Yes, AA rubies are generally considered a good choice, representing a significant portion of quality natural rubies available on the market. They offer an appealing balance of color, clarity, and value, making them a popular option for various jewelry pieces.
What Defines an AA Ruby?
AA grade rubies stand out as they encompass the top 50% to 75% of natural rubies available. This grading signifies a desirable quality level, placing them well above average. While not the absolute pinnacle of ruby perfection, they offer substantial beauty and character.
Key characteristics of natural AA rubies include:
- Color: They typically display a light or medium red color. This vibrant, yet not overly intense, hue makes them versatile and attractive.
- Clarity: AA rubies are often heavily to moderately included. It's important to understand that inclusions (internal characteristics) are common in natural rubies and often serve as proof of their authenticity. While higher grades might have fewer inclusions, those found in AA rubies are usually acceptable and can even add unique charm.
Understanding Ruby Grading
Ruby grading systems classify stones based on their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight (the "4 Cs"). While there isn't a universally standardized grading system across all laboratories, AA is a widely recognized designation in the commercial market.
| Characteristic | AA Ruby Description |
|---|---|
| Grade Range | Top 50%-75% of natural rubies |
| Color | Light to medium red |
| Clarity | Heavily to moderately included |
| Origin | Natural |
| Value | Good balance of quality and price |
Why Choose AA Rubies?
For many buyers, AA rubies hit a sweet spot, offering several compelling advantages:
- Exceptional Value: They provide a beautiful natural ruby experience without the premium price tag of the rarest, highest-grade stones (like AAA or AAAA).
- Natural Beauty: Being natural stones, each AA ruby possesses unique characteristics, including its specific shade of red and distinct inclusion patterns, making every gem one-of-a-kind.
- Versatility: Their light to medium red color is highly versatile, complementing various metal settings and skin tones, making them suitable for engagement rings, pendants, earrings, and other jewelry.
- Availability: As they represent a significant percentage of natural rubies, AA grade stones are more readily available than their rarer counterparts.
What to Consider When Buying AA Rubies
When selecting an AA ruby, focus on these aspects to ensure satisfaction:
- Color Saturation: Even within the light to medium red range, some stones will have a more vibrant hue than others. Choose a color that personally appeals to you.
- Inclusion Visibility: While inclusions are expected, observe how they affect the stone's overall appearance. Some inclusions might be less noticeable, or might be strategically placed by the cut to minimize their impact on the stone's face-up beauty.
- Cut Quality: A well-executed cut can enhance a ruby's brilliance and fire, even if its color or clarity isn't top-tier. Look for a cut that maximizes the stone's inherent beauty.
- Certification: For assurance, especially with significant purchases, consider rubies that come with a gemstone certification. Reputable labs can verify the stone's natural origin and other characteristics.
In conclusion, AA rubies are indeed a good option for those seeking a beautiful, natural ruby with genuine character and excellent value. They represent a substantial portion of the high-quality natural rubies available today, making them an excellent choice for a variety of fine jewelry needs.
