Natural Ruby (Yaqoot) Stone in Pakistan

What to check first when buying Yaqoot

With ruby, colour sets most of the value. The most sought-after stones show a pure, vivid red to slightly purplish red, sometimes called "pigeon blood" in the trade. Orange-red, pinkish or brownish stones cost less, and very dark stones lose value because they look blackish. After colour, check:

• Treatment - heating is common and accepted; glass-filled (lead-glass) rubies are a different, far cheaper product and must be clearly declared.
• Clarity - fine silk and small crystals are normal and can even soften the colour beautifully, but cracks and cloudy patches reduce value.
• Cut - good proportions bring out brilliance and spread colour evenly.
• Size - fine rubies over a carat or two are rare, so the per-carat rate rises steeply with size.

Each listing shows the price for that stone; its per-carat rate is price divided by carat weight.

Origins: Burma, Afghanistan, Africa and Pakistan

Burmese (Myanmar) ruby from the Mogok area is the historic benchmark and sits at the top of the market. Afghan ruby, from the Jegdalek area, and rubies from Pakistan's Hunza valley are marble-hosted stones known for a bright, often pinkish-red. Madagascar and Mozambique supply much of today's market with good colour at more accessible rates. Where we know a stone's origin, we state it.

About ruby

Ruby is aluminium oxide coloured by chromium. At 9 on the Mohs scale it is the second hardest natural gem after diamond, which makes it excellent for everyday rings.

How to avoid fake ruby

Red glass, synthetic (lab-grown) ruby, glass-filled ruby and red spinel or garnet sold as ruby are all common in markets. Warning signs include a flawless stone at a very low price, round gas bubbles, and a blue or flash effect in cracks, which can indicate glass filling. Natural ruby feels cool and heavy, and under a loupe often shows fine silk. For any serious purchase, a certificate of authenticity is available on request, and we can arrange independent lab testing.

Yaqoot in tradition

Ruby is the July birthstone. In Vedic astrology it is the stone of the Sun (Surya) and traditionally worn for confidence, vitality and leadership. These are beliefs rather than guaranteed results; if you are buying for astrological reasons, consult an experienced astrologer about weight, metal and finger.

Caring for your ruby

Clean ruby with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for glass-filled or heavily fractured stones.

Why buyers choose GemStore for ruby

We inspect every stone before it is listed and disclose known treatments. Orders travel by insured, tracked courier to every city in Pakistan, and with Cash on Delivery you can open the parcel and check the ruby before paying. Unused stones can be returned within 7 days under our return policy.