Rubies
Burmese 'pigeon blood', Mozambique and Thai rubies, and the glass-filling problem.
Typical UK second-hand price
1ct heated good colour: £800–£5,000; unheated Burmese far higher
What to look for
Strong pure red with slight blue is ideal. Burma (Myanmar) and Mozambique produce the finest stones.
Glass-filled rubies
Lead-glass filled rubies are low-grade material with fractures filled with glass. They are worth very little and can be damaged by jewellers' heat or acids.
Before you buy
- Look under magnification for gas bubbles and blue flashes in fractures (signs of glass filling).
- Have any high-value piece checked by an independent valuer or jeweller before paying. JewelleryTrader does not authenticate items.
Frequently asked questions
How do I spot a glass-filled ruby?
A lab report is the safe way; under a loupe look for flattened gas bubbles and blue flash effects.
More coloured gemstones guides
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