Price of a Ruby Stone: What to Know Before Buying

Radiating power, passion, and attraction, red has been a staple in many people’s closets and jewellery collections. That is why Rubies have held the eyes of many throughout the centuries.

Rubies are rich and aesthetic, but when you are buying one, what do you look for? What should you be aware of? Well, we are here to break it all down for you. From its history to today’s styling trends, we will help you shop with confidence!

What Does a Ruby Symbolise?

Every gem represents something or the other. When it comes to rubies, they have been linked to intense emotions. It varies from culture to culture, but divine protection and romantic passion are prominent symbols of Ruby.

Celebrated as “ratnaraj” (king of gems) in ancient India, it was believed to bring good fortune and guard against danger. For similar reasons, Burmese warriors would insert rubies under their skin because they believed it made them invincible!

In astrology, rubies are often recommended to individuals who seek to boost leadership abilities or shake off lethargy.

For the Ladies

Red is often associated with love and passion. Similarly, ruby also represents romance. For women, it’s also a symbol of self-love and strength.

Rubies are amazing for gifts, especially if you want to mark milestone anniversaries or just want to celebrate an deep commitment.

Some women believe in rubies spiritually, as they help with mental clarity and are believed to give strength to the wearer. If you’re buying for spiritual or metaphysical reasons, don’t forget to consult an expert to see if the ruby is compatible with your birth chart.

How to Tell if a Ruby is Real

If you are buying a ruby without any research, you are potentially heading towards a trap, as this is a very risky move.

Nowadays, lab-created and treated stones have become quite advanced, but they aren’t the real deal. If you are looking for the latter, here’s what you need to know!

Ruby’s primary mineral is called Corundum. But the signature red? That comes from trace amounts of chromium. The beauty of natural things is that they come with tiny imperfections. So a real ruby will have inclusions like tiny mineral deposits or structural quirks inside the stone. A flawless and glassy ruby screams synthetic imitation.

Identifying a real ruby

Lab-created rubies are real rubies if you think about the chemical composition. They are beautiful and cost-effective, but don’t hold the same value as mined rubies!

If you want to identify a mined ruby, take a look at its colour. They are a deep, rich red that’s not too pink or brown. Heat-treated rubies are also natural stones that are enhanced to improve clarity and colour. They are loved by many, but they should be priced accordingly.

Where Are Rubies Found?

Myanmar has produced the most sought-after rubies. The ruby variant known as pigeon blood is very popular with a vivid red hue and a slightly bluish undertone. They are very rare and often extremely high priced, thanks to their rich history and quality.

Mozambique is a newer player in the ruby market, but since they have popular sizes and a range of colours, many are turning towards them for a great balance of quality and cost.

There’s also Sri Lanka, which has lighter pinkish rubies, while Thailand have historical cuts and exports rubies across the globe. Madagascar and Vietnam also contribute to the global ruby supply.

It’s not just the colour that varies, but also the value. For example, a Burmese ruby will usually cost more than a similar-quality stone from anywhere else in the world.

Why Wear a Ruby?

For some people, it’s not about the look but rather their belief in its metaphysical and emotional benefits. People spiritually believe that rubies can remove emotional blockages and encourage love, passion, and connection.

Not just emotionally, but physically, it can improve circulation and increase energy levels. These claims, although not scientifically proven, are part of the stone’s lore and why so many people lean towards it.

Even if you don’t believe in the spiritual meaning, rubies are still a fantastic choice for fashion lovers. They are part of various jewellery pieces and styles. The red hue makes it both luxurious and aesthetic. 

Are Rubies Expensive?

The beauty of rubies does come with an expensive price tag, but it can be so worth it! If you have a small budget, then don’t worry! You can adjust some of the factors to fit the gem within your budget! If you want a ruby that doesn’t make you bankrupt, try Mozambique or Thailand rubies.

For those looking to go all out, go for pigeon blood rubies from Myanmar, which are, without a doubt, the top of the market. A top-quality 1-carat ruby could cost anywhere from £5,000 to over £10,000, especially if it has strong colour saturation and minimal inclusions.

Inclusions make rubies imperfectly beautiful, but too many will decrease the price. The cut also matters because it affects how the ruby reflects light and displays its colour. When it comes to jewellery, the value also includes the setting.

For those in the UK, the cost of ruby stone also fluctuates based on currency, demand, and availability of high-quality stones.

Best Pairings and Metal Choices

Rubies come with a diverse range of styling options. But if you are wondering which metal goes best with it, let us tell you that it pairs well with so many metals! When it pairs with silver or white gold, you get a more modern, clean look. For a more traditional ruby, yellow gold gives an extremely regal feel.

Read More: How to Style Ruby Jewellery for Every Occasion

Ruby with a rose gold setting is so romantic as the pink hue complements the dark red, especially for rings and necklaces. If you are wondering which metal is perfect for you, have a look at our article that discusses which shade of gold is perfect for your skin tone! 

What’s the Occasion?

Remember that the occasion you are wearing the rubies will dictate how you style. For daily wear, go for something subtle, like a ruby pendant. For special evening looks, you want something more dramatic, like a bold ruby necklace or ring. 

Rubies go well with other gems as well, such as diamonds, sapphires, and even pearls, depending on the overall design. Matching your ruby to your metal not only changes its look but also how it feels when worn, whether regal and bold or elegant and understated.

From Classics to Contemporary Picks

A classic gold ring with a ruby stone is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s got that forever-chic vibe and carries some serious emotional weight. Or how about a gold ruby necklace? It’s such a stunning statement piece, especially when it’s catching the light against your skin. And for couples looking to shake things up, ruby engagement rings are having a moment and stand out from the crowd more than the typical diamond ring.

In the UK, everyone’s hunting for vintage or second-hand ruby jewellery. People are obsessed with quirky pieces; think wonky cuts, unexpected settings, or stones with little imperfections that give them character. It’s like each piece has its own story to tell!

If you want to know more about trending fashion choices, check out 6 Latest Jewellery Trends Taking Over in 2025 for more inspiration. 

Care and Wear Tips

These gems are super tough for everyday wear, scoring a 9 on the Mohs scale, so they laugh off most scratches. But a hard knock can still chip or crack them. So maybe slip it off when you’re doing heavy chores or hitting the gym.

Give your ruby a little wash with some mild soap and warm water now and then. Grab a soft brush to gently scrub away any dirt around the setting. But heads-up: skip harsh chemicals or steam cleaners, and if it’s set in gold, a quick polish now and then keeps it gleaming like new!

Read more: How Do I Care for Ruby Jewellery

5 Fascinating Facts About Rubies 

1. So, the name “ruby” comes from the Latin word ruber, which just means red. That fiery colour is everything!

2. Rubies and sapphires are total siblings. They’re both made from the same mineral, corundum, even though they rock completely different vibes with their colours. 

3. Old-school folklore had people believing rubies could sense trouble. It’s said they’d darken if danger or betrayal were nearby. 

4. The biggest ruby ever found, called the Liberty Bell Ruby, was massive: over 8,500 carats! It got stolen in a crazy gem heist. 

5. Some folks back in the day thought rubies had a life of their own, like a beating heart trapped in the stone.

If you love getting to know about different gems, don’t miss Lapis Lazuli: A Look at This Gemstone's Use in Jewellery.

Conclusion

Whether you love ruby’s stunning look, the deep meaning behind it, or just how rare it is, a ruby ties you to this epic history of legends and craftsmanship. Knowing what makes a ruby special, plus how to rock it and keep it sparkling, means your piece will be as meaningful as it is gorgeous.

Ready to find the perfect ruby piece? Check out Argent & Asher for handcrafted ruby jewellery that’s got soul and is built to last!