About Ruby Clarity

R10825 | rightR11277 | rightWhile rubies can be transparent and clean looking (inclusions difficult to find even with magnification), these are few and far between. Clarity affects the price of rubies based on a few different factors. Type, location, number, and size of the many possible inclusions inside can dictate a large part of the price.

Having inclusions in the center of the stone with U10825 above is less attractive than having those same inclusions towards the edge at the girdle (Insert Link Here) in U11277 below. Inclusions around the edge can be hidden in a setting too, depending on the location and desired setting. Once the stone is set as a ruby ring, ruby necklace, or whatever piece of ruby jewelry is preferred, inclusions often become much less visible. Note these are magnified images of the actual rubies, meaning these inclusions are much less visible in person.

An important note is the status of the inclusions can reveal whether or not the stone has been heat-treated (Insert Link Here). Most rubies (and sapphires) have been heat-treated to improve clarity and color of the stone, and their price reflects this. These effects are stable and widely accepted in the gemstone trade with disclosure.

Other natural factors associated with clarity includes the host material for rubies (the stuff the rubies are found in). There are two main types, one marble hosted (type of metamorphic rock) and the other basalt hosted (a type of igneous rock). While there are exceptions to this rule, marble hosted rubies often have a brighter, softer red partially due to having a certain amount and types of inclusions (like rutile needles, aka silk) (Insert Link Here). Basalt hosted stones are often darker and clearer looking. Very often they lack any silk.

U11962 | medium | “Marble-hosted Myanmar Ruby”R7052 | medium | “Basalt-hosted Mozambique Ruby”