Ruby, known as the “King of Gems,” is a captivating gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red color and association with energy, courage, and success. However, knowing how to choose ruby stone is essential to experience its full potential. Selecting a high-quality, authentic ruby can amplify its positive effects, helping you feel empowered and confident. This guide will walk you through the vital factors to consider when choosing a genuine ruby stone so you can invest confidently in a gem that can truly enhance your life.
What is Ruby Stone?
Ruby is a precious gemstone belonging to the corundum family and is known for its stunning red hue. The color of a ruby varies from light pinkish-red to deep blood red, with the latter being the most desirable and valuable.
Rubies are often associated with the Sun in Vedic astrology, believed to enhance confidence, vitality, and leadership qualities. By understanding its unique properties and origin, you can make a more informed choice while buying a ruby.
Why Choosing the Right Ruby Stone is Important
The benefits of wearing a ruby are tied closely to its quality and authenticity. An authentic, high-quality ruby stone can positively impact your life, boosting courage, financial status, and physical vitality.
However, a fake or low-quality ruby may not only lack these effects but may even have adverse effects if worn inappropriately. Thus, knowing how to identify and select the right ruby stone can ensure you enjoy its benefits fully.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ruby Stone
When selecting a ruby stone, several important factors should guide your decision to ensure you’re purchasing a valuable gem. Here’s what to consider:
1. Origin of the Stone
Rubies come from various locations around the world, including Myanmar (Burma), Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and India. Burmese rubies are especially valued for their vibrant “pigeon blood” color and high clarity. Stones from Mozambique and Sri Lanka are also desirable due to their color intensity and transparency.
To ensure authenticity, always ask about the stone’s origin. A reputable seller will share details on where the ruby was sourced and its qualities. Buying from a trusted and certified seller is crucial to ensuring the stone is authentic and of good quality.
2. Color and Appearance
The color of the ruby is its most defining characteristic. The ideal ruby has a deep red color with hints of blue, often called “pigeon blood” red. High-quality rubies have a vivid color, are not too light or too dark, and do not appear brownish or overly opaque.
Examine the stone under light to assess its transparency and look for any visible imperfections. A good-quality ruby will have a balanced red color with minimal inclusions that do not impact its beauty. However, remember that minor inclusions are normal in natural rubies and can signify authenticity.
3. Size and Carat Weight
The size of the ruby stone impacts its value. Larger rubies are rarer and, therefore, more expensive. While size can increase the stone’s impact, it is also crucial to focus on quality. A smaller, high-quality ruby can often be more effective and beautiful than a larger, flawed stone.
Carat weight also affects the price significantly. When buying a ruby, select a size that fits within your budget while still providing the beauty and effectiveness you desire.
4. Clarity and Transparency
Ruby clarity is a measure of how clear and transparent the stone is. Natural rubies typically contain inclusions, such as fine silk fibers or crystal impurities. These inclusions are acceptable as long as they don’t obstruct the beauty of the stone.
Avoid rubies that have visible cracks, black spots, or excessive cloudiness. Clear rubies with minimal inclusions are rare and more valuable. Transparency is also crucial, as a transparent ruby will have a rich, radiant look compared to an opaque one.
5. Treatment and Enhancement
Many rubies on the market have undergone treatments to enhance color and clarity. The most common treatment is heat treatment, which is accepted in the gemstone industry to improve the ruby’s appearance. However, avoid rubies treated with chemicals, dyes, or glass fillings, as these treatments may reduce the stone’s quality and value.
Always ask your seller if the ruby has undergone any treatments. Genuine, high-quality rubies are often untreated or only lightly treated. A reputable seller should disclose this information and offer you untreated or minimally treated options for higher authenticity.
6. Certification of Authenticity
A certificate of authenticity from a recognized gemological laboratory verifies the stone’s origin, quality, and any treatments it may have undergone. Reputable certifications come from laboratories such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America), IGI (International Gemological Institute), or Indian gemological labs.
A certification will list the ruby’s details, including carat weight, color grade, clarity, and treatment history. Ensure your ruby stone comes with a certificate of authenticity to validate its quality and avoid counterfeits.
7. Astrological Suitability
Ruby is associated with the Sun in Vedic astrology, and wearing it can benefit those who have Sun as a favorable planet in their horoscope. Consulting an astrologer before purchasing a ruby can confirm if it suits you based on your birth chart.
An astrologer will guide you on how to wear the stone, which finger to wear it on, and the best day to begin wearing it for maximum impact. This consultation ensures the stone will provide beneficial results aligned with your specific needs.
8. Budget Considerations
Ruby is a premium gemstone, and its price varies based on factors like origin, size, clarity, and color. Set a budget and prioritize quality over size. A smaller, authentic, and untreated ruby can be more powerful and valuable than a larger, lower-quality stone. It’s wise to invest a bit more in a higher-quality ruby to enjoy long-term benefits.
How to Wear and Care for Ruby Stone
Once you have chosen your ruby stone, wearing it correctly and caring for it is essential to maintain its effectiveness and longevity.
1. Wearing Ruby Stone
For the best results, follow these steps when wearing a ruby:
- Clean the ruby with saltwater or milk overnight to remove any impurities.
- The following morning, rinse it with clean water and place it in sunlight for a few minutes to activate its energy.
- Chant the Sun mantra “Om Surya Namah” to enhance the stone’s positive effects.
- Wear the ruby on a gold or copper ring on the ring finger of your right hand, as advised by an astrologer.
- Begin wearing it on a Sunday morning during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) for the best effects.
2. Caring for Your Ruby Stone
To ensure that your ruby stone continues to provide its benefits, it’s essential to care for it properly:
- Clean the stone regularly with a soft cloth and water.
- Avoid exposing the ruby to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning agents, perfumes, or lotions, as they may damage the stone.
- Purify the ruby every few months by soaking it in saltwater overnight and rinsing it with clean water in the morning.
- Store it safely when not in use, away from other jewelry, to prevent scratches.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Ruby Stone
When selecting a ruby stone, keep these common mistakes in mind to avoid making costly errors:
- Buying from Unverified Sellers: Purchase from certified and trusted sellers to avoid fake or treated stones.
- Ignoring the Ruby’s Purity: Stones with heavy treatments will not offer the same astrological benefits.
- Not Consulting an Astrologer: An astrologer can guide you on whether a ruby will benefit you based on your birth chart.
- Focusing Only on Size: Size is important but does not compensate for quality. A smaller, high-quality ruby is often more effective than a larger, low-quality one.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ruby stone is key to experiencing its benefits, including enhanced confidence, vitality, and prosperity. By focusing on factors like the stone’s origin, color, clarity, and certification, you can select a high-quality ruby that’s both valuable and effective. Remember to buy from reputable sellers, request a certificate of authenticity, and consult an astrologer before wearing the stone.
With the right ruby stone, you can enjoy its transformative effects and witness positive changes in various aspects of your life.