In the majestic realm of precious gemstones, the ruby stone is certainly the most distinguished and formidable stone with immeasurable value and paramount astrological significance. Like sapphires, ruby also belongs to the corundum mineral family (aluminum oxide) and owes its deep red striking hues to the Chromium element. The value of a natural Manik stone depends on 4C factors as known to all gemstone enthusiasts.
Among the myriad of types of rubies, the most revered and valuable ones are Burma rubies. Known for exhibiting pure rich red hues, Burma Rubies are the most in-demand rubies because their quality and rarity are unmatched. Not many individuals except gemstone enthusiasts know that Burma rubies are also classified into two categories: Old Burma ruby and New Burma ruby. Though both Burma ruby types are similar to each other in most ways, there are minuscule of significant factors that distinguish them to a great extent.
The sole objective of this blog post is to make our staunch readers aware of the key differences between Old Burma Ruby vs New Burma Ruby so that they possess the knowledge of key distinctions between two highly praised varieties of Burma ruby.
Table of Contents
Old Burma Ruby vs New Burma Ruby: Origin
Historically, the distinction between Old Burma rubies and their New Burma counterparts lies in the exclusive geological origins within the borders of Burma, now Myanmar. This unique provenance not only imparts a sense of exclusivity but also adds prestige to Old Burma rubies. In contrast, New Burma rubies are sourced from diverse regions, including Thailand and Africa. These rubies undergo a treatment process involving the infusion of lead-glass to enhance their appearance, giving them a richer look. This divergence in origin and treatment methods contributes to the distinct characteristics and value associated with both Old Burma and New Burma rubies.
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Old Burma Ruby vs New Burma Ruby: Color
The coveted “pigeon blood red” color that defines the most desirable Old Burma rubies represents the pinnacle of ruby quality. This rich, vibrant red possesses a subtle undertone of blue that contributes incredible saturation and depth to its appearance. While emblematic, pigeon blood-red Old Burma rubies also occur in stunning shades of profound pinkish red. These deeply colored red gems epitomize the ruby ideal.
In contrast, New Burma rubies encompass a more extensive range of red hues. While still ruby-red, New Burma stones span from lighter pinkish reds to deeper, but less concentrated, red tones compared to top Old Burma rubies. This greater variation comes as New Burma rubies get mined from a more expansive geographical area. But the finest specimens, rivaling top Old Burma rubies, show that New Burma can also produce rubies of exceptional caliber. Yet the most prized and scarce rubies historically originate from the tiny region that produces those spectacular blood-red gems – the old Burma mines.
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Old Burma Ruby vs New Burma Ruby: Gemological Characteristics
Old Burma rubies are renowned for their pure and untarnished nature, often showcasing an intense red hue with a subtle blue undertone that sets the standard for exceptional ruby quality. The distinguishing feature of these gemstones lies in their frequent occurrence of inclusions, making eye-clean specimens exceptionally rare and highly valuable. Conversely, New Burma rubies are visually captivating, thanks to their glass-filled treatments. The infusion of lead glass enhances these rubies, resulting in alluring deep red colors that contribute to a shiny and scintillating appearance.
Despite their aesthetic appeal, the structural integrity of New Burma rubies is compromised due to such treatments. However, their widespread availability in the market makes them more affordable compared to their Old Burma counterparts. This stark contrast in the rarity, quality, and affordability of Old Burma rubies versus the visually appealing yet structurally altered New Burma rubies adds complexity to the choices available to gemstone enthusiasts.
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Old Burma Ruby vs New Burma Ruby: Inclusion
Inclusions play a defining role in separating Old Burma and New Burma rubies. Old Burma rubies typically contain more inherent inclusions like rutile needles and crystals. These birthmarks, when minimal, distinguish the finest natural Old Burma rubies. Stones certified “eye-clean” reach exceptional values. Meanwhile, modern ruby enhancement utilizes heat treatment and lead-glass filling to improve clarity. This process melts away inclusions, facilitating the deep saturation of glass-filled cavities. As a result, contemporary treated New Burma rubies often exhibit fewer inclusions and greater transparency.
Yet some view this homogenization as degrading ruby’s coveted nuance and organic complexity that inclusion patterns produce. Nonetheless, gem-quality New Burma rubies, like their Old Burma predecessors, also naturally occur with minimal inclusions in rare clarity. While heat treatment improves clarity, the finest gems rely on skilled cutting to optimize transparency and brilliance, retaining desirability alongside pedigree.
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Old Burma Ruby vs New Burma Ruby: Pricing Differences
The extraordinary cachet and ultra rarity of Old Burma rubies put them in their own exceptional price echelon, far surpassing comparable New Burma gems. These legendary stones, mined in extremely finite quantities from Burma’s famed Mogok valley during the 19th and 20th centuries, remain highly coveted for their unrivaled pigeon-blood rubies red hue. Their age-old prestige, historical mining constraints, and unmatched beauty combine to place Old Burma specimens among the world’s most expensive rubies.
In contrast, New Burma rubies exhibit greater supply alongside more color variability from light pinkish-reds to rich crimson hues. Their wider abundance, along with routine heat enhancement improving clarity and intensifying color, makes New Burma rubies considerably more affordable. While exceptional New Burma stones can still achieve high values, especially if unenhanced, the highest echelons of Burmese ruby quality and prestige remain encapsulated in the seldom-available treasures unearthed long ago by Old Burma mines. These legendary gems with their matchless pedigree remain the holy grail for ruby collectors and connoisseurs.
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