A Complete Guide on Natural Ruby vs Glass-filled Ruby

In the world of gemstones, Rubies have earned a place as the most admired gem. Their captivating red hue has charmed mankind for ancient times. Rubies are not only considered a valuable gem but also have major significance in astrology science. They are considered the birthstones for July-born people. Whether you want to adorn them for some special event or everyday life, their longevity makes them the perfect choice for all occasions. Digging into Its palatial culture and history leaves you smitten by the charm of ‘the king of gemstones’.

However, for some obvious reasons, the gemstone market keeps a wide range of alternatives. That’s where come the glass-filled rubies. They may look similar to natural rubies but their properties and origin contradict massively. Each one has its own significance and characteristics. Choosing between these two depends on your requirements and the purpose.

The planet of ruby has split into two parts – natural rubies and glass-filled ones. Hence, knowing the differences between glass-filled and natural rubies becomes important for you as a potential buyer. This blog will make your purchase even more worth it,  no matter if you are a naive buyer or an experienced one. Read more to learn the details.

What are Glass-filled Rubies?

Glass-filled ruby as per its name is a type of treated ruby. It is a more recent innovation. The treatment is done to improve its appearance and longevity by using high heat and pressure. In the process, the cavities and fractures presenting within the ruby are packed with molten lead glass material. The process aims to make the internal imperfections less visible by enhancing their color, clarity, and luster.

 However, for some novices in the field of gemstones, this may take after natural rubies. But they are really different in respect of formation and durability. Apart from that, glass-filling has its own positive and negative impacts on the sturdiness and demeanor of the ruby gemstone. Let's check out some significant characteristics of the glass-filled ruby:

 Appearance

●     Treated or glass-filled rubies look brighter due to the filling process.

●     They are visibly more transparent as the imperfections are improved in the treatment process.

●     It may look more appealing to buyers as its clarity improves after the glass-filling

Physical Properties

●     Glass-filled rubies are mostly vibrant red or dark pink

●     These are more translucent than natural rubies

●     As per the gemological labs, natural rubies have a lower refractive index ( a gemstone’s ability to bend)

Durability

●     Glass-filled ruby may look more appealing but the treatment process may compromise its longevity.

●     Over time the glass filling may degrade and so may the appearance.

●     The treatment is not everlasting. Hence, this makes the glass-filled ruby more delicate and open to scratches and damage.

Price and Value of Glass-filled Rubies

●     The glass filling of rubies influences the valuation and price of these gemstones. The low value is caused due to alterations made during the heat treatment process.

●     Lower-quality rubies with a significant amount of imperfections are filled with this lead glass substance. Hence, they are not considered as valuable as the natural rubies.

 Some Interesting Facts about Glass-filled Rubies

●     Glass-filled rubies were evolved during the early 2000s. Soon after that, they became widely popular among jewelry enthusiasts as an affordable alternative to natural rubies.

●     Minute glass fillers give them a higher clarity as compared to natural ones. consequently, they look more translucent and vibrant.

●     In the treatment process, rubies are put in gauntlets and heated to a temperature between 900-1200 degrees Celsius. The crucible already contains lead glass material that has a lower melting point than rubies.

●     The process helps the glass mixture to melt and infuse in the gemstone. As a result, the fractures and imperfections of rubies are improved by giving them a more vibrant red hue.

●     Being cost-effective has made glass-filled rubies immensely popular in the fashion jewelry world. They not only look attractive but also add a touch of elegance to your everyday look.

Pros and cons of Glass-filled Ruby

The glass-filled rubies have their own benefits and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some pros and cons of the treated rubies. 

Pros

●     Glass-filled rubies are comparatively more affordable than natural rubies. The moderate price allows this gemstone to target a wider range of buyers. 

●     The glass-filling process certainly makes the gemstone more translucent. Hence, treated ones may be more eye-pleasing than natural rubies in terms of appearance.

●     If you are seeking a wider range of options, glass-filled rubies are for you. They are more easily available in the market as compared to the natural ones.

Cons

●     The treatment done to glass-filled rubies makes them less durable and prone to damage in the long term.

●     As it is a treated gemstone, the resale value also depreciates over time as compared to the natural ruby.

●      In most cases, glass-filled rubies are not reparable. So, it may be disappointing for buyers.

Natural Ruby

Natural rubies are a beautiful gift to humans from Mother Nature. The wonder is formed when it goes through millions of years of pressure and heat. They are the composition of the mineral corundum, and get their red hue from the traces of chromium. Natural rubies may vary in color and have a little imperfection which is also proof of their ingenuity. The distinct inclusions found in natural rubies tell the saga of their terrestrial journey.

Natural rubies are known for their vivid red color and scarcity. That’s why they are valued as one of the most exorbitant gemstones. Natural rubies are associated with good luck, wealth, and prosperity in astrology science. Hence knowing their qualities becomes important. Some key features of them are as follows.

Appearance

●     Natural rubies manifest a sparkling red yet vary in terms of color, tone, and saturation. The red color in rubies comes from the chromium element and ranges from deep blackish red to wine.

●     Natural rubies possess depth and have unique inclusions that may appear as needle-like structures. 

●     They are not as translucent and clear as glass-filled ones because they are in their original forms and hardly go through any treatment. 

Physical properties

●     As per the gemological labs, natural rubies have a higher refractive index ( a gemstone’s ability to bend).

●     Natural rubies show off the beautiful features of red luminance when under ultraviolet light.

Durability

●     Natural rubies are highly durable because of their natural properties. Hence, are the perfect choice for everyday use.

●     On the Mohs Scale of mineral hardness, natural rubies are rated 9 which ranks them second after diamonds which are rated 10

●     Natural rubies are untreated so they are resistant to scratches and clefts. 

Price and Value

●     Renowned for their rarity and elegance, natural rubies are really very expensive. Although, their price may vary slightly depending on their color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.  

●     Some people consider only natural gemstones for ethical and astrological reasons. Hence, natural rubies possess a huge value in the eyes of natural gemstone lovers. 

Pros and Cons of Having Natural Rubies 

Pros

Natural rubies are scarce so they hold prestige and value in the eyes of collectors and investors.

Natural rubies are a symbol of luxury for the ages. Hence, people consider it an asset that remains as valuable for the coming generations.

Natural rubies can give you tremendous benefits as per astrology science.

Cons

Mining natural rubies can hurt the environment and communities. So there are ethical concerns associated with them.

Natural rubies are rare and expensive which makes them hard to afford for people with budget concerns.

Natural rubies have imperfections as they are in their original form and hardly go under any treatment.

Some Interesting Facts About Natural Rubies

●     The ancient red gem, also known as the king of jewels, gained more importance when the Burmese started mining and adorning it in 600 AD.

●     The most famous rubies are mined in Myanmar and India. Apart from that, you can find them in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Tanzania, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, the United States, and Australia.

●     Natural rubies are well-known for their fierce red hue but vary in color. You can find them in dark, pinkish, and wine-red.

●     Natural Rubies are one of the four most valuable gems in the world.

●     Natural rubies are available in 3 carats or less. Being higher than this value makes them vulnerable and prone to cracks.

     ●   The natural gem is associated with good luck and prestige. It is also known for protecting against the evil eye and misfortune.

How to choose between Natural and Glass-filled rubies?

 Choosing between natural and glass-filled rubies totally depends on your budget and requirements. Both options offer you uniqueness and charm. Natural rubies have some inherent imperfections due to their rich history. But at the same time, they carry a timeless allure. So if you are someone looking for a precious gem to stay through generations, the natural rubies are for you.

However, If you are fascinated with the beauty of ruby but seeking a cost-effective option, glass-filled rubies can serve the purpose. They offer you a vibrant red color and an enhanced look. Buy them if you don't bother about their durability and want to flaunt this gem as your style statement. They can be the best choice for those who don't want to pay a high price to enjoy the beauty of rubies.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal choice, use, and budget. At BeadsNGems, we believe in transparency and always disclose if a gem is treated or not. We know that every ruby whether it's glass-filled or natural, brings luxury to your collection. Hence we offer both in the finest quality that will stun you with their allure. After all, it’s about finding a piece that reflects your style and persona. So, what are you thinking about? Visit beadngems.com to choose as per your budget and preference and experience the joy of the buying process.