Ruby Color Grading Guide
The beauty and value of a ruby are primarily determined by its color, making it the most important factor in ruby grading. Rubies come in various shades of red, from deep crimson to pinkish-red, and subtle variations in hue, saturation, and tone significantly affect their quality and price. This ruby color grading guide provides an in-depth look at how rubies are evaluated for color and what makes the most desirable hues.
1. Key Factors in Ruby Color Grading
Ruby color is assessed based on three main characteristics:
- Hue – The dominant color of the ruby.
- Tone – The depth of color, from light to dark.
- Saturation – The intensity or purity of the color.
A well-balanced hue, tone, and saturation results in the most sought-after and valuable rubies.
2. Understanding Ruby Hue
Hue refers to the ruby’s primary and secondary colors. While rubies are always red, they may have secondary tones of pink, orange, purple, or brown.
A. Best Hue for Rubies
- Pure Red or Slightly Bluish-Red – Considered the most valuable.
- Pigeon Blood Red – A deep, vivid red with a slightly bluish tint, known for its exceptional intensity.
B. Less Desirable Hues
- Pinkish Red – Sometimes classified as pink sapphire if the red is too light.
- Brownish or Orangey Red – Often lowers the value of the ruby.
Rubies from Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, and Mozambique are known for producing some of the finest hues, especially the pigeon blood red rubies.
3. Ruby Tone – Light to Dark Scale
Tone refers to how light or dark the ruby appears. The ideal tone is neither too light nor too dark, ensuring the red hue remains rich and vibrant.
| Tone Level | Description | Value Impact |
| Very Light | Appears closer to pink sapphire than ruby | Lower value |
| Light | May lack the depth of true ruby red | Lower value |
| Medium-Light | A pleasant balance of color, but not the most valuable | Moderate value |
| Medium | Ideal tone with a balanced red appearance | High value |
| Medium-Dark | Rich, deep red without appearing blackened | Highest value |
| Dark | Can appear overly saturated or blackish | Moderate to lower value |
| Very Dark | Lacks vibrancy, reducing brightness | Lower value |
4. Ruby Saturation – The Key to Brilliance
Saturation refers to the intensity of the ruby’s red color. The most desirable rubies have high saturation, meaning they appear vibrant and rich rather than dull or washed out.
A. High Saturation Rubies
- Display a vivid, glowing red color.
- Appear more brilliant and intense in different lighting conditions.
- Typically found in high-quality Burmese and Mozambican rubies.
B. Low Saturation Rubies
- Appear more muted or have a slight brown or grayish tint.
- Less valuable due to their lack of vibrancy.
- Common in rubies with excessive inclusions.
R14101| play | medium| middle| “5.46 Ct. Ruby from Mozambique”
5. The Most Valuable Ruby Color – Pigeon Blood Red
Pigeon Blood Red is the most sought-after ruby color, known for its intense, pure red with slight bluish undertones.
- Often associated with top-quality Burmese rubies from Mogok.
- Must have high saturation, medium to medium-dark tone, and no brown or orange tint.
- Considered the benchmark of ruby quality, commanding the highest prices.
6. Common Ruby Color Variations
Different origins and geological conditions produce distinct ruby color variations.
| Ruby Type | Color Description | Origin |
| Pigeon Blood Ruby | Pure, intense red with slight bluish tint | Myanmar (Burma), Mozambique |
| Pinkish-Red Ruby | Light red with strong pink hues | Sri Lanka, Madagascar |
| Purplish-Red Ruby | Deep red with a noticeable purple undertone | Thailand, Cambodia |
| Brownish-Red Ruby | Muted red with brown hints | Africa, India |
| Orangey-Red Ruby | Warm red with orange tones | Vietnam, Tanzania |
The most valuable rubies come from Myanmar, Mozambique, and Vietnam, while Thai rubies tend to have darker, purplish-red tones.
7. Impact of Treatments on Ruby Color
Many rubies undergo treatments to enhance their color and clarity, but these can affect value.
- Heat Treatment – The most common enhancement, improving color naturally and permanently.
- Fracture Filling – Involves filling surface cracks with lead-glass, often lowering value.
- Dyeing & Coating – Less common but considered low-quality treatments.
Untreated rubies with naturally vivid color are extremely rare and highly prized. Always request a gemological report (GIA, GRS, or AGL) when buying high-value rubies.
8. Ruby Color Grading Chart
| Color Grade | Description | Value |
| AAA (Top Grade) | Pigeon Blood Red, vibrant, high saturation, medium-dark tone | Highest |
| AA (Fine Grade) | Slightly lighter than pigeon blood, strong saturation, pure red | High |
| A (Good Grade) | Medium to medium-light red, slight secondary tones | Moderate |
| B (Commercial Grade) | Noticeable brown or orange hue, lower saturation | Lower |
| C (Low Grade) | Pale or dull red, weak saturation | Lowest |
J10265| play | medium| middle| “0.35 Ct. Ruby Ring”
9. How to Choose the Best Ruby Color for Your Jewelry
When selecting a ruby, prioritize color over size, as a well-colored ruby holds more value than a larger, less vibrant stone.
- For investment: Choose pigeon blood red with strong saturation and minimal inclusions.
- For engagement rings: Look for a vibrant, medium-tone ruby that complements different lighting conditions.
- For budget-friendly options: Consider pinkish-red or purplish-red rubies, which offer beauty at a lower price.
Conclusion
Ruby color grading is essential in determining value, rarity, and overall beauty. The Ruby Color Grading Guide helps identify the most prized rubies, which display vivid red hues with high saturation, especially those with the coveted pigeon blood red color. Whether buying for investment or personal jewelry, using the Ruby Color Grading Guide to understand hue, tone, and saturation will help you select the finest ruby for your needs.
For more details, visit Celebrity Ruby Jewelry Collection to see how stars have showcased the timeless beauty of rubies.