Rubies-what to sacrifice, weight or colour

[Sydneyphoenix]

I came across a loose unheated ruby online. Claims to be an unheated Mogok and while those claims should be certified, certainly a nice near-round stone (ratio 1.05:1), perhaps not the very top pigeon blood but very fine intense red, might just squeak in for “pigeon blood” for GRS or AIGS given these labs are known to be rather generous with colours. Only problem assuming all info are correct, cones shy of 1ct, at 0.88ct.

For similar prices one can get a larger (>1ct) heated ruby of as good or possibly better colour but that’s comparing apples to oranges and I already have a decent heated ruby certified as Burmese pigeon blood red by GRS. But what if you compare this 0.88ct ruby purporting to be unheated Mogok of very good (if not excellent) colour with 1.1-1.2ct unheated Mogok ruby of okay red? I understand coloured gemstone (even more so than diamonds?) have a huge price jump at 1ct mark, as well as at 2, 3ct marks. So I guess I am really asking what is more important in rubies, size hurdle of 1ct or better colours. What do you say?

 

[foxinsox]

I’ll preface this with saying that I am not a coloured stone aficionado but I understand that colour usually trumps size. Otherwise why would you be buying them?

 

[icy_jade]

Do they face up very differently size wise? You can have a smaller ruby that faces up bigger. Carat weight isn’t everything

 

[Bron357]

It’s a personal choice I think.
To me, size matters because I have big fingers so I need as big as I can afford.
With rubies though, to me, it’s ALL about the colour.
I really don’t think there’s a lot of visual size difference between a 0.88 and a 1.00.
So if I was choosing a .88 of fabulous colour vs a 1.00 of lesser colour/ tone, I’d go with the .88.

 

[VividRed]

Color all the way for me

 

[Double E]

.88ct for me, tiny size up can’t compensate for that colour drop.

 

[missy]

Never sacrifice color. That’s the whole shebang for a colored gem. Especially a rubylicious one.

 

[chrono]

Depends on how tiny you are talking.
Difference of 1 mm to 2 mm? Won't matter if the colour is superb.

 

[peacechick]

Colour for me. I don’t mind a small stone. I find I wear them as often as the big ones, if not more often because they are more discreet and suitable for everyday occasions. Just slap a double halo on it if you worry about finger coverage!

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

Colour for me. I don’t mind a small stone. I find I wear them as often as the big ones, if not more often because they are more discreet and suitable for everyday occasions. Just slap a double halo on it if you worry about finger coverage!

If I were to get a ruby like this 0.88ct one, thinking of making a necklace actually and put a swirl halo of sapphires like this (hopefully with more discreet prongs):

14K White Gold Enchanted Swirl Engagement Ring

A perfect whirlpool of sapphires, wrapping around to showcase the center diamond or gemstone of your choice for a unique look!

www.jamesallen.com

 

[peacechick]

If I were to get a ruby like this 0.88ct one, thinking of making a necklace actually and put a swirl halo of sapphires like this (hopefully with more discreet prongs):

14K White Gold Enchanted Swirl Engagement Ring

A perfect whirlpool of sapphires, wrapping around to showcase the center diamond or gemstone of your choice for a unique look!

www.jamesallen.com

Do you often wear delicate pendants? I worry you will find it even smaller when worn as a pendant. I would recommend something slightly more larger scale like a starburst design or a spiral with the ruby dangling or swinging in the centre.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

Do you often wear delicate pendants? I worry you will find it even smaller when worn as a pendant. I would recommend something slightly more larger scale like a starburst design or a spiral with the ruby dangling or swinging in the centre.

Trying to picture what you mean, you mean like this?

Round Ruby Solitaire Infinity Knot Pendant | Angara Australia

This stunning ruby love knot pendant symbolises eternal love. Skillfully crafted in lustrous 14ct white gold, the intricate knot holds a striking round ruby in the centre. It is secured in a four-prong setting and allures with its purplish red sparkle.

www.angara.com

 

[peacechick]

Yes, like that, and these are examples of starburst designs. Not suggesting anything in general, just to show how the frame extends out and makes the pendant more substantial. Once again, this is all from my own perspective, as I have a thick neck and small pendants just disappear on me. They look amazing on people with elegant necks though, especially if layered with other delicate chains!



For the swing motion I mentioned, not sure if this gif works, but you can have the ruby move to catch the light. The jade pendant in my profile does the same thing with the sapphire dangling at the bottom. I find it very pretty and makes a little stone really stand out.