Ruby tends to be less clean than sapphire. This, of course, is a generality. Individual gems will vary. Inclusions can include other mineral crystals, internal and surface fractures, and silk (rutile needles). Rutile needles in the proper amount and position cause the star effect seen in the first ruby photo above.

Surface fractures in rubies are sometimes filled with a form of glass. Most rubies are heat treated to enhance color. This treatment is permanent.

Ruby is a hard, durable gem. Only diamond is harder, so ruby makes a good jewelry stone.

You can buy a ruby in most any size... up to a several hundred carats. However, unheated rubies over two carats are rare and expensive. Size, color, and inclusions determine the value of a rury, just as it does with other gems.

Ruby prices range from under $100 per carat up to more than $100,000 per carat.

We have rubies in a range of sizes, qualities, and reasonable prices.

These gorgeous gems are mined in several countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, India, Sri lanka, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Kenya. The location most famous for yielding top quality rubies is Myanmar (Burma)

The July birthstone is ruby because ruby is among the most highly prized and oldest known gems. It's an all around great gem stone.

Follow this link to learn more about Birthstones, Modern and Traditional.

A Google search for the keyword phrase ruby jewelry  returns a number of listings and ads for vendors specializing in production run jewelry pieces.

Gem Industry News...

Myanmar to boost gem production

YANGON (AFP) - Military-ruled Myanmar said recently it would increase production of gems and jade, one of the most important sources of foreign currency desperately needed  in the poor country.
       
       "As Myanmar's gems and jade market is developing, many global nations including neighbors are paying more attention to the country's gems emporiums," the state-run daily New Light of Myanmar said.
       
       "Therefore, it is necessary to boost gem production and sale," the paper said, citing a speech by Lieutenant General Thein Sein, one of the junta's most powerful members.
       
       In March Myanmar held its biggest-ever auction of jade, ruby, sapphire, spinel, peridot and other gem material. Sales figures were never announced, but the junta had expected to earn at least 53 million euros (63 million dollars). China and Thailand are the biggest customers for Myanmar's gems.
       
       Although Myanmar is one of the world's poorest and most isolated countries, it has vast natural resources... including natural gas, minerals and highly prized teak wood.

Jewelry Dealers

Now is the time to build inventory in anticipation of the holidays. I know that gold is high, but you can sell a completed piece of jewelry much easier than just showing a picture in a catalog.

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Are you rewarding your customers with discounts or freebies when they send you a new customer? 

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The price of gold is still over $600 per ounce, so if you weren't able to hedge by buying up gold mountings and findings a couple of years ago, you probably should be buying what you need now. It just keeps going up.

Jewelry Dealers Program

Do you enjoy jewelry and gems?

Do you enjoy talking with friends and co-workers?

Take a look at our great Jewelry Dealers Program.

Carolyn Doyle

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