How to identify a ruby

Identifying a ruby requires a certain level of expertise, particularly as it is one of the most imitated precious stones, owing to its beauty and value. Distinguishing a genuine ruby from a cheap imitation is generally straightforward, but matters become more complex with certain synthetic rubies. Discover also the beautiful natural stones that resemble rubies.

The essentials for identifying a ruby

The most reliable way to identify a ruby is through testing carried out by a gemmologist. Tests performed at home can prove damaging to the stone, if it is genuine — such as attempting to scratch it…

To the naked eye, it is possible to confuse a genuine ruby with a fake, especially a high-quality synthetic ruby. The natural stone and the laboratory-created stone will share not only a similar colour and clarity, but also much the same brilliance. Synthetic rubies are, however, considerably less expensive.

As for imitations, they do not share the same physical properties and are notably less hard than genuine rubies. Rubies are the hardest stones (9 on the Mohs scale) after diamonds.

Did you know? The ruby is the birthstone for the month of July.

To identify a genuine ruby, bear in mind that the finest examples have virtually no inclusions, though it is common for these precious stones to contain natural imperfections. Very often, rubies are heat-treated to improve their appearance and uniformity.

Please note that genuine rubies display a range of colours. One of the most coveted is pigeon's blood red, characteristic of the Burmese ruby. Other shades can range from vivid red to pinkish red. There is something for every taste, but in the precious-stone market, the most saturated or intense rubies command higher prices.

Discover our full ruby collection.

Please note that heat treatment is the only treatment applied to the rubies sold on our website.

How do you identify a synthetic ruby?

If you hold a real ruby in one hand and a laboratory-grown stone in the other, you may well be unable to identify the synthetic ruby. Several methods exist for creating them, and some are indistinguishable from natural stones without the use of gemological equipment. That said, with a jeweller's loupe it is sometimes possible to spot inclusions that are fairly specific to synthetic rubies. And if you know the prices, the difference becomes clear.

By way of comparison, a genuine 1-carat ruby can sell for €1,500, while its 1-carat synthetic equivalent may cost as little as €15. High-quality synthetic rubies command higher prices, yet they never reach those of true natural rubies.

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Which stones resemble the ruby?

While it is sometimes possible to mistake a real ruby for a synthetic one, it is unlikely that an imitation or "fake ruby" — made of glass or plastic, for example — would fool anyone who has already witnessed the exceptional brilliance of authentic rubies!

Distinguishing a fine ruby from another natural stone that resembles it, however, is not always straightforward. It can sometimes be impossible with the naked eye. Certain gemstone specimens can bear a striking resemblance to a fine ruby.

This is true of:

· rhodolite garnet,

· red spinel,

· certain pink tourmalines.

This is not always the case, as many factors come into play, but these gemstones are often more affordable.

Also read: How to care for precious stones