Rubies vs. Sapphires

There are many different options when it comes to choosing non-diamond jewelry. One such option is gemstones. Gemstones come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors and include sapphires, rubies, emeralds, tanzanite, aquamarine, and more.

How do I Choose?

All these varieties and shapes can be overwhelming! Where does one even begin their search for that perfect gemstone that will satisfy your unique taste? Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring this topic in detail.

Sapphires vs. Rubies

To start off, we asked our Facebook friends to choose between two popular gemstones: rubies and sapphires. Here is what they had to say:

We had a lot of responses to this question. 44% preferred sapphires, while 56% preferred rubies!

What is a ruby?

A ruby is pink to dark red in color, and is a variety of the mineral corundum. It is considered one of the four precious stones along with sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. It is a July birthstone.

The most valuable color in rubies is known as pigeon blood-red, and costs more than other rubies of similar quality. After color, the most important attribute is clarity. A clear stone will be more expensive then a stone with inclusions. And similar to diamond, cut and carat weight are also important determining factors when it comes to the value of the ruby.

What is a sapphire?

A sapphire is often thought of as a deep blue gem, however sapphires also come in orange, yellow, green, pink, or purple. Sapphires are also a variety of the mineral corundum, just as rubies. In fact, rubies are actually red sapphires!

Sapphires are the September birthstone, and are second only to diamonds in their toughness. In their raw form, sapphires appear cloudy and dull. The end product you see and adore is only formed after a skilled cutter meticulously works to bring out the stone’s natural optimum beauty.

What is your favorite?

Feel free to post your comments below: