Eye-Clean vs. Included Rubies

When assessing ruby quality, understanding eye-clean vs. included rubies is crucial in determining their value and appearance. Clarity plays a significant role in how a ruby reflects light, affecting its brilliance and desirability. While inclusions are common in rubies, their visibility and impact on the gem’s overall look define its quality.

1. What Are Eye-Clean Rubies?

An eye-clean ruby is a gemstone with no visible inclusions when viewed with the naked eye. These rubies are rare, as most natural rubies contain some internal features formed during their geological creation.

Benefits of Eye-Clean Rubies:

• Appear brighter and more transparent.
• Allow better light reflection, enhancing brilliance.
• Higher market value due to their rarity.

Challenges:

• Extremely rare, especially in larger carat sizes.
• Often command premium prices.

2. What Are Included Rubies?

Included rubies contain visible internal features such as fractures, mineral deposits, or silk-like formations. While inclusions are natural, excessive inclusions can affect a ruby’s durability and reduce its brilliance.

Types of Ruby Inclusions:

• Needles (Silk Inclusions): Fine, thread-like structures that can enhance a ruby’s visual texture.
• Feathers: Small fractures that may impact durability.
• Clouds: Tiny clusters of inclusions that reduce transparency.
• Crystals & Minerals: Small embedded minerals that form within the ruby.

Impact of Inclusions:

• Slight inclusions are acceptable, especially if they do not affect transparency.
• Excessive inclusions can lower brilliance and value.
• Some inclusions, like silk, can enhance the gem’s appearance by creating a velvety effect.

3. How Clarity Affects Value

• Eye-clean rubies: Most valuable due to their rarity and high brilliance.
• Lightly included rubies: Acceptable in natural rubies, especially if inclusions are minimal.
• Heavily included rubies: Lower value due to reduced transparency and potential durability issues.

4. The Role of Treatments

Many included rubies undergo heat treatment to improve clarity by dissolving silk inclusions and enhancing transparency. Some rubies may also undergo fracture filling, which reduces the visibility of inclusions but affects value.

Conclusion

Choosing between eye-clean vs. included rubies depends on personal preference and budget. Eye-clean rubies are rare and highly valued, while lightly included rubies can still be beautiful and affordable. Understanding clarity helps buyers make informed decisions when selecting the perfect ruby.

For more details, explore The Ideal Ruby Color and learn what makes a ruby’s hue truly exceptional.