Recognizing a ruby requires a certain level of expertise, especially since it is one of the most imitated gemstones due to its beauty and value. Distinguishing a real ruby from a cheap imitation is generally simple, but things get more complicated with some synthetic rubies. Discover also beautiful natural stones that resemble rubies.
The essentials for recognizing a ruby
The most reliable way to recognize a ruby is a test performed by a gemologist. DIY tests can be dangerous for the stone if it is genuine, such as trying to scratch it…
To the naked eye, it is possible to mistake a real ruby for a fake, especially a high-quality synthetic ruby. The real stone and the lab-created one will not only have a similar color and clarity, but also the same or nearly the same brilliance.Synthetic rubies, however, are much less expensive.
As for imitations, they do not have the same physical properties and are notably softer than real rubies. Rubies are the hardest gemstones (9 on the Mohs scale) after diamonds.
Did you know? Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July.
To identify a genuine ruby, note that the finest ones have almost no inclusions, but it is common for these precious stones to have natural imperfections. Very often, rubies are heated to improve their appearance and uniformity.
Note that real rubies come in different colors. One of the most sought-after is the pigeon blood red, typical of the Burmese ruby. Other shades can range from bright red to pinkish red.There is something for everyone, but in the gemstone market, the most saturated or intense rubies have higher prices.
Discover all our rubies.
Please note that heating is the only treatment applied to the rubies sold on our site.
How to recognize a synthetic ruby ?
If you have a real ruby in one hand and a lab-created stone in the other, it is not certain that you will be able to recognize the synthetic ruby. There are several methods to create them, and some are indistinguishable from natural stones unless you use gemological equipment. Nevertheless, with a jeweler's loupe, it is sometimes possible to spot inclusions that are quite specific to synthetic rubies. And if you know the prices, you can tell the difference.
As an example for comparison, a genuine 1-carat ruby can be sold for €1,500, while its 1-carat synthetic equivalent may cost €15. Synthetic rubies of excellent quality have higher prices, but they do not reach those of real natural rubies.
Have a ruby ring created with Bonnot Paris.
Which stones look like ruby ?
While it is sometimes possible to confuse a real ruby with a synthetic ruby, it is unlikely that an imitation or " false ruby ", for example made of glass or plastic, would deceive anyone who has already seen the exceptional brilliance of authentic rubies !
On the other hand, recognizing a beautiful ruby from another natural stone that resembles it is not always easy. Sometimes it is impossible to do so with the naked eye. Some stone specimens can closely resemble rubies.
This is the case :
· for rhodolite garnet,
· for red spinel,
· for certain pink tourmalines.
This is not systematic, as multiple factors come into play, but these gemstones are often more affordable.
Also read: How to care for precious stones
