HOW TO CHOOSE

The rule of thumb in choosing a Thai ruby is to avoid to dark, blackish stones. This blackish color is usually not apparent in the strong lighting of showcases. Under such lighting, the red tends to become more prominent. Care must be taken to examine the stones in a shaded area away from bright lights. It is also necessary to remember that the color may appear very poor under fluorescent lighting, to the point that you may think you are looking at an altogether different type of stone.

Most small stones used as components in jewelry in the 1980s were from Thailand, with several stones often set together in band-type rings or other types of jewelry. A beautiful red can be achieved in Thai ruby even when cut to small sizes, so it is wise to choose jewelry such as band-type rings or brooches made with small stones that take advantage of this.

The value of a one-carat-size Thai ruby of jewelry quality is approximately US $2,500 for the stone alone (2004).