A collection should make comparison easier. Begin with the color that holds your attention, then slow down for the details that decide how a gemstone will look and wear: tone, saturation, cut, dimensions, inclusions, treatment information, and documentation.
Sapphires
Sapphire is more than a blue stone. Pink, yellow, green, teal, purple, and parti-colored examples all belong to corundum, while ruby is the red variety. Explore the current sapphire collection, then use the sapphire color guide to compare what photographs can—and cannot—tell you.
Rubies
Ruby is judged by the character of its red, not by darkness alone. Transparency, cut, fluorescence, inclusions, treatment, and report evidence all belong in the same conversation. Browse the current ruby collection or read the ruby guide.
Look at the individual stone
- Use millimeter dimensions as well as carat weight.
- Check whether the center stays lively or opens into a pale window.
- Notice areas that go very dark when the stone faces the camera.
- Read treatment, origin, and report fields literally; unknown means unknown.
- Ask for a current video or another lighting condition when color is difficult to judge.
The natural gemstone buying guide offers a complete inspection sequence. When one stone stands out, Register Interest from its product page and tell us what you would like to see more clearly.