In the world of jewelry there is a lot of counterfeiting and ruby imitations are a small proof of this. This is toSomething that should not seem strange if we consider that it is one of the most desirable gemstones in the world and also one of the most valuable. So, either intentionally or by mistake, all gems that have been called «rubies» are not.
Of course, we are talking about natural, synthetic or man-made gemstones, which have been used to try and supplant rubies in jewelry. Stones that, in most cases, have different material properties or compositions, but share the appearance of ruby. Although synthetic rubies are the exception, becoming the most similar internally and externally.
However, in all cases due to the similarities it is difficult to distinguish between a genuine ruby and an imitation. So only a trained eye with the right equipment could tell the difference. With all this in mind, buying ruby jewelry can be a difficult task. So next, we will give you some keys to identify a real ruby and reveal what ruby imitations are.
Natural properties of ruby
The most important characteristic of a ruby is its color and this is evaluated according to three main criteria: hue, tone and saturation. Hue is the physical color of the ruby, for example, whether it is red, pink, or somewhere in between.
For its part, the tone is the depth of the color, we are talking about whether it is dark, light or if it is in between. While saturation is the uniformity and distribution of color. That is, if it exhibits a uniform color throughout the gem or there are lighter or darker spots visible.
In any case, the ideal ruby color is an intense, uniform and vivid red. Of course, having a light or darker red ruby does not mean that it is a bad or undesirable thing. It’s just that the most valuable or expensive rubies will be those that have a «blood red» color. The reason behind it is that the deep color often masks the inclusions that they naturally have.
However, the hue of a ruby is rarely pure red, so gemologists will focus on secondary hues. Thus, red is a primary color in rubies, while the secondary can be pink, orange or purple, of which purple is the preferred option.
Treated Rubies
To achieve this preferred standard, rubies are generally treated or enhanced by heating through the presence of a chemical flux. Heat enhances the color of the piece by removing the purple tint and silk from the gem.
Although this is not the only treatment used to improve ruby color, another technique that has become prevalent is lead filled glass. As its name indicates, the process seeks to fill the fractures of the ruby with lead glass. This drastically improves the transparency of the ruby and a more stable piece is obtained. Which is why a ruby can be used in jewelry more effectively.
Imitations of the ruby of artificial origin
When buying rubies, you should not only be careful with treated stones, but especially with synthetic or imitation rubies. Although with the high price of natural rubies, many consumers have become more interested in synthetic rubies. These have been present in the world of jewelry since 1837, when they were invented. Today there are several processes to manufacture them, although flame fusion is the most popular.
As we have mentioned, these have the same chemical composition as their natural counterpart, so technically they are not ruby imitations but real rubies.
Keys to identify synthetic rubies
The big difference with synthetic rubies is that they are created through an artificial process and in some cases contain no inclusions. Or it will have inclusions in the form of bubbles, or cracks. Based on this, it can be difficult to detect the differences between a natural and a synthetic ruby. There are some subtle differences that can be spotted with the right equipment.
- Tracks within the structure of the stone. Under a microscope, gemologists can see the ruby’s «growth lines.» These occur during the formation of the stone; however, artificial ones differ from natural ones because they are curved. There may also be microscope gas bubbles that have been created in the manufacturing process.
- The smallest of differences in chemicals. Although laboratories are becoming increasingly sophisticated and can create synthetic rubies almost identical to natural rubies, there are some slight chemical differences. Synthetic rubies tend to have trace amounts of lead, indicating that they are lab-grown.
- If you can’t do the ruby test, there are a few signs you can look out for that may suggest it’s a synthetic ruby. Synthetics tend to have perfect clarity, because they are made using a controlled process. Size is also a factor. Large natural rubies are very rare, so if you see a ruby larger than 1.5 carats, there is a high possibility that it is synthetic.
- Finally, the price is significantly different. Synthetic rubies sit with a price tag between natural and fake stones. A fake ruby can cost 90% less than a natural one, while a synthetic ruby will cost 15% less. If you’re not sure, ask the person selling it. Remember also as for a certificate, which will indicate the origin.
Ruby imitations of natural origin
The other ruby imitations that we will find are those of natural origin. These are generally different gems with a very similar appearance that have been falsely marketed or sold as rubies. However, the key question for consumers is how to identify a real ruby from a synthetic or imitation one.
It could be a simple mistake or a deliberate effort to mislead customers. Here are some gemstones that are often mistaken for rubies.
Spinel
Often known as Balas rubies, spinels are a much softer stone and a duller shade of red than natural rubies. Spinels can also come in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, lavender, and dark green. However, this does not mean that it is easier to differentiate between the two. Most of the time, it comes down to the hardness of the stone and how light is refracted. A ruby is doubly refractive, while a spinel is only refractive.
garnets
Along with a big difference in price tags, garnets differ from rubies in hardness and in their red color. Garnets have a much stronger hint of orange or brown. They tend to look more earthy. Rubies, on the other hand, have an intense redness.
Glass
Many of the so-called rubies on the market actually turn out to be red glass, which would be very frustrating if you just paid ruby prices. These are not very durable and should be obvious to most as not real. Compare the stone to a piece of red glass if you are unsure and the differences (or similarities) will become apparent.
Rubellite (tourmalines)
The difference between these and a ruby is due to the structure and, again, the intensity of the color. Rubellites are considered a cheap alternative to rubies, since they have a very similar deep and intense color.
They are actually considered rarer than rubies, however they do not have the same density as rubies and like garnet and spinel they are not as hard.
To make sure no fake rubies are being traded, ask for the certificate or even ask what it means on the Mohs scale (it measures hardness, rubies are 9, second in command to diamonds). Ask a qualified jeweler and ask for the price.