Sapphire is one of the classic gems. In this article, Lotus Gemology's resident connoisseur casts a discerning eye at the factors that contribute to quality in this legendary precious stone.

Digital Devil #14. An exposé on massive "gem" specimens matched with bogus "appraisals." 

A curated list of the most important books on gems, gemology, jewelry, mineralogy and allied fields.

Full reviews of the 1997 gemological classic, Ruby & Sapphire, by Richard W. Hughes.

Quotes from some of the rave reviews of the 1997 gemological classic, Ruby & Sapphire, by Richard W. Hughes.

Ruby & Sapphire

Richard W. Hughes  |  1997

Ruby & Sapphire is widely acknowledged as one of the finest gemology books ever published. Not just an update of his previous volumes on ruby and sapphire, it represents something rarely seen in a technical book, a fusion of accurate science and spirited, accessible prose. Within its pages, one finds information on prices, quality analysis, sources, history, treatments and identification. Featuring over 300 color photos and 2500 references, this now out-of-print volume is today highly sought after by collectors and gemologists, who pay as much as $1000 or more for the privilege of owning a copy.

Sample chapters online

• Chapter 5 • Inclusions
• Chapter 10 • Judging Quality: A Connoisseur's Guide
  • Part 1 • Judging Quality
  • Part 2 • Tables of Famous Rubies, Sapphires & Spinels
• Chapter 12 • World Sources
  • Burma (Myanmar)
  • India (including Kashmir)
• Appendix B: Ruby & Sapphire Prices (from 1995)
• Quotes from Book Reviews of Ruby & Sapphire
• Full Book Reviews of Ruby & Sapphire

Out-of-print. Click here to search for a copy

Part 1 of Chapter 10  from Richard Hughes' 1997 book, Ruby & Sapphire. It covers general principles of judging quality.