Certified Untreated Rubies

When purchasing a ruby, one of the most valuable distinctions is whether it is certified untreated. Certified untreated rubies are natural rubies that have not undergone any enhancements, such as heat treatment, fracture filling, or diffusion treatment. Because untreated rubies are extremely rare, they command significantly higher prices in the gemstone market and are highly sought after by collectors and investors.

1. What Does “Untreated” Mean?

An untreated ruby is a natural gemstone that has only been cut and polished, with no artificial enhancements to its color, clarity, or durability. This means the ruby retains its original characteristics as formed in nature.

Characteristics of Untreated Rubies:

• 100% natural with no heat or chemical alterations.
• Often contains natural inclusions that serve as proof of authenticity.
• Strong investment potential due to rarity and high demand.
• Rich, natural color that has not been artificially enhanced.

2. Why Are Untreated Rubies Rare?

The vast majority of rubies in the market undergo some form of treatment, particularly heat treatment, to enhance color and clarity. Untreated rubies are rare because:

• Most rubies have natural imperfections that require enhancement.
• Deep red, high-clarity rubies are uncommon in nature.
• Mines yield very few untreated stones that meet fine gemstone quality.

Because of this rarity, certified untreated rubies often sell for much higher prices per carat than treated rubies.

3. Importance of Certification for Untreated Rubies

Since untreated rubies are significantly more valuable, certification is essential to verify their authenticity. A gemological certificate confirms that a ruby has not undergone any treatment, providing transparency and confidence to buyers.

4. Leading Gemological Laboratories for Certification

Reputable gemological laboratories use advanced testing methods to determine whether a ruby is untreated. Some of the most respected certification institutes include:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
• AGL (American Gemological Laboratories)
• GRS (GemResearch Swisslab)
• SSEF (Swiss Gemological Institute)
• Lotus Gemology

R10047| play | middle| medium| “1.54 Ct. Mozambique No Enhancement Purplish Red Ruby”

R12577| play | middle| medium| “5.02 Ct. Mozambique No Enhancement Red Ruby”

R10032| play | middle| medium| “8.05 Ct. Mozambique Heat Treated Red Ruby”

R13559| play | middle| medium| “2.58 Ct. Mozambique No Enhancement Red Ruby”

A certificate for an untreated ruby will state “No Indications of Treatment” or “No Evidence of Heat Treatment,” confirming the stone’s natural state.

5. How to Identify a Certified Untreated Ruby

• Request a Lab Certificate: A recognized certification report is the best way to verify authenticity.
• Examine Inclusions Under Magnification: Untreated rubies often contain natural rutile silk, which is usually dissolved in heat-treated stones.
• Check for Uniformity of Color: Heat-treated rubies may have more even color distribution, while untreated rubies may show slight zoning.
• Verify Fluorescence Under UV Light: Burmese untreated rubies typically exhibit strong red fluorescence due to high chromium content.

6. Investment Value of Certified Untreated Rubies

• Higher Resale Value: Because of their rarity, untreated rubies hold and increase in value over time.
• Auction Demand: Many of the most expensive rubies sold at auctions are untreated stones.
• Collector’s Preference: Serious gemstone collectors and investors prioritize untreated rubies due to their natural beauty and authenticity.

Conclusion

Certified untreated rubies are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world. Their natural, unaltered beauty and high investment potential make them a prized possession for collectors and buyers. Always seek certification from reputable gemological laboratories to ensure authenticity when purchasing an untreated ruby.

For more details, visit Ruby Gem Testing Methods to learn how experts verify the authenticity and quality of rubies.