Rubies: The Love Gemstone

At Phillips in Geneva, a 17.97ct Burmese ruby and diamond ring sold for $5.4M, while Bonhams auctioned a 2.22ct Burmese ruby for $165,000. In December 2024, Sotheby’s sold a 10.33ct Burmese ruby ring for $5.5M, nearly tripling its estimate. These record sales affirm rubies’ dominance in colored gemstone markets for 2025.

Why are rubies so special? Rebecca Shukan, Director of Sales & Development at Omi Privé, notes, “High-quality rubies are relatively rare, and their deep red color is unique among colored gemstones, symbolizing passion and love.”

Rubies’ red hue, ranging from orangey to purplish red, comes from chromium, which also enhances their fluorescence, adding fire-like brilliance and increasing value. Treated rubies are common, but untreated ones verified by gem labs command premiums. Rated 9 on the Moh’s hardness scale, rubies make excellent engagement rings and have adorned royal jewelry for centuries.

Burma produces the most coveted rubies, though they’re also mined in Afghanistan, India, Vietnam, and Tanzania.

For those deterred by hefty prices, consider my “AADG” © (Alternative and Affordable Dream Gemstones) list: red spinel, Rubellite tourmaline, pyrope garnet, Bixbite, red zircon, and red topaz—all affordable red gemstone alternatives.