You’ve heard of red diamonds and rubies, but which one is the better choice? You’re in luck because we’ll be revealing the secrets between these two dazzling gems. We’ll compare color, price, rarity, hardness, cut and clarity so you can make an informed decision and pick the stone that puts power in your hands. Get ready to discover how red diamond vs ruby stacks up against each other – this comprehensive comparison will have you feeling like a gemstone expert!
Key Takeaways
- Red diamonds are pricier and more rare than rubies, making them a valuable investment.
- Red diamonds have a blue-ish hue, while rubies have an orangey undertone.
- Both red diamonds and rubies require delicate handling and proper care to preserve their beauty and value.
- Red diamonds symbolize power, while rubies are associated with passion and love.
Color
You’ll be amazed by the striking color differences between a red diamond and ruby; one is an intense, deep crimson and the other is a rich, velvety red! The symbolism of these two precious gems differ greatly. Red diamonds often symbolize power, while rubies are associated with passion and love. On top of that, hue variations set them apart. A red diamond typically has a more blue-ish hue whereas rubies have an orangey undertone to their classic red shade. With so much contrast in their colors, it’s no wonder they’ve been coveted by many for centuries! As you move on to comparing prices of each gemstone, keep these color distinctions in mind.
Price
When it comes to cost, red diamonds are definitely pricier than rubies. The investment value of a red diamond is much higher due to its rarity, and they tend to accrue more resale value over time. Ruby’s price tag may be low initially, but the return on investment may not be as impressive as with a red diamond. With the right care and attention, your ruby could become an heirloom that can be passed down through generations, but it is highly unlikely that you will see any major gains from reselling it in the future. On the other hand, investing in a rare and valuable red diamond offers potential monetary rewards if you decide to part with it down the road.
Rarity
It’s no secret that red diamonds are far more rare than rubies, almost like a needle in a haystack. This rarity is due to a few factors: 1) they require special treatments to create their unique hue, 2) their market demand is low due to their high cost and 3) only 0.1% of all diamonds mined are red. As such, the supply of these gems cannot meet the demand for them, making them even more scarce and valuable.
This rarity also makes red diamonds harder to find than rubies – it requires far more effort and resources from jewelers, which can lead to higher costs for consumers. Even though both gems offer beauty and elegance, there is no denying that when it comes to rarity, red diamonds come out on top as they are extremely hard to get hold of compared to rubies. With this in mind, it’s clear why those who seek power seek out this precious gem above all others. To truly understand its mystique however one must look at how hard the gem actually is…
Hardness
You’re probably familiar with the Mohs Scale of Hardness – a measurement of a gemstone or mineral’s resistance to scratching. It is an important factor in determining the resilience of a stone to wear and tear over time. Understanding how these stones measure up on the Mohs scale, as well as their overall durability, will help you determine which one is right for you.
Mohs Scale of Hardness
Comparing red diamonds and rubies on the Mohs Scale of Hardness is a must – they may have different levels of hardness! Red Diamonds typically have a higher measure of hardness than rubies, due to their treatments and clarity grades. Treatments such as heating and irradiation can increase the diamond’s level of hardness, while many rubies tend to be softer when untreated. While this means that red diamonds are more resilient to wear and tear, it also means that they can require increased care when compared to other gems. On the other hand, as long as it is properly cared for, a ruby’s softness makes it easier to cut and polish without sacrificing its beauty or value. Moving forward, let us explore how these precious stones fare in terms of resilience to wear and tear.
Resilience to Wear and Tear
Now that you’ve learned about the Mohs Scale of Hardness for red diamonds and rubies, it’s time to explore their resilience in wear and tear. Red diamonds, known for their vibrant color and striking luminescence, are incredibly tough. As long as they are handled with care and properly stored, your precious stones will stand the test of time. On the other hand, rubies should also be treated delicately if you want them to stay as beautiful as possible over time. Because it is a softer stone than a diamond, proper storage and careful handling can make all the difference in preserving its vibrancy. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to keep your valuable gems looking pristinely beautiful! Now let’s take a look at how cut and clarity affect each gemstone’s beauty—
Cut and Clarity
Red diamonds and rubies stand out from the crowd due to their stunningly magnificent cut and clarity, so dazzling that it could almost blind you! Polishing techniques are used by gem cutters to shape these precious gems into symmetrical shapes that enhance their beauty. The quality of the cut has a major impact on the brilliance of the stone; more facets result in increased sparkle. Red diamond cuts come in various shapes, such as princess, round brilliant, oval, or cushion. Rubies may be cut in a variety of shapes including round brilliant, emerald, heart-shaped, pear-shaped or marquise but are often found with an oval shape.
The clarity grade is dependent on how visible internal features such as blemishes and inclusions are when viewed using 10X magnification. A high level of clarity can increase the value of a gemstone significantly. Both red diamonds and rubies range between Flawless (FL) and Included (I3). However red diamonds tend to have higher levels of clarity than rubies due to its hardness rating of 9 compared with ruby’s hardness rating at 8.5 on the Mohs scale.
| Clarity Grade | Red Diamonds | Rubies |
|---|---|---|
| Flawless (FL) | Excellent | Good |
| Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1/VVS2) | Excellent | Fair |
| Slightly Included (SI1/SI2) | Good | Poor |
| Included (I1/I2/I3) | Poor | Poor |
Conclusion
You’ve now learned the secrets of the red diamond vs ruby. Both gems are absolutely stunning, but depending on your preferences and budget, you may prefer one over the other. In terms of color, a ruby gives off an intense and fiery hue, while a red diamond offers a subtle hint of color. Price-wise, rubies tend to be more affordable whereas red diamonds come with a hefty price tag due to their rarity. When it comes to hardness, both gems are highly durable. Finally, cut and clarity can make either stone sparkle in the light. So which will you choose? Ultimately it’s up to you – both gems will add beauty and value to any collection!
Q: What is the difference between red diamond and ruby?
A: Red diamond is a rare and valuable diamond with a natural red color, while ruby is a gemstone that is also red but is not made of pure carbon like a diamond.
Q: What is the value of red diamonds and rubies?
A: Red diamonds and rubies are some of the most valuable gemstones in the world, with prices ranging from thousands to millions of dollars per carat depending on the size, quality, and color intensity.
Q: Why are red diamonds and rubies so expensive?
A: Red diamonds and rubies are rare and difficult to find, making them highly sought after by collectors and investors. The deep red color of these gems is also a factor in their price, as it is a very desirable and valuable color for jewelry.
Q: What is the chemical component of the red color in red diamonds and rubies?
A: The red color in both red diamonds and rubies is due to the presence of the chemical element chromium.
Q: Which countries are known for producing valuable red diamonds?
A: Some of the largest and most valuable red diamonds have been found in India, Brazil, and Australia.
Q: What is the difference between a natural ruby and a pigeon blood red ruby?
A: A pigeon blood red ruby is a rare and very high quality ruby with a dark red color, while a natural ruby may have a lighter or less intense shade of red.
Q: What is the Moussaieff Red diamond?
A: The Moussaieff Red is one of the largest and rarest natural fancy red diamonds in the world, weighing over 5 carats and valued at over $20 million.
Q: Can a ruby be transparent?
A: Yes, while many rubies have a translucent or opaque appearance, some high-quality rubies can be transparent or nearly transparent.
Q: What makes a red diamond or ruby more valuable than other gemstones?
A: The rarity and unique color of red diamonds and rubies make them some of the most valuable gemstones in the world. Additionally, the history and origin of the gemstone can also affect its value.
Q: Are red diamonds and rubies always worth more than one carat?
A: Not necessarily. While larger stones are generally more valuable, a high-quality red diamond or ruby that is less than one carat can still be quite valuable depending on its color and clarity.
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