Guidance choosing a high quality ruby gem & GIA reports

[Monashee]

I've been reading through past threads posted by other folks seeking guidance on choosing rubies, and wonder if anyone has any opinions on the following gems I've been thinking about for an engagement ring:

https://www.gemsny.com/loose-ruby/1.15-Carat-Oval-Ruby-RU16105OV/
https://www.gemsny.com/loose-ruby/1.48-Carat-Round-Ruby-R20264RD/
https://www.gemsny.com/loose-ruby/1.48-Carat-Round-Ruby-R20185ARD/
https://www.gemsny.com/loose-ruby/1.24-Carat-Round-Ruby-R20263ARD/
https://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G89370
https://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G89208#
https://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/?sku=G83588
https://www.jamesallen.com/gemstones/red-ruby/1.09-carat-oval-sku-17682
https://www.jamesallen.com/gemstones/red-ruby/1.40-carat-round-sku-28864

I know there are flaws with some of them (cut, dark colour, inclusions), but wonder if that should be a deal breaker at this price point (under $10,000 CAD or $8,000 USD)? I haven't been able to find gems that meet exactly what I'm looking for yet: excellent clarity, bright red (not pink/purple) colour, good cut, not heated, round/oval/cushion cut, at least 1 carat weight. If you have any alternative recommendations, I would love to see them.

As a side question, should I treat photos of gems on GIA reports as the definitive representation of the gem? Sometimes they look more included, darker, or a different colour shade then presented online. Sometimes just the centre of the gem will shine pink on GIA reports, is this just due to lighting?

Many thanks for your help!

 

[scouty]

Yeah, I agree that some of the ones you listed look too dark, at least for the color that I like personally. Take a look at this one, it's in your price range and oval shape with GIA cert- I think the color looks vibrant but not too dark in hand pic! https://www.enhoerning-jewelry.com/loosegemstones/unheated-pink-sapphire-184-ct-3b6gf

 

[Monashee]

Thanks, scouty!

 

[lovedogs]

I wouldn't buy any of the NY gems ones, or the first pearlman one. Also would avoid JA bc their colored stones don't come with a certificate.

The last 2 pearlman options look really nice, as does the enhoring one that scouty posted

 

[lovedogs]

Maybe too orange for you, but love this one.
https://www.finewatergems.com/store/p463/1.11_ct_Ruby.html

 

[lovedogs]

Also look at gemfix

https://gemfix.com/gem-category/ruby

They have some nice ones in your budgrt.

 

[Monashee]

Thank you, lovedogs!