Inexpensive Rubies

[kroshka]

Does anyone here know of some good places to buy inexpensive rubies? They can be heat treated, not dyed, but just a decent color and size for price, and suitable to be set in jewelry (i.e. commercial quality is ok, or slightly better than commercial quality is better of course

. In terms of size, looking for anything that is around 0.5 carat+ (and of course bigger is always better) and costs around $50-100 per stone give or take.

Any help or suggestions are appreciated!

Kroshka

 

[elmo]

It's a little more than budget (never happens, right?) but something like this? http://www.duttonsdiamonds.com/diamonds/dbs.cgi?sf=detg.setup.cgi&active=active&stock=RU00057&submit_search=1

Heat only, no filler, pinkish but definitely a ruby. I've heard that Gary sometimes gets parcels of rubies and spinels like this from Vietnam, worth a call.

 

[kroshka]

Thanks elmo - it''s greatly appreciated. Price is a bit out of range but will keep it in mind. These are definitely a step better than commercial quality.

I''m also wondering if ruby cabochons would look nice. This might satisfy the need for something that looks good size wise and depending on quality would fit the bill price-wise compared to a faceted stone. These are for a friend that wants to give them to family members and particular attendees at a wedding (so at least a quantity of 10-20 is needed, but that is my guess). I''d say that''s a nice wedding favor, no

?

If anyone has any other suggestions - please don''t be afraid to post.

 

[partgypsy]

I don''t think for those prices you are going to get half a carat or more, it seems there is a little price jump above half a carat (for anything that looks pretty that is). For party favors AJS sells sets of rubies. For example 6 stones average carat weight .41 carat for 600 something dollars. Is the person willing to go below half a carat? If not, maybe he can look into other gems? Is there any significance for using rubies?

 

[Pandora II]

If it doesn''t need to be rubies, you could take a look at some of the pyrope or almandine garnets which would be quite reasonable - the colour can be exceptional.

Personally, I''d rather have a good quality but cheaper garnet or spinel than a poor quality ruby that cost much more.

 

[kroshka]

Date: 1/14/2008 6:39:37 PM
Author: part gypsy
I don''t think for those prices you are going to get half a carat or more, it seems there is a little price jump above half a carat (for anything that looks pretty that is). For party favors AJS sells sets of rubies. For example 6 stones average carat weight .41 carat for 600 something dollars. Is the person willing to go below half a carat? If not, maybe he can look into other gems? Is there any significance for using rubies?

I totally get that it sounds a little funny in regards to prices. That''s why I mentioned commercial quality or the types you find in those cheaper quality shop at home jewelry shows.

I think size was a little bit of a concern (didn''t want something so tiny), but I will be sure to pass the info along and also try to explore other options.

As for using rubies, it''s an Indian wedding, and ruby was the ideal stone they had in mind, but I think other red stones would be suitable too. I''ll have to ask. They didn''t seem to be concerned with quality like I would be, other than it needed to be real.

 

[kroshka]

Date: 1/14/2008 6:43:46 PM
Author: Pandora II
If it doesn''t need to be rubies, you could take a look at some of the pyrope or almandine garnets which would be quite reasonable - the colour can be exceptional.


Personally, I''d rather have a good quality but cheaper garnet or spinel than a poor quality ruby that cost much more.

I think it would be a good idea to explore other red stones that would be of higher quality and perhaps even a better price. If you have any suggestions, sources, links, by all means please post!

Thanks!

 

[elmo]

How about this or this? He''s not posting prices anymore but has been quite reasonable in the past.

 

[gemnut]

If the quality of the ruby is not important to your client, I believe you can find some nice color, possibly cabochon rubies for the price you mentioned on E-Bay. Opaque rubies are really not that expensive and they can be quite pretty.

 

[elmo]

Well cabs is an interesting idea. Earrings?