Rubies range in color from a very pale pinkish red to a very dark reddish-brown that can be easily mistaken for garnet. Their color, along with their cut, clarity, transparency, and setting most often effects how their pricing.

The most highly prized rubies are commonly of deep red. They are considered to be the most beautiful in the world. They are, unfortunately, also one the most expensive gems in the world. Very few can be found today in a size above one or two carats.

Many of the genuine rubies found in jewelry stores today have been specifically heat treated to improve their depth of color. However, the most common rubies in the market are actually lab created or synthetic. This can be a problem since only experts with proper equipment can tell the difference.

Rubies are also found in India; a country that highly prizes this gemstone. But the stones found here are often cabochon cut because of their lack of clarity, even though their color is magnificent.

Other countries producing rubies include Africa, Nepal, Pakistan and the United States (both North and South Carolina). The color and quality of these stones vary from location to location. However, overall they are considered to be of inferior quality to those rubies found elsewhere.

Apparently, the ruby has a lot going for it. First of all is its color. Red is the color of love and passion. Rubies have a warm, fiery glow to them that many compare to the glowing residue of a red-hot fire. It is also the gem of power, which explains why kings and queens have prized this stone above many others.

Women often are attached with the color red, so it comes as no surprise that many women love rubies. But they are not alone in their admiration. Men also are attracted towards this stone's mysterious glow and vibrant power.