
Supposedly this one is eye clean. My question is, what is the stuff on the left in the picture?

6) A Treated Stone (I assume)
http://www.africagems.com/emerald-ruby-ic-ru-128.html

7) http://www.africagems.com/oval-redruby-g2k-4411.html

http://www.amazon.com/Unheated-Radi...201?s=jewelry&ie=UTF8&qid=1366408363&sr=1-201

9) Would you rather have this spinel?
http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Spinel-...391?s=jewelry&ie=UTF8&qid=1366409491&sr=1-391

 

[chrono]

None of these rock my boat. The only one I will consider is the second one, 0.89 ct. The rest look either dull and / or too pink, purple, or orange, or is too silky. A 7 x 5 mm size is respectable, especially if you add side stones to the ring. A smaller well coloured stone will catch more positive attention than a larger dull gray/brown stone. The spinel is just much too brown to even be in competition with any of your ruby selection.