Ruby

Wholesale ruby — buying guide for the trade

Red corundum. The rarest gem-quality variety of corundum and historically the most valuable coloured stone per carat at the top of the market.

Key properties

Mineral

Corundum (Al₂O₃)

Hardness

9 (Mohs)

Key origins

Myanmar (Mogok, Mong Hsu), Mozambique, Madagascar, Thailand

Typical treatments

Heat, lead-glass filling (heavily traded, disclose!), flux healing

What to look for when buying wholesale

• Burmese / Mozambican origin commands a strong premium. Get it on a credible lab report.
• Lead-glass filled rubies are common and cheap — never confuse with natural even at retail.
• Eye-clean fine rubies under 1ct are scarce; matched pairs even more so.
• "Pigeon blood" is a colour grade defined by SSEF, Gübelin, GRS and AGL — verify whose definition is being claimed.

Certification guidance

For anything above USD 2,000/ct, SSEF, Gübelin, GRS or AGL. Lotus Gemology is the boutique reference for ruby/sapphire.

Treatment disclosure

Heat is universal and accepted. Lead-glass filling, flux healing and beryllium diffusion must be disclosed and dramatically affect value.

Typical wholesale price tiers

Prices are indicative wholesale-to-trade ranges. Actual offers depend on origin, certification and supply at the time of enquiry.