When it comes to red gems, can you think of anything better than a ruby? We don't think so!

ART DECO RUBY RING
Unfortunately, the high demand for this gemstone has led to the creation of several similar or imitation gemstones. If you're worried about ending up with one, don't worry. This article will show you how to distinguish between real and fake rubies.

But first, what exactly is ruby?

Ruby belongs to the corundum family and is one of the hardest minerals found on Earth. Therefore, this gemstone has a Mohs Mineral Hardness Scale of 9, which indicates that it is durable enough for everyday wear. Besides power and beauty, this gem is also considered a symbol of love and strength. So it's no wonder that bold rubies are often referred to as the "king of gems."

Ruby and Diamond Ring

If you want to own a ruby ​​but are concerned about its authenticity, consider doing the following...

Tip #1. Search for inclusions

Natural rubies are born under high pressure conditions deep below the surface, which cause them to have a variety of inclusions and defects. However, these inclusions are often too small to be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, we recommend taking home a jeweler's magnifying glass.

When examining inclusions, remember to hold the gemstone at a 45-degree angle in bright light, as this makes it easier to spot any imperfections.

If you absolutely cannot find any inclusions, then the stone is most likely fake.

Vintage Ruby Ring

Tip #2. start comparing

Most imitation rubies are made of glass. So comparing your jewelry to a red glass is another way to know if it's real or fake.

Remember to pay close attention to the color and clarity of the stone and glass. Ruby tends to have a bright hue, while glass is slightly darker. Also, true rubies are not completely translucent due to small inclusions in the gem. So you should be able to see through the gem, but not very clearly. This type of assessment cannot be done for fine jewelry such as ruby ​​rings; therefore, we recommend purchasing only certified jewelry.

However, if the tone of the stone is dark and clear, then it is most likely not authentic.

Tip #3. Let a professional check it

An easy way to tell the difference between a real ruby ​​and a fake ruby ​​is to have it inspected by a professional. Most jewelers are specially trained to understand the differences between various gemstones, so imitations are easy to spot. A professional can also evaluate a gemstone and tell you its actual value.

Tip #4. Buy only from well-known brands

Buying ruby ​​jewelry from a well-known brand with real customer reviews will be a safe way to avoid being sold fakes. The company will also provide you with a Certificate of Authenticity, which will reveal all the important details about the stone, including whether it has been treated in any way.

You might also consider choosing jewelry with a Gemological Institute of America (GIA)-certified ruby ​​finish. It is one of the most prominent non-profit organizations in the world and is known for setting the benchmark for gem certification. One of GIA's most important jobs is protecting jewelry lovers and gem buyers from imitations. So you can rest assured that you will bring home a real ruby.

Also Read: How to Tell if a Sapphire is Real