The Rarest And Most Expensive Types of Ruby In The World

By Keith Jackson - Geologist

| Updated

The Rarest And Most Expensive Types of Ruby In The World

By Keith Jackson - Geologist

Updated

Picture the richest, most vibrant red you can think of— that’s the hallmark of a top-quality ruby. Did you know that certain ruby types are so unique and so dazzling that they’re worth more than a fancy car or even a house?

In this article, we’re diving into the allure of these extraordinary gems. We’ll explore what sets them apart and why collectors and jewelry lovers go to great lengths to add them to their collections. Get ready to be amazed by these lovely ruby finds!

Rarest And Most Expensive Ruby Types

While rubies, in general, are highly valued, certain types stand out due to their unique characteristics and the regions from which they are mined. Here are the rarest and most expensive types of ruby out there:

Burmese Ruby (Pigeon’s Blood Ruby)

A pigeon blood-red Burmese ruby called Sunrise ruby
Burmese ruby sold as “Sunrise ruby” photo provided by GIA

Burmese rubies are like the stars of the ruby world. They have this amazing deep red color called “pigeon’s blood” that can sometimes glow as if there’s light inside them.

This special glow helps to identify ruby gems as top-notch Burmese. They’re so rare and expensive because finding one that’s just the right color, clear, and big enough can be really hard.

The most expensive Burmese ruby ever found, the Sunrise Ruby, was sold for over $30 million! It was super special because of its perfect color and how clear it was.

Mogok Valley Ruby

A stunning ring adorned with a breathtakingly deep red Mogok Valley ruby
“Graff ruby” ring featuring a Mogok Valley ruby photo provided by Helen Molesworth

Mogok Valley rubies shine bright with a deep, mesmerizing red that makes them stand out. Their color is so rich and pure, it’s like looking into the heart of a cherry.

This stunning appearance boosts the value of ruby gems from this area. They’re considered some of the rarest and most expensive because finding one with the perfect mix of color, clarity, and size is quite a challenge.

The most notable Mogok Valley ruby, the Graff Ruby, was sold for over $8 million. It was extraordinary because of its vivid color and impressive clarity.

Montepuez Ruby

A rich red with pinkish tones specimen of Montepuez ruby sold as Estrela de Fura
Montepuez ruby sold as “Estrela de Fura” photo provided by RAPAPORT JEWELRY MAGAZINE

The striking colors of ruby enamor collectors and jewelry lovers from all over. Montepuez rubies are not an exemption with hues ranging from pink to a deep, rich red. These gems are some of the newest stars in the ruby world.

Their vibrant colors and the potential for large sizes make them valuable. Because they’re so unique and hard to come by, they’re considered among the most expensive types of ruby.

The most expensive Montepuez ruby known is the Estrela de Fura, which sold for over $34 million. It’s famous for its dazzling color and huge size at a staggering 101 carats!

Winza Ruby

Rich red Winza ruby set as center stone on a ring surrounded with clear diamonds
Winza ruby surrounded by diamonds photo provided by KAT FLORENCE

Winza rubies have colors that can blow you away, from light pinks to deep, dark reds. They’re one of the rarest and most expensive ruby types because of their pure color and how clear they can be.

This type was discovered in Tanzania not too long ago in 2007. This discovery was a big deal because it brought a new source of these amazing red gems into the world.

To identify a real ruby from Winza, look for its unique mix of color and clarity, which is hard to find anywhere else.

Jedi Ruby

A vivid red-colored jedi ruby set as center stone of a ring
Jedi ruby ring photo provided by KAT FLORENCE

Jedi rubies are named after the lightsabers from the Jedi knights in the Star Wars movies because their red is so vivid and powerful. This makes them one of the rarest and most expensive types of rubies.

People are amazed by their color because it’s so intense, it almost seems to glow from within.

This name is a nickname given by gem lovers because of its unique, glowing red color. Although it isn’t an official gemstone term, it has caught on because it perfectly captures the essence of these extraordinary gems.

Vietnamese Ruby

A yellow gold ring adorned with gems, with a vibrant Vietnamese ruby as its center stone
Vietnamese ruby on a gold ring photo provided by Arjuna Irsutti

Vietnamese rubies have stunning deep red colors that can sometimes have a hint of pink. They’re super rare and among the most expensive types because their beautiful color is hard to find in other rubies.

These rubies became well-known around the 1980s when people started to notice how special they were. This makes them a relatively new player in the ruby market.

Their rich color makes any piece of jewelry stand out. The introduction of Vietnamese rubies to the world highlighted not just their beauty but also the rich gemstone resources found in Vietnam.

Kashmir Ruby

A faceted Kashmir ruby set on a pendant
Kashmir ruby pendant photo provided by and available for purchase at JewelleryEmpireIN

Kashmir rubies are super rare and are known for their amazing quality. They have a deep red color that’s sometimes described as “blood red”.

These rubies are valuable, not just because they look incredible but because they’re seriously hard to come by. They were discovered by accident in the 1880s when a landslide in the Himalayas uncovered these precious gems.

This unexpected find brought the world’s attention to the stunning beauty of Kashmir rubies. Since then, they’ve been considered some of the best and most sought-after rubies.

About Keith Jackson - Geologist

Keith Jackson is an avid rockhound who is constantly exploring new sites to expand his collection. He is an active Geologist with a wealth of experience and information from across the country that he loves to share with the Rock Chasing crew.

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