Natural Rubies
Discover natural loose rubies for bespoke jewellery, stone setting and fine jewellery designs. Shop our calibrated ruby collection or search a wider selection of individual natural rubies in different shapes, sizes and specifications
What Is a Natural Ruby?
Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, the same mineral family as sapphire. Its distinctive colour is primarily caused by chromium, with natural rubies ranging from lighter pinkish reds through to rich, vivid red tones.
Unlike diamonds, where characteristics such as cut, colour and clarity are assessed using highly standardised grading systems, coloured gemstones are often chosen primarily for their overall visual appearance. For ruby, colour is generally one of the most important considerations, alongside transparency, cut, size and any treatments the stone has received.
Choosing the Colour of a Ruby
Colour has a significant influence on the appearance and value of a natural ruby. The most desirable stones typically combine an attractive red hue with strong saturation and enough brightness to prevent the stone from appearing overly dark.
Ruby colour can vary considerably, however, and the best choice ultimately depends on the look you're trying to achieve. Some stones display brighter red tones, while others may have subtle pink, purple or deeper red characteristics.
When buying online, consider the stone as a whole rather than concentrating on a single specification. Colour, cut and transparency all contribute to how lively and attractive a ruby appears once set into jewellery.
Are Natural Rubies Usually Included?
Natural rubies commonly contain inclusions and internal characteristics formed during their growth. Unlike diamonds, a completely inclusion-free appearance is not necessarily expected in a natural ruby.
The important consideration is how those characteristics affect the beauty, transparency and durability of the individual stone. A ruby can contain visible natural characteristics while still displaying excellent colour and making a beautiful jewellery stone.
Natural Ruby Treatments
Many natural rubies available on the market have been treated to improve their appearance. Heat treatment, for example, has a long history within the coloured gemstone trade and may be used to improve colour and clarity. Other types of treatment can have a greater effect on a stone's value and care requirements.
When selecting an individual ruby, always consider the treatment information provided for that particular stone alongside its colour, size, appearance and price.
Popular Ruby Shapes
Round Natural Rubies
Round cut rubies are a classic and versatile choice, with their balanced proportions helping to showcase the rich colour and natural beauty of the stone. Ideal for rings, earrings, pendants and bespoke jewellery, round rubies work beautifully as both centre stones and accent stones.
Oval Natural Rubies
Oval cut rubies offer an elegant, elongated shape that beautifully showcases the rich colour and natural character of the stone. Their flattering proportions make them an excellent choice for engagement rings, pendants and bespoke jewellery designs.
Pear Natural Rubies
Pear cut rubies combine elegant curves with a distinctive tapered point, creating a striking and individual appearance. Their unique shape makes them particularly well suited to rings, pendants, earrings and bespoke jewellery designs.
Emerald Cut Natural Rubies
Emerald cut rubies feature a sophisticated rectangular shape with step-cut facets that place emphasis on the stoneās colour and natural character. Their clean, elegant proportions make them a distinctive choice for engagement rings and contemporary bespoke jewellery.
Natural Rubies for Jewellery Making
Ruby is an excellent gemstone for fine jewellery. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, corundum is second only to diamond in hardness, making ruby suitable for many types of jewellery when appropriately set and cared for.
Whether you're replacing a missing stone, creating a bespoke engagement ring or sourcing gemstones for a jewellery collection, we offer options for both calibrated requirements and individual centre stones.
Rubies for Trade & Private Buyers
We supply loose gemstones to both jewellery professionals and private customers throughout the UK. Whether you know the exact dimensions and specifications you require or need some guidance choosing a stone, we're happy to help.
Jewellers can source calibrated stones for setting, repairs and manufacturing, while private customers can search individual rubies for engagement rings, bespoke jewellery and other special pieces.
Natural Ruby FAQs
Are rubies natural gemstones?
Yes. Natural ruby is the red variety of corundum and forms naturally within the Earth. Its characteristic red colour is primarily associated with the presence of chromium.
What colour ruby is best?
Colour preference varies, although strongly saturated red rubies with good brightness are particularly prized. The beauty of an individual stone should be considered alongside factors such as transparency, cut and treatment.
Are natural rubies treated?
Many natural rubies are treated, with heat treatment being common within the gemstone trade. Treatment can affect a ruby's appearance, value and care requirements, so the treatment information for an individual stone should be considered before purchase.
Are rubies suitable for engagement rings?
Ruby is a popular choice for engagement rings because of its distinctive colour and excellent hardness. As with any gemstone, an appropriate setting can help protect the stone during everyday wear.
Can I buy a loose ruby without a setting?
Yes. The Carat Club supplies loose natural rubies for jewellery making, repairs, bespoke designs and customers who wish to choose their gemstone before deciding on a setting.
How do I choose the right size ruby?
For an existing setting, the physical dimensions of the gemstone are particularly important. For a new bespoke design, you can choose according to the overall proportions and appearance you want rather than relying on carat weight alone.
Do you supply rubies to jewellers?
Yes. We supply both trade and private customers, including loose gemstones for jewellery manufacture, repairs, replacement stones and bespoke commissions.
Find Your Perfect Natural Ruby
Shop Calibrated Rubies
Explore our collection of calibrated Natural Rubies, carefully selected for their colour, consistency and natural beauty. Available in a range of sizes, they are ideal for jewellery repairs, stone replacement, bespoke designs and fine jewellery making.
Search Natural Rubies
Explore a wider selection of Natural Rubies and find the exact stone and specification that suits your requirements. Search by shape, carat weight, dimensions, colour and price to find the perfect ruby for engagement rings, bespoke designs and fine jewellery.