Within the realm of precious gemstones, rubies (also known as the manik stone in India) are universally admired for their captivating beauty and timeless allure. Like all sapphires, rubies too belong to the Corundum mineral family, and have the same crystal structure as yellow, blue, and all other sapphires. It is specifically their red hues that differentiate them from other varieties of Corundum. Amongst these treasured gemstones, Burmese rubies, often referred to as "Burma Rubies," have held a position of exceptional prominence. These Burmese rubies are some of the most coveted items in all of gemmology, and are exceptionally valued for their qualities and rarity. However, it's imperative to recognize the crucial differentiation that exists between "Old Burma Rubies" and "New Burma Rubies." In this meticulously detailed exploration, we will unravel the nuanced attributes of each category, delving deep into their geological origins, gemmological characteristics, pricing disparities, and more. By the culmination of this article, you will possess a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted distinctions between these 2 classifications of Burmese rubies.
Old Burma Rubies vs. New Burma Rubies: A General Understanding
To truly appreciate the distinctions between Old and New Burma rubies, one must first grasp what constitutes a Burma ruby stone or Burma manik. The term “Burma ruby” itself refers to rubies that are extracted from the mines of Burma, now known as Myanmar. “Old Burma” and “New Burma” are simply colloquial and commonly-used terms to refer to 2 different varieties of rubies. In general, “old” Burma rubies refer strictly to the rubies mined from Myanmar itself, whereas “new” Burma rubies refer to glass-filled rubies that originate in Thailand or Africa.
Old Burma Ruby
Old Burma rubies, also known as simply Burmese rubies, derive their name from their geological origin in Burma (now known as Myanmar). These exceptional rubies are characterized by their profound, crimson-red color, often celebrated as "pigeon blood red” in the trade. This rich hue positions them as some of the most highly coveted and revered gemstones in the global market. It's important to emphasize that the term "pigeon blood red" is not employed lightly within the world of gemstones. This color grade represents the pinnacle of ruby quality, and Burma rubies, by virtue of their origin and their ability to exhibit this remarkable color, are celebrated as some of the most highly coveted and revered gemstones globally.
The allure of Burma rubies extends far beyond the borders of Myanmar. These Burma manik stones have captured the imaginations of gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs around the world. Their unique combination of geological origin, exceptional color, and historical significance positions them as some of the most sought-after and revered gemstones in the global market. In essence, Burma rubies are not merely gemstones; they are a testament to the artistry of nature and the allure of the rare and exceptional.
Old Burma Rubies generally contain inclusions & are less transparent, but still command a significant value premium
New Burma Ruby
In contrast, New Burma or New Burmese rubies encompass a broader category, encompassing rubies from various regions such as Africa and Thailand. These rubies are usually much inferior in quality, and are treated with lead-glass. The term “New Burma” ruby is a colloquial term used in the trade to refer to these glass-filled rubies. These rubies are very inferior in quality when mined from the Earth, but become extremely scintillating with deep red hues once infused with lead-glass. Due to this glass-filling treatment, however, the structural integrity of these stones is diminished, in addition to decreased astrological significance, and overall value.
New Burma Rubies are more aesthetically appealing & affordable, but inferior in quality
Old Burma vs. New Burma Rubies: A Comprehensive Analysis
With this foundational understanding of Old vs. New Burma rubies, we can now proceed to a detailed analysis and comparison between these 2 varieties of manik stones. It now makes sense to examine their distinct characteristics, pricing disparities, origins, inclusions, colors, and more in meticulous detail.
- Origins: Old Burma rubies hold their singular origin within the borders of Burma or Myanmar - a geological source that imparts exclusivity and prestige to these rubies. Contrarily, New Burma rubies emanate from various regions such as Thailand and Africa – where they are infused with lead-glass to make them appear richer.
The famed Mogok Valley mine in Myanmar (Burma)
- Gemmological Characteristics: Old Burma rubies are celebrated for their unadulterated, pristine state. These gemstones commonly exhibit an intense red hue, tinged with a subtle blue undertone, thus establishing the benchmark for ruby quality. These Old Burma rubies generally occur with a lot of inclusions, and specimens that are eye-clean are exceedingly rare, and cost a fortune. In stark contrast, New Burma rubies are very aesthetically pleasing, owing to their glass-filled treatments. Infusing these rubies with lead-glass leads to very appealing deep red colours and can make a ruby appear shiny and scintillating. Although these New Burma rubies look very appealing, their structural integrity is compromised due to such treatments. These gems are also very commonly found in the markets, so they are a lot more affordable.
- Color: The archetypal "pigeon blood red" hue, heralded within the realm of rubies, is emblematic of Old Burma rubies. This vivid and profound coloration, distinguished by its intense redness with a subtle blue undertone, epitomizes their desirability. Old Burma rubies also occur in shades of deep pink-red, which are also highly coveted. In contrast, New Burma rubies, representing a more extensive category, span a spectrum of red colours ranging from light pink tones to exceedingly deep red hues.
- Pricing Differences: Due to their innate rarity, historical eminence, and unparalleled color, Old Burma rubies command significantly higher prices per carat. New Burma ruby stones, in contrast, occupy a lower price range, a variance that is shaped by a multitude of factors including treatment, clarity, and color. This variability renders them accessible to a broader array of potential buyers.
- Inclusions: Generally, Old Burma rubies are characterized by a higher presence of inclusions, which can impact their clarity and transparency. Specimens that are devoid of inclusions or blemishes, or are “eye-clean” command a significant value premium. Conversely, New Burma rubies often have fewer inclusions, particularly among treated stones. This is because these inclusions are usually treated using heat and the lead-glass within each gem further creates an inclusion-free, scintillating internal environment.
- Carat Weights: As part of the 4Cs of gemstones, the carat weight is an important consideration. Old Burmese rubies have become exceedingly rare today, with sporadic mining activities in the country. As such, these natural old Burmese rubies are usually found in smaller sizes and carat weights, generally between 1 - 4 carats. Specimens with a higher carat weight are rare and command a huge value premium. New Burmese rubies, on the other hand, generally occur in larger carat weights, with a standard range of 6 - 10 carats and above. Even with such higher carat weights, however, new Burmese rubies are relatively cheaper.
- Market Preferences: Old Burma rubies constitute a preference for collectors and enthusiasts who harbour a profound appreciation for rarity, historical value, and their exclusive origin. These gemstones also resonate with those who are astrologically inclined, and are often the preferred choice of ruby in Vedic astrology. In contradistinction, New Burma manik stones cater to a more expansive market, encompassing buyers who prioritize budgetary considerations and aesthetic appeal in jewellery over the pursuit of a completely authentic gemstone. This inclusivity has been pivotal in augmenting their popularity within the gemstone marketplace.
Old Burma v. New Burma Rubies - Important Distinctions
Conclusive Reflections
In summation, the universe of Burmese rubies is replete with a captivating duality - the timeless authenticity of Old Burma rubies and the affordable spectrum of treated New Burma rubies. Old Burma rubies, revered for their unadulterated beauty, historical prominence, and exclusive origin, are held in high esteem among collectors and jewellery connoisseurs. In stark contrast, New Burma rubies, represent a category that offers a comprehensive array of affordable options - appealing to a more extensive range of buyers.
It is also important to note that buyers and wearers of these rubies are often tricked into buying cheaper glass-filled New Burma ruby stones, instead of natural Old Burma rubies, sometimes at the same price. As such, it is always recommended to insist on a lab-certified guarantee of authenticity from your retailer. At Precious Earth, we provide lab certifications for all our gemstones – disclosing any and all treatments that a gem may have undergone, to ensure confidence in your purchase. As such, if you are looking to purchase a ruby stone online, we invite you to look at our exceptional collection of rubies. The understanding of these distinctions empowers individuals to make informed decisions, aligning their preferences, budgets, and admiration for the rich history and allure of these precious Burmese rubies within the intricate world of gemstones.
