Ruby Jewelry Value & Price Guide

Ruby jewelry remains one of the most coveted categories for collectors, prized for its intense crimson hues and historical association with royalty and passion. From delicate Edwardian solitaires to bold mid-century cocktail rings, these pieces offer a timeless blend of durability and vibrant aesthetic appeal.

Price Range: $550 - $650 based on recent sales

History of Ruby Jewelry

Rubies have been revered for millennia, with ancient Sanskrit texts referring to them as 'ratnaraj,' or the king of precious stones. Throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras, rubies were frequently paired with diamonds in intricate yellow gold and platinum filigree settings to symbolize deep romantic love. In the mid-20th century, the aesthetic shifted toward the 'Retro' style, featuring large ruby clusters and bold geometric designs that reflected the glamour of the Hollywood era. Today, vintage ruby jewelry is highly sought after not just for its gemstone quality, but for the distinct craftsmanship of these various historical periods.

Value Factors for Ruby Jewelry

The typical price range for Ruby Jewelry is $550 - $650 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Color saturation and tone, with pure reds being more valuable than those with strong pink, orange, or purple overtones.
• The presence and type of enhancements, such as heat treatment, which is common, versus glass-filling, which significantly lowers value.
• Carat weight and clarity, specifically the rarity of finding large rubies over two carats without significant eye-visible inclusions.
• Historical provenance or designer signatures from renowned houses like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, or Tiffany & Co.

Tips for Buying Ruby Jewelry

• Examine the stone's origin, as rubies from specific regions like Myanmar (Burma) often command a significant premium over those from Thailand or Madagascar.
• Look for 'pigeon's blood' red saturation, which is the most desirable color grade, while ensuring the stone has not undergone excessive lead-glass filling.
• Check the setting for hallmarks that indicate the purity of the gold or platinum, as high-quality rubies are rarely set in low-grade metals.
• Use a jeweler's loupe to inspect for natural inclusions known as 'silk,' which can actually prove the stone is natural rather than synthetic.

Items in This Collection

• Ruby Cluster Ring
• Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band
• Ruby and Diamond Flower Ring
• Burma Ruby Cabochon
• Ruby in Matrix
• Ruby Solitaire Ring
• Opal and Ruby Ring
• Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet
• Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
• Sterling Silver and Ruby Ring
• Ruby and Diamond Pendant Necklace
• Ruby and White Topaz Ring
• Ruby and Diamond Pendant