The largest jewelry brands have long identified the so-called big three gemstones that buyers prefer. Jewelry in sapphire, ruby and emerald versions can be found in almost any jewelry store.
And if emerald is an independent mineral of the highest class of precious stones, then not everyone knows that sapphire and ruby are actually "relatives", since they are varieties of the same mineral called corundum. Blue corundum is sapphire and red corundum is ruby. But what is more expensive - sapphire or ruby? And what characteristics to look for when choosing jewelry with these gems? Read about it in our article.
Mineral corundum
Crystallic alumina, aka aluminum oxide, aka corundum - this is the name of the mineral stone known in scientific circles.
One of the main properties of corundum is its high hardness, which ensures the durability of the mineral and its widespread use in jewelry, and the presence of a variety of colors and shades that the stone acquires depending on the chemicals that make up its composition. For example, titanium, vanadium and iron oxide give corundum a blue tint. Such a gem is known to many as a sapphire. Chromium, iron and titanium color the stone in shades of red and form a ruby. Corundum without impurities has a gray tint, is not precious and is used for technical and industrial needs.
International classification
Jewelry corundum, depending on the color and luster, are divided into several varieties:
- Red is a ruby.
- Blue - sapphire.
- Colorless - leucosapphire.
- Orange-pink - padparadscha.
- Purple - oriental amethyst.
- Green - oriental emerald.
- Greyish white - common corundum.
- Varieties of corundum with asterism (an optical effect in which rays of a star are visible on the surface of the stone) are found in ruby and sapphire - star ruby and star sapphire
Today, some of the names are already outdated, so all stones, except for red and blue, are simply referred to as fancy sapphire.
However, the most sought-after crystals have a classic blue gamut. Sapphires in green are nowhere near as beautiful as emeralds and cost considerably less. Many ask the question: sapphire,emerald or ruby - which looks more expensive? It is impossible to define, because each gem is a beautiful gift of nature that delights the eye.
Precious corundums
The most popular varieties of noble corundum are rubies and sapphires. There is not a single precious stone that can be compared with these gems in blue and red color and their shades. What's more, rubies and sapphires of the highest quality are valued the same as diamonds, or more expensive than them. The extraordinary beauty and excellent natural data of corundum make it the most sought-after mineral for artistic processing for more than one century. Earrings, rings, bracelets and other jewelry with gems are a treasured highlight in the wardrobe of the fair sex. As a rule, they choose between two popular stones - blue and red. But which is better - sapphire or ruby? Of course, there is no and cannot be an unequivocal answer to this question - no one has yet canceled personal preferences. Nevertheless, these jewels have some differences in price and symbolic designations, and we will tell you which ones.
Ruby as a variety of corundum
Admixture of chlorine in corundum gives the mineral a reddish tint and makes it a real gem, commonly known as a ruby.
The name of the gem comes from the word rubens, which means "red" in Latin. This mineral belongs to the stones of the first order and has a different red saturation: bright red, dark red and purple-red. Large rubies, as a rule, have a heterogeneous color, distributed in stripes or spots. The most valuable and rare rubies have a purple hue. Also, the stones of the first order include sapphire, emerald and diamond. The latter is traditionally considered the most expensive gem, but not everyone has an idea about the cost of the other three gems. Sapphire, emerald, ruby - which is more expensive? High-quality rubies are more expensive than sapphires and emeralds, which are roughly the same price.
A bit of history
The ruby gained fame in ancient India, where it was considered the king of precious stones. The Greeks and Romans also highly valued the ruby, they believed that the stone contributes to victories and great deeds, so the palaces of the rulers and their clothes were often decorated with ruby products. In eastern countries, the stone personified vital energy, and its owners received love, strength and he alth. In Russia, the gem became popular in the 9th century and was called a yahont (like its "brother" sapphire). It was believed that the stone gives strength and heals the heart. And since earlier “yakhontovy” was a synonym for “precious”, the expression “yakhontovye you are mine” was entrenched among the people as an appeal to a dear, beloved person.
Photos of the ruby stone demonstrate its unsurpassed majesty and mystery.
What to look for when choosing ruby jewelry
Ruby can be confused with other minerals, in particular with red spinel, garnet, topaz and tourmaline, as well as withglass and composite stones. In the 19th century, they learned how to produce a ruby artificially, so when choosing a gem, you need to know some of the features of the stone:
- Real rubies tend to sparkle with a bright red color, for which the stone was called fiery. Fake gems tend to be dull, and their luster is not as deep as real rubies.
- Ruby is quite easy to process, so it is not difficult for a jeweler to make clear edges, without bulges and bumps.
- On the surface of a natural ruby under a microscope, small defects and inclusions can appear, while artificial analogues look perfectly clean.
- A real ruby is very hard, so it is almost impossible to scratch it. Also, when falling, nothing happens to the ruby - it is extremely difficult to damage it.
- Since the ruby contains chromium, the stone casts a purple color, the intensity of which depends on the percentage of chromium. There are no purple overflows in artificial samples.
- Natural sample takes a long time to warm up in the hands, unlike a synthetic product.
Since there are many counterfeit rubies now, and its authenticity is difficult for the layman to determine, the most reliable way to check is to evaluate a certified jeweler. It will help determine not only the authenticity, but also the approximate cost.
Healing and magical properties of ruby, zodiacal meaning
It is generally accepted that real minerals have healing properties. Ruby is no exception. He is credited with a number of useful qualities,allowing you to get rid of many ailments: diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system, epilepsy and vision problems, diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous system, hypertension and tonsillitis. The mineral also helps with insomnia and depression, restores memory and relieves fatigue.
Ruby is considered to enhance the main character traits of its owner: it favors kind and honest people, it multiplies the negative qualities of domineering and cruel natures. Ruby helps to find and maintain love, gives spiritual harmony, is a symbol of courage and dignity. It has long been believed that the ruby contributes to victories and the achievement of goals, eliminates uncertainty and doubt.
According to the conclusions of astrologers, the ruby is ideal for Cancers and Sagittarius. First, he adds confidence and helps in achieving life heights. The second relieves pride, increases confidence and purposefulness. Ruby enhances the attractiveness of Leo women and the confidence of Leo men, directs the energy of Aries in the right direction and softens the temperamental Scorpions. Ruby helps energetic Capricorns achieve their goals, and adds movement and activity to the lives of calm representatives of the sign.
The ruby is energetically incompatible with Taurus and Virgo.
Many-faced sapphire
The color palette of sapphire is incredibly rich. Blue stones are considered a classic example: from light blue to almost black. Also, nature gave the world gems in pink, green, yellow, orange and purple. In ancient times, blue and cornflower blue stoneswere considered a royal decoration, endowing the rulers with justice and wisdom. Today, the gem is considered a symbol of we alth and power. Australia is the main supplier of sapphires. Dark blue sapphires are mined there, which are considered relatively inexpensive. The most valuable representatives of sapphires are cornflower blue stones located in Indian Kashmir. Orange-pink sapphires (padparadscha) from Sri Lanka also have a high value, as they are rare finds.
The photo of jewelry with a sapphire stone shows a rich palette of colors and shades of this corundum.
How to choose a sapphire?
Today, fake sapphire is almost identical to natural stone. Sometimes even jewelers find it difficult to evaluate this gem, not to mention the townsfolk. However, understanding some of the distinguishing features of a true sapphire can help when buying:
- Like a ruby, a sapphire cannot be scratched as it is a very hard stone.
- Unlike natural or synthetic sapphire, glass counterfeits instantly heat up in the hands.
- If, when examining a product under a magnifying glass, gluing is visible, then you have a composite stone in front of you: one layer is a real sapphire, the second is an artificial filler (glass or a cheap gem).
- As a rule, sapphire has a heterogeneous structure, and in bright light you can see inclusions that artificial stone does not have.
- Real jewelry has a certificate or passport.
Remember thatsome analogues of sapphire are so similar to it (for example, tourmaline) that only a professional can give an accurate expert opinion.
Healing and magical properties of sapphire, zodiacal meaning
It is believed that natural sapphire takes care of the he alth of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, relieves sleep disorders and mental disorders, maintains clarity of thought.
Blue sapphire endows its owner with calmness and wisdom, harmonizes family relationships, helps doubters and protects travelers, directs a person's energy in the right direction. Since ancient times, sapphire has been considered a symbol of power, it helps to rule and lead, to show leadership qualities.
Astrologers recommend wearing sapphire to Aquarius and Sagittarius. First, he will help to cope with emotions and not be afraid of a sense of responsibility. The second will provide concentration and prompt the right decision. It is not recommended to have a stone for calm and wise Capricorns, as for them wearing a gem can end in depression.
Which stone is more expensive: ruby or sapphire?
Many people want to have an ornament with a beautiful stone. At the same time, they ask themselves the question: what is more expensive - a sapphire or a ruby? And how much is one carat of these gems worth? Natural rubies and sapphires are considered precious stones, some samples of which even surpass diamonds in price. The cost depends on the following characteristics: size, transparency, shade, type of cut, place of extraction. The best examples of a ruby are more expensive than the best examples of its blue counterpart. At the same time, red-violet rubies are considered the mostvaluable, and the cheapest are stones with defects and synthetic ones. Since high-quality specimens are rarely found in nature, most red corundums on the world market are glass-filled. This should be taken into account when buying jewelry with this gem, so as not to overpay unscrupulous jewelers. So, the price of a carat of heat-treated rubies without impurities and inclusions should be up to 60 thousand rubles. Natural ruby is a very expensive gem, second only to red diamond in price. At auctions, its value can reach astronomical values. The price of natural low-quality rubies depends on the country of extraction and varies from 35 thousand rubles. up to 200 thousand rubles per carat. Good quality rubies are 3-4 times more expensive, and excellent quality ones are 20 times more expensive.
Classic blue sapphires are valued more than sapphires of other colors. The cost of large stones starts from 60 thousand rubles. per carat and depends on the country of origin. Sapphires of Burmese origin are highly valued: stones cost about 250 thousand rubles. per carat. The cost of padparadscha, another expensive sapphire, starts from 150 thousand rubles. per carat. Medium-sized sapphires cost 18-36 thousand rubles. per carat, and small samples (less than half a carat) with various inclusions can be purchased at an attractive price of only 1200. Black sapphires are considered the cheapest. Their price is from 60 to 600 rubles. per carat.
Due to such a spread in prices, it is rather difficult to answer the question of what is more expensive - a sapphire or a ruby, because a high-quality sapphire sample will cost more than a low-quality rubyquality. But if we compare crystals of high quality and the same characteristics, then the red stone will surpass the blue counterpart.
Ruby and sapphire jewelry
The fashion for ruby and sapphire jewelry has remained unchanged for many centuries. Gems are widely used in jewelry and are part of all kinds of products: earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, necklaces, etc. Young ladies should not have a question what looks more expensive - a ruby or a sapphire. Both gems are stones of the highest order and a great addition to the dressing room of fashionistas. Ruby goes well with gold - white and yellow, as well as silver. Photos of jewelry with a ruby stone confirm this.
Sapphire looks best with silver or white gold. The abundance of different options allows you to choose jewelry for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Photos of gold jewelry with a sapphire stone indicate that the gem is in perfect harmony with white gold. No woman will refuse such jewelry!
Which is more preferable for a young girl - a ruby or a sapphire?
Ruby and sapphire are stones that are ideal for all ages, so when choosing a gem, the tastes of the fair sex are of paramount importance. It is only important to consider the size of the stone. So, products with huge rubies in a massive frame are more suitable for mature ladies, while young fashionistas are better off choosing jewelry with small ones.stones. It is important to remember that not all clothing styles can be worn with a ruby. This stone is more suitable for classic, romantic, extravagant styles, as well as the femme fatale style. Also, when wearing a ruby, measure is important: you should not combine it with other precious stones and put on all ruby jewelry at once. Bright red rubies are more suitable for girls with a cold, winter appearance, and dull specimens will perfectly fit into the image of persons of a summer color type. The variety of shades of sapphire allows you to choose jewelry for almost any type of appearance. The blue gem is perfect for a spring look. Autumn girls will look most bright with stones of yellow and orange shades.
Summarize
So, there is no unambiguous answer to the question of what is more expensive - sapphire or ruby, since everything depends on the characteristics of each particular sample and the place where the mineral was mined. If we compare high-quality samples of both gems, then the ruby will be somewhat more expensive, but this does not detract from the merits of sapphire. Both stones belong to the first order of precious stones and are considered among the most valuable jewelry. With the right choice of color and shades, as well as the size, rubies and sapphires will suit almost all women. They will emphasize the natural beauty of fashionistas and give a piece of their energy and strength.
