How rare have ruby gems become?
1) They always have been rare, actually: “Rubies are the most valuable members of the corundum family. Large, gem quality rubies can be more valuable than comparably sized diamonds and are certainly rarer. Small gem quality rubies are rarer than comparable blue or other color sapphires, making even the littlest fine rubies relatively high in value. Many gems increase exponentially in value with increase in carat size, and this is particularly true of fine ruby gems. Of course there is a tremendous amount of lower quality ruby available in the market for reasonable to lower prices. Stones of Burmese origin generally command the highest prices. Strong color saturation, eyeclean or better clarity, and strong fluorescence elevate prices sharply.” Source and further information: http://www.bwsmigel.info/GEOL.115.ESSAYS/Gemology.ruby.html 2) The dark side of rubies: “Of the world’s rubies
